Lighting 

• Consider replacing normal light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps. These use around a quarter of the electricity and last up to eight times longer. Savings will be greatest in high use areas such as kitchen, lounge and living areas

•  Don't illuminate an entire room if you don't need to.

•  Use 60W or 75W globes instead of 100W globes where possible.

•  Turn off lights when rooms are not being used

 
Heating and Cooling

• Try to avoid the use of kitchen or bathroom extraction fans when heating or cooling is switched on.

• Tightly close widows and doors and try to avoid any air current leakage.

• Open and close outside doors and windows as seldom as possible.  When they are opene, make an extra effort to close them quickly.

• Keep your thermostat set at a conservative level:  24 to 26 degrees in the summer, 18 to 21 degrees in the winter.  It reduces the load on your heating and cooling system, and since it's not running as much, you're saving money.  

• Keep window blinds closed in the summer to prevent solar heat entry and open in the winter to take advantage of it.

• Try to install the reverse cycle heating and air conditioning units because they are energy efficient.

• On really hot days, turn on your air conditioner about an hour before the hottest part of the day, so it won't have to work as hard to remove the build up of heat from your room.

• Regularly clean and check the coils at the back of the reverse cycle air conditioner to keep them free of dust and fluff to ensure it runs efficiently.  

•  If you have ceiling fans, reverse the direction of the blades to circulate warm air down from the ceiling in the winter time   

 
 Water Heater

• Turn off the water  while shaving or brushing your teeth.   Up to five gallons of water per minute can be wasted this way.  Also, keep in mind that a shower uses about seven gallons of water per minute.  Install low-flow aerators on faucets and low-flow showerheads at a very low cost

• Insulating your water heater and pipes  can save as much as 10% of your water-heating energy

•  Take showers instead of baths.  An average shower uses 30% less water than a normal bath

• Turn the water off while shaving or brushing your teeth

 
  Washers and Dryers

• First, when choosing appliances most have been energy rated. Remember to look for the energy rating label: the more stars the more energy efficient. And that means more savings to you in the long run!

• Ninety percent of the energy for laundry goes to heating the water, so use an appropriate wash temperature and a cold rinse.  When possible, use cold or warm instead of hot water.

• Place different-sized garments in a single load for better water circulation.  Wait until you have a full load but don't overload the machine.  Overloading reduces efficiency.

• Use the proper water-level setting for your load size.

• Always clean the lint filter before and after drying.

• Don't over dry clothes.  In some cases, removing clothes while they are slightly damp allows for easier ironing.

• Make sure your dryer is vented outside to reduce excess heat and moisture.

• Don't overload the dryer.  It overburdens the machine, and the clothes take longer to dry.

 
 Dish Washers
 

• Scrape and rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.  Cold water can be used to rinse dishes immediately after a meal.

• Make sure your dishwasher is fully loaded.  By doing so, you save water, detergent and the energy required to heat the water for a number of loads.

• Newer dishwashers have energy-saving cycles which allow dishes to dry without additional heat.  You might want to try this to see if this feature meets your needs.

• To reduce heat and humidity in the summer, operate the dishwasher during the cooler morning and evening hours.

• Avoid extensive use of hot water in the laundry or bathroom immediately before and during dishwasher operation.

 
 Refrigerators and Freezers
 

• Don't overload your refrigerator or freezer.  They operate best when nearly full and when air can circulate freely among the stored items.

• Limit the number of times you open and close your refrigerator.  Check for door-seal tightness by placing a piece of paper between the door gasket and the cabinet.   If you can pull the paper easily, the seal should be replaced.

• Vacuum the condenser coils on the bottom or back of the unit twice a year to maintain peak operating efficiency.

• Never allow excess frost in the freezer.  Heavy frost overworks the equipment.