Winter Energy Saving Checklist

Here’s how you can save money on your home energy bills this winter. 

Reduce general energy usage in the home by
	Considering your energy use and patterns such as tariffs and appliances, and utilise appliances during off-peak periods as often as possible
	Switching to LED lamps and practicing “task lighting” by using light only when required
	Considering having movement and presence detectors installed in high traffic areas in the home such as bathrooms and hallways
	Considering having solar hot water systems with an electric boost on off-peak tariffs installed
Retain heat by
	Covering your windows with blinds or shades of  thick dark fabric to retain heat within the house or room
	Considering home insulation to assist in the retention of heat (this will also help to reflect heat in the summer)
	Preventing external draughts from entering rooms
When doing the laundry
	Utilise the clothes line to dry laundry instead of the electric dryer which is costly and chews through energy quickly
	Use cold water in washing machines
In the kitchen
	Use the appropriate cookware on stove tops
	Do not use the microwave to heat water in mugs, a kettle is the more economical option
	Ensure your oven glass is clean and the light is in working order to prevent excessive opening and closing of the oven door
	Check your fridge seals to make sure there are no leakages, and increase your fridge temperature by one or two degrees
Appliances
	When using heaters or air conditioners, set the temperature at 24 degrees Celsius
	Use ceiling fans (if fitted) in reverse – there is a switch on the bell housing
	Use solar powered lamps for decorative garden lighting
	Have your electric blankets checked before use to ensure they are in good working order
	Consider using your laptop or notebook for updates rather than a large CPU
	Set your laptop or notebook screen saver to blank
	Recharge or have certain appliances put on off-peak tariffs