Clean Energy Future

With the temperature rising and the kids at home from school, holiday fun is indoors and energy use is going up.

Now is the perfect time to brush up on some of the hints and tips on how to run your home appliances efficiently and effectively.

Televisions and game consoles are some of the most power hungry devices in the home, with
Sustainability Victoria figures showing the average home air conditioner uses, in just three hours, enough energy to power a fridge for a week.

But there are some simple tips you can use to reduce your energy costs.

To ensure maximum efficiency and lower running costs over summer, households should set their air conditioner to between 25 and 27 degrees. For every degree lower, expect your energy consumption to increase by between five and 10 per cent.

Using timers to make sure that you are only cooling rooms when you need to will also increase efficiency and reduce power bills. Closing doors, blinds and curtains will also help your unit run more efficiently.

When it comes to keeping the family entertained, there is a range of practical ways to use less energy in the home and make a noticeable difference to your bills—without sacrificing the quality of your home entertainment experience.

Turn off the TV and any connected devices like DVD players and video game consoles when you’re not using them. Standby power is a significant contributor to household energy waste – switching off a gaming console when not in use could save households up to $150 a year.

Use the television’s built-in speakers instead of the energy-intensive home theatre speakers when you don’t need the full home cinema experience.

When buying new appliances, be sure to check the Energy Rating label – this will help you choose the most energy-efficient model that meets your needs.

Additional information can be found at www.livinggreener.gov.au .