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Easy Ways To Save Energy And Lower Your Energy Bills

By Sandy Naidu | August 3, 2008

According to energy price comparison website GoSwitch.com.au, the average Australian household spends about $1800 on energy bills each year and this is likely to grow further. Rather than hoping and complaining that the prices have to fall, there are lots of things we can do from our side to keep our bills low. Here are some tips that can help you slash your electricity bills:

Refrigeration

Choose the right refrigerator. Buy only AAA energy rating refrigerator. Even if it initially costs slightly more, in the long run it will save you lots of money.
Choose the right size refrigerator. They run at maximum efficiency when they are full.
Make sure the seals are tight and the fridge door closes properly.
Avoid opening the door multiple times. Get the items you want out as quickly as possible.
Keep the refrigerator in a cool place and avoid placing it nest to your oven.
Defrost your freezer regularly (if you don’t have frost free model).
Make sure there is enough space behind and on top the refrigerator for air flow and ventilation.
If you don’t need the second fridge that is running in your garage, then dump it.

Dishwashers

Choose an energy efficient dishwasher.
A half filled dishwasher uses the same amount of water as a full dishwasher. So run the dishwasher only when it is full.
A full load dishwasher uses less water than washing the dishes manually.
Use the right running time - if you don’t need a long running cycle then choose a shorter cycle.

Ovens

Again, at the risk of sounding repetitive, choose an energy efficient oven.
Microwaves use almost 70% less energy than the traditional ovens.
Keep the door closed when cooking in an oven. Resist the temptation to keep checking. It uses more energy if you keep opening and closing.
Fan forced ovens are more energy efficient than the traditional ovens.
Thaw before cooking.
Check your oven seals - the door has to close properly and tightly.

Laundry

Use front load washing machines - They not only use less water but they also use less energy.
Use the natural sun light and your backyard clothes line to dry your clothes.
Wash the clothes only if it is a full load.
Change your time and water temperature setting according to the clothes you are washing. If your clothes don’t need warm water then don’t use warm water.
Don’t put dripping wet clothes in the dryer.
Clean the lint filter on the dryer frequently.

Heating

Don’t allow hot water to run down the sink as you brush, wash or shave. Close the tap and start it again when you are ready.
Install a solar hot water system.
Portable bar radiators or kerosene heaters use up a lot of energy
When you have a heater running in your bedroom, close all the doors, so that the heat stays where it is supposed to.
Use timers on heaters so they switch on an off when you need them.
Gas heating is more efficient than the electric heating.
Install AAA-rated low flow taps.

A Few Other Tips

Even when the appliances are in stand-by mode, they are still consuming power - Turn off TV, DVD Players, Computers, mobile phone charger etc completely when not in use.
Use energy saving light bulbs - Compact fluorescent or low-wattage bulbs though might cost a bit more initially, in the long run the savings far surpass the initial purchase price.

If you are looking to upgrade or replace any of your appliances, then visit Energy Rating website - you can compare the energy ratings of various brands.

If you would like to add some tips, please feel free to add them in the ‘Comments’ section.