thisplace.com.au - Energy Wise

Using less energy means less pollution and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. So start now and save energy, help save the environment as well as saving hundreds of dollars on your energy bills. It is not hard to help the environment and save yourself money by being just a little more energy wise. All of us waste energy every day, in Queensland alone, enough energy is wasted each year to keep the ANZ Stadium lights running 24 hours a day for 300 years!

Here are some things to consider which can help you save money and the environment.

Purchase tips - when you are purchasing appliances, don't get caught up in the excitement of the moment, here are a few things to think about:

work our your requirements
decide on the size or capacity of the appliance you require, keeping in mind its intended use
look for the features that you require or find desirable
check the star rating of various brand models of the same type and size
select the most energy efficient appliance that suits your needs

Do you have ghosts?

TVs, videos, electronic microwave ovens, phone answering machines, computerised game machines all use energy if plugged in and left on at the power point. These are sometimes called ghost loads.

Money down the drain

About 60 drips per minute will add up to 9000 litres of water per year. If this is hot water, about $35 ( on tariff 33 ) will go down the drain.

Tariff Wise

Connect to tariff 33 and save 30% on operating costs!

The Kitchen

avoid leaving the fridge door open and ensure door seals are working efficiently
where practical, switch off appliances at the power point
connect to tariff 33
install a low flow outlet at the sink and fix leaky taps quickly

The Living Room

install ceiling insulation and shade your windows to prevent heat penetration
change incandescent light bulbs to lower wattage bulbs and / or compact fluorescent lamps
use ceiling fans at low speeds and in reverse to circulate warm air

The Laundry and Bathroom

Use cold water when possible
connect the dryer to tariff 33
install a low flow shower head
have a 3 minute shower instead of a bath

The Bedrooms

switch off all lights as you leave each room
insulate the ceiling to reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter
install a dimmer to reduce the energy use of incandescent lamps
use electric blankets as bed warmers only

Outdoor and Pool Area

Connect the pool and spa to tariff 33
select solar pool heating instead of gas or electricity
ensure lighting levels are appropriate and that lights are turned off when not needed
ensure the correct type of timer is installed and programmed to run at the minimum recommended time for each season ( 6-8 hours in summer and 2-4 hours in winter )