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Was your new year resolution to become more energy efficient? Conserving power in the home starts with smart energy habits, which reduce waste, increase efficiency, and will often save you a few dollars at the end of the month – always a bonus, right?

Reducing energy consumption doesn’t require huge changes. From flicking off the lights when they are not in use to swapping out lights for LED’s, every change ultimately helps reduce energy consumption and the reliance on our already strained planet.

So how can you save energy? We’ve got some simple tips to get started:

  1. Switch off the lights in rooms that are not in use. There’s no point lighting up the whole house for no reason, so try to remember to flick them off as you leave a room. Or go one step further and install timers or motion sensors – let technology do it for you!
  1. Unplug devices. While it may be convenient to plug your phone in overnight, or leave your laptop charging, try to get into the habit of taking them off charge once the battery is full. Leaving devices on “standby” mode still draws power, unnecessarily contributing to your power bill.
  1. Cooling the entire house may not be necessary in summer. Close doors to the rooms you don’t need to cool, so your heat pump or air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. Remember your heat pump also needs maintenance. Make sure filters are clean and free from dust and dirt so they can run effectively and efficiently. To find out about Heat pump servicing, visit here.

 

  1. If the sun is out, make the most of it. With the best energy source at our fingertips, hanging washing outside is an easy way to conserve energy rather than using a dryer. Dryers typically draw a lot of power, so the less you can use it, the less energy is required and the lower your power bill will be!

 

  1. Switch out lights at home for LED’s. Using up to 85% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, LED’s provide bright lighting and can last more than 15 times longer. While there may be an upfront cost, the savings will be for the environment and your upcoming power bills.

 

  1. Look out for energy star ratings if you require new appliances throughout the year. The energy star indicates how energy efficient an appliance is. The higher the star, the less energy it uses – meaning better for the environment. Find out more info here.

 

  1. Shorten daily showers- we’ve all been told more than once… Longer showers draw more hot water, so the shorter the shower, the better. A good habit is to use a timer or play a song. Once the time is up, it’s time to get out!

 

  1. In the winter, open the curtains and blinds to take advantage of natural heating from the sun, and draw them when the sun goes down to keep the warmth in.

 

  1. Dishwashers are handy in the kitchen, so only run them when it’s full. Most dishwashers now have an economy wash setting, which uses less energy and water so opt for this if your dishwasher has it.

 

  1. When it’s a fine day, open the windows and let air flow in. Wipe down any condensation in the mornings to keep the air dry – this will help keep your home dryer, warmer and healthier for you and your family.

Becoming more energy conscious and creating smart saving habits starts with thinking about how we can use energy differently. So, whether it’s turning off the lights, unplugging that charger or turning off the heat pump when you’re not home, remember to flick that switch.

Talk to Lite Energy today about how you can make an eco-difference in your home.

 

 

 

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