REDUCE YOUR ENERGY CONSUMPTION EVERY DAY

HOW TO KEEP YOUR ENERGY COSTS DOWN

Good for you, good for the environment!

There are lots of ways you can reduce your energy consumption, and do your bit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Each year, the average Australian household emits around 14 tonnes of greenhouse gas! For each tonne of greenhouse gas you DON'T emit, you will save between $130 and $470 depending on the type of energy used (exact savings will depend on the price you pay for each type of energy).*

Here are some useful tips to help you become more energy efficient, and save money too.

  Something to try tomorrow Maybe next month

For the future

Heating and cooling

 

 Close internal doors to rooms that do not require heating or cooling. Use door snakes to reduce cold draughts.

Cover windows with quality curtains or blinds to reduce heat lost from the house in winter and reduce the heat coming in during summer.

 

 Insulate the ceiling, walls and floors of your home.
Lighting Turn off lights when not in use.

Install energy efficient light bulbs. They use about 75% less energy and can last up to 8 times longer.

 Use timers or sensors on outdoor security lights.  
Hot Water

 

Take shorter showers.

Replace inefficient shower heads with energy efficient models to reduce the amount of water used. 

Have water heaters as close to the areas where hot water is used to minimise heat loss.
Laundry

 

Use cold water cycles and wash full loads rather than several smaller loads. 

Dry your clothes on a clothesline or airer instead of using the dryer.

When buying new electrical appliances, select the product with the best energy star rating that you can afford.
Fridge

 

Check the door seals on your fridge are OK and pick the right size fridge (not too big or small).

Turn off the second fridge or freezer when not needed. When buying a new fridge, select the best energy star rating you can afford. 
Cooking

 

 If you’re heating up the oven, try and cook a few things at once. 

Cook outside on hot days to avoid heating up the house (or you’ll need to use energy to cool it down).

Install a solar photovoltaic system.

If you want to do even more for the environment, consider replacing your electricity with Australian Power & Gas greentricity. For a small weekly charge, have 10%, 50% or 100% of the electricity we purchase on your behalf sourced from accredited renewable energy (such as sun, wind, water and waste). Our products all have the GreenPower tick of approval.

If you would like any further information about becoming more energy efficient, the following contacts may be able to assist.

Australian Greenhouse Office www.climatechange.gov.au

GreenPower www.greenpower.gov.au

Energy Rating www.energyrating.gov.au  

Energy Star www.energystar.gov.au

* Source: All tips are taken from the Department of the Environment and Water Resources Australian Greenhouse Office ‘Cool it’ publication.