[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As the weather ramps up in Victoria, so too does our energy usage as we try to stay cool on those long hot days. Here are a few energy saving tips which are kind on the environment and can save you cash this summer.
10 Energy saving tips:
- Pull down your outside blinds/awnings in anticipation of very hot weather before you leave the house for the day. Keeping the house as cool as possible will mean that your air conditioner does not have to work as hard when you turn it on.
- Make the most of the longer summer nights and cook on the BBQ. Avoiding using the oven is not only more energy efficient but it also means you are not unnecessarily heating up your house.
- Replace your outdated air conditioning unit – if your home has a very old air conditioning unit it’s unlikely it would have an energy rating (these were made compulsory in 1987 for air conditioners) and is probably not as effective as the newer models. Remember that the more stars on the rating the more energy efficient the model is. Other things to consider when purchasing a new unit is the size relative to the area you are wishing to cool (if the unit is too large you may be using more energy than required).
- In the Victorian summer sometimes only air conditioning will cut it but where practical use pedestal or ceiling fans to cool down your house. These can be very effective and will save a lot more energy than using the air conditioning. Or even better turn off the appliances altogether and take advantage of the cooler south-west and southerly winds that can occur in summer by opening windows and doors and letting the breeze cool your house naturally.
- Get the washing out! We all know Melbourne weather can be unpredictable so to avoid possibly having to use the dryer the very next day, make the most of any sunny day and get the washing on and line dry it.
- Decide what you need out of the fridge before opening it – opening and closing the door unnecessarily uses more energy as the fridge is working more to keep the temperature constant.
- Check the thermostat on your fridge and freezer – if your fridge is set too cold this can waste energy, while too hot may spoil food prematurely. The CSIRO states that the best energy saving temperature for your fridge is between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius and between minus 15 and 18 degrees Celsius for your freezer.
- Fill your reusable drink bottles with water and freeze them (be careful not to fill them all the way up as water expands when frozen). If you are heading out on a day trip or to the beach remember to grab them as you leave. Keep yourself hydrated and avoid having to purchase numerous bottles of water which will only be thrown away and can be costly. If you do purchase beverages make sure you recycle them correctly!
- Out for a day at the beach? Remember to put a sunshade on your car to eliminate as much heat as possible in the car so the air conditioning doesn’t have to be over worked. And so the steering wheel doesn’t burn your hands when you hop back in!
- f you are heading away on a summer holiday remember to turn things off at the wall as appliances can drain power even in standby mode. It may also be worth looking into switching off your hot water if you are going away for an extended period of time. When packing fill reusable containers with toiletries rather than buying the travel sized options that will be disposed of.
Need more hints and tips on energy saving and how you could recycle more effectively this summer? Contact us now![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]