Below are some simple things you can do around your home. Please be sure to check the Community Power Newsletters & Fact Sheets for more tips on energy reduction & management.

Heating

• Insulate your home. Start with your ceiling and if possible insulate your floors and walls 
• Use draught excluders to prevent draughts around doors and windows
• When heating, always draw closed your window blinds or curtains 

Hot Water

• Fit a water-saving showerhead
• Wash clothes in cold water
• Put in a solar hot water system or energy efficient gas system
• Insulate hot water pipes

Lighting

• Always turn off lights when you leave the room
• Use fluorescent lighting, especially compact fluorescents which are 80% more efficient than regular bulbs
• If you are renovating or building, avoid the installation of low voltage halogen down lights which are high energy users

Refrigerators and Freezers

• Ensure there is a gap of a few centimetres around and behind the fridge for air to circulate, and keep the coils free of dust
• Check the door seals are tight fitting - the seals should hold a piece of paper in place when the door is closed 
• Switch off spare refrigerators and freezers when they are not needed

Cooling

• Keep curtains and blinds closed and shade those windows that receive direct sunlight, especially your north and west facing windows
• Use pedestal or desktop fans to keep cool
• Open windows or doors at night to let hot air out

Cooking

• Where possible use natural gas to cook with instead of electricity. Gas is cheaper and less greenhouse polluting than electricity (microwaves and electric kettles are the exception because they are quicker and more efficient)
• Use the stove top in preference to the oven

Dishwashers

• Run the dishwasher only when it is full
• Use the economy or short cycle
• Instead of using the drying cycle, if possible stop the dishwasher, open the door and let the dishes air dry

Washing and Drying Clothes

• Wait until you have a full load before washing
• Use cold water for washing
• Use a clothes line to naturally dry your clothes 
• Spin clothes thoroughly in the washing machine before drying  

Appliances

• Always choose the most efficient appliance that will meet your needs. Look for the energy star rating label and the KWh usage. In general, the more stars, the more efficient the appliance
• Choose the smallest sized appliance to meet your needs (eg. A large 4-star fridge may use more energy than a medium sized 3-star fridge)
• Switch off appliances at the power point when they are not in use - this avoids using unnecessary 'stand-by' energy

Pools and Spas

• Consider using the local pool instead of installing or maintaining your own
• Keep the swimming pool temperature below 27^oC
• Use a cover or blanket on pools and spa pools when they are not in use
• Use a timer to operate the filter pump
• Consider installing solar mat heating as an alternative heating source

Transport

• Use public transport (trains, trams & buses) whenever possible
• Walk for trips under 2 kilometres; cycle for trips under 10 kilometres
• Combine errands into fewer trips
• Travel by train instead of aeroplane on your holidays
• Consider getting rid of your second car

For more information on reducing your energy usage, go to:

• Sustainability Victoria

• Moreland Energy Foundation