There is lots of information available on energy saving tips for your home. Most households could easily save 10% off their energy bill by doing a few simple things such as:
- Use cold water for laundry: approximately $50-$75
- Get a timer for your heated towel rail to have it on for only four hours morning and evening instead of all the time (i.e 8hrs a day). Saves about $100/yr.
- Dry clothes outside: approximately $200
- Turn off beer fridge: $100-$300
- Use energy efficient lightbulbs: $85
- Wrap an older electric hot water cylinder and insulate first 1-2 m of hot water outlet pipe of cylinder. Save up to $80/yr.
- Install an efficent shower head of 91/min flow rate or less: Where existing flow rate is 101/min this could save hundreds of $$ per year.
- Set hot water cylinder thermostat to 60degC at the cylinder. An extra 10degC could cost you about $20 to $50 a year.
- Rinse dishes in cold water.
- Block draughts.
- Close curtains before dark and shut doors.
- Use thermostats and timers on heaters.
- Fix dripping taps.
Take a look at the following sample websites to learn about the latest developments and get ideas on what you can do to become more energy efficient.
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority
http://www.eeca.govt.nz
EnergyWise
http://www.energywise.govt.nz
WEL Smarthomes
http://www.welsmarthomes.co.nz
Consumer NZ
http://www.consumer.org.nz/reports/saving-energy
