Energy Saving Tips

Not only can you save money every day by joining MomentumEnergy, but we can also help you to save even more with these simple ideas around the home:

Oh, and if you have any great ideas that you think need to be on this list, send it to us and we can all benefit! Just drop us a line on info@momentumenergy.com.au and we'll spread the word!

Here are some general tips:

• Look for appliances with high 'star' energy ratings.
• When you're away, always use timers to turn lights on and off. Motion detector lights are great for outdoors.

Water Heating

• Just like driving your car at an economical speed, you can set your water thermostat to save you money AND use less of our resources.
• The magic number is 55°C at the tap.
• Much as we all love a nice long soak in the bath, for everyday cleanliness, showers will save you heaps. Save bath time for those special occasions when you just HAVE to have one!
• Try using cold water to fill the kettle, rinsing dishes and washing clothes.
• Remember to switch off your hot water if you're away for more than two weeks.
• Fix drips and leaks in hot taps straight away.
• Use a water-saving shower head.

Heating

• Use nature as much as possible! Clean, unobstructed windows let in the naturally warming sunlight. (Of course, on a blisteringly hot summer day, external blinds or awnings are beneficial for exactly the opposite reasons!).
• Close doors and curtains of the rooms you are heating where practical.
• Turn off heaters or vents in rooms you're not using.
• Closing curtains just before it gets dark retains the natural heat in the room.
• Where possible, put heaters away from windows. You'll notice the difference straight away!
• Block off any fireplaces when not in use.
• Heat your home only when necessary. Thermostats and timers on heaters will save significant amounts of electricity when used correctly.
• Did you know dry air is easier to heat? Try showering with a window open to vent the damp air.
• Snuggle up with an extra blanket instead of plugging in the electric one.
• Check if your home is fully insulated and use draft excluders on all the door

Cooling

• Keep the areas you're cooling to a minimum.
• Regularly clean and service air conditioners and coolers.
• Fans are cheaper to run than air conditioners
• Close all blinds, curtains, windows and doors to keep the cool in and the heat out.

Cords and Power-points

Electric shocks can be caused by damaged electrical cords and plugs and improper use of power-boards.

• Keep extension cords away from hot objects - appliances like toasters and irons can burn through the cord's insulation.
• Check electrical cords and plugs regularly for fraying or other damage and replace if necessary. Most appliance repairers only charge a nominal fee to replace cords/leads on irons and toasters.
• Don't place cords under rugs where they can be walked on.
• Don't overload power-points - most power-points are designed for 2,400Watts (10amps)
• Don't use more than one double adaptor per power-point - use a power-board with overload protection instead.

Put safety covers on unused power-points and don't let children play around power-points.

Fridge and Freezer

• These appliances are more efficient when they are full - but not overloaded.
• Try setting your freezer thermostat at an efficient -18°C and your fridge somewhere from 2°C - 5°C.
• It is best to leave space around and behind your fridge or freezer to allow air to circulate.
• Putting your fridge or freezer next to your oven only makes all the appliances work harder. Strangely, many new homes are designed this way. You would do well to question this and change the design if possible. That failing, request that the oven cavity is insulated.

Cooking

• Plan ahead and defrost food naturally instead of using the microwave.
• Use your smaller appliances instead of your oven or stove top - For instance, a toaster or microwave
• Keep the insides of all appliances clean.
• Check the seals on older ovens
• Use the lids on pots and pans. Everything heats up quicker this way.
• Avoid opening the oven door too often - each time you do the internal temperature drops by 15°.Also, make sure you close the door as soon as you take the meal out to check it. i.e. a roast. You will be amazed how long the oven takes to get back up to temperature if the door is open while you’re basting or testing the food.

Lighting

Select the appropriate strength of bulb for the area i.e. why use a 100w bulb for your bedside lamp? A 40w bulb is plenty.

Use timers for outdoor lighting.

Use high efficiency light bulbs

Electric Heaters

• Always keep flammable materials like bedding, curtains, furnishings, clothes and newspapers clear of all heaters, especially heaters on a time switch.
• Never drape anything on or over an electric heater.
• Keep portable radiators clear of curtains and tablecloths

Clothes Dryers

• Clean the lint filter before every load. A build up of lint can cause dryers to overheat and ignite. This also increases efficiency, reducing the cost and time required to dry your washing loads.

Electric Blankets

• Always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Don't leave electric blankets on for long periods. Electric blankets should be used to warm your bed and then switched off once you get in.
• Never use an electric blanket with a water bed.
• Never use an electric blanket when it's wet. Incontinent people should not use electric blankets.
• Never place a baby on an electric blanket - they can dehydrate and get burns at fairly low temperatures.
• Never wash or dry clean an electric blanket unless the manufacturer's instructions indicate that it is a "washable" type which can be laundered - always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Regularly inspect your blankets for wear or damage.
• If you find any signs of damage, or if an electric blanket is more than 5 years old, have it checked by the manufacturer.

Other Appliances

• When not in use, unplug or switch off all appliances where possible - even standby mode uses power
• Turn off computers and ancillaries when not in use.
• Wait until your dishwasher is full before you run it - and, if you can, use the economy cycle.
• If your dishwasher can generate its own hot water, use this function rather than taking hot water from the home system.
• Whilst it is far better to wash full loads rather than half or semi-full loads in the washing machine, overloading makes the machine work too hard.
• If you can, try shorter wash cycles.
• Full loads in the dryer are more efficient - as are the low heat settings.
• Ventilate your dryer to the outside (remember that damp air takes longer to heat)

Fuses and circuit breakers

Fuses and circuit breakers are designed to interrupt excess current which can overload the electrical wires in your home. These overloads are often caused by faulty appliances. When an overload occurs, the fuse melts or the circuit breaker trips before the wires can overheat, which reduces the risk of fire.

• Always replace a blown fuse with the correct fuse wire. Never use fuse wire that is heavier than the recommended gauge. Never use any other type metal or wire.
• If fuses keeps blowing, or a circuit breaker keeps tripping, check that your appliances are not faulty.
• If fuses continue to blow, or circuit breakers continue to trip after appliances are unplugged, there could be a problem with your wiring. Contact a licensed electrician immediately.

Safety switches

Safety switches look similar to circuit breakers, but they provide extra protection from electric shock. Safety switches monitor the flow of electricity and if any irregularity is detected, the electricity supply is immediately cut off.

Homes with children or backyard workshops should consider installing safety switches to reduce the risk of electrical accidents. New homes are required to have safety switches installed. Licensed electrical contractors can install safety switches in older homes at a reasonable cost. You can also purchase portable safety switches for appliances and extension cords.

It is recommended that safety switches are used for:

• Outdoor electrical equipment and lighting
• Christmas lighting
• Portable appliances, power tools and extension leads

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