Tips for saving energy

These simple tips can help you save energy.

Living areas

• In summer keep air cool by closing windows, doors, curtains and blinds.
• Use fans rather than air conditioners and set your air conditioner to between 23°C and 26°C.
• In winter reduce draughts by closing windows, doors and curtains.
• Set central heating to between 18°C and 21°C.
• Replace Halogen downlights with new LED Technology.
• Where battens exist, use compact fluorescents or LED lamps.
• Switch off appliances at the wall.
• Buy appliances with the best energy efficiency ratings that you can afford.

Kitchen

• Provide space for air to circulate around the fridge and ensure door seals are intact.
• Use an electric frypan, pressure cooker or microwave rather than the oven.
• Cover pots and pans to reduce cooking time.
• Only run the dishwasher when full.

Bathroom and laundry

• Use cold water where possible.
• Avoid using the clothes dryer—hang clothes instead.
• Lower the water heater thermostat to between 60°C and 65°C.
• Use your washing machine only when you have a full load.
• Select a low-flow shower head with a flow rate of less than 10 litres per minute.

Pools

• During the design phase, consider reducing the size and volume of your pool.
• Use a pool cover to retain heat and install an efficient filtration pump.
• Use solar heating for the water.
• Install the minimal amount of lighting.