yur
energy efficiency
checklist
It doesn’t take a lot, to save a lot
In the interests of increasing your energy efficiency, Synergy
has put together this quick guide to ways you could reduce
your energy costs. Use the tips to save energy, save money
and help save the environment at the same time.
We’ve listed changes you can make straight away – at
no cost – in the left column and other tips which can be
implemented as soon as possible on the right.
Your quick
guide to saving
energy and
money
You’ll be surprised how much energy and money you can
save by making a few simple changes.
Heating and Cooling
Do now at no cost:
Do ASAP:
o Reach for a jumper instead of using the heater in
winter. Every degree warmer on your thermostat
can increase running costs by up to 10%.
o Set your heater/reverse cycle air conditioner to
18-20°C in winter.
o In winter, close your blinds or curtains in late
afternoon and early morning to keep heat in.
o Shut the blinds or curtains during sunny summer
days to stop sunlight from heating rooms.
o Close all windows and doors before turning your
air conditioner/heater on, and limit cooling/heating
to just where you need it.
o Service your air conditioner/heater as often as the
manufacturer recommends. This will help keep it
running efficiently.
o Clean the filters and outdoor unit on your air
conditioner regularly to keep it free from dust
and dirt.
Audio Visual and Home Entertainment
Do now at no cost:
Do ASAP:
o Dust off the Monopoly and have a family board
game night once a week instead of watching
television.
o Turn off all appliances at the wall, including game
consoles, media players and audio equipment.
o Make a rule around the house that only one
television is allowed on at all times. It’s a great
opportunity to spend time together, and if there
are two great shows on at the same time you can
pre-record them to watch later.
o Upgrade to a new TV with a good Energy Rating.
LCD and LED are usually more energy-efficient
than plasma and new models have built-in
eco settings to reduce energy usage.
Cooking and Kitchen
Do now at no cost:
Do ASAP:
o Have a ‘no cook’ night once a week. If you struggle
to think of a truly ‘no cook’ menu, try using the
BBQ one night a week.
o If you keep a spare fridge for drinks, only turn it on
when you’re entertaining. Or, better still, use ice
buckets.
o Only use your dishwasher when it is full. Try doing
one full load every few days rather than daily
small loads. This saves both energy and water.
o Set your fridge to run at the optimum temperature
– between 3 to 5ºC.
Laundry and Bathroom
Do now at no cost:
Do ASAP:
o Select the cold wash on your washing machine
where possible. This could save money and keep
clothes looking brighter for longer.
o Do you really need to use your bathroom heat/
light/fan? Try using it only every second day
during winter.
o Only use your washing machine when it has a full
load. This saves both water and energy.
o Ban the clothes dryer. It uses a lot of energy, so
hang clothes on an outdoor line on sunny days,
or a clothes horse under shelter on cloudy ones.
Bedroom and Study
Do now at no cost:
Do ASAP:
o Snuggle up without an electric blanket. Instead,
try layering with woolly socks or use an extra
blanket.
o Consider switching your electric alarm clock radio
to a battery-powered clock.
o Shut down your computer. It uses power even
when the screen is black, so turn it off when
it’s not being used.
SYN0096K
o If you’re going to be away from your computer
for a while but will return, activate its standby/
hibernate feature.
o Swap your old lightbulbs for energy-saving
compact fluorescent ones. They last longer
and use less power.
o Turn printers and phone chargers off at the wall
when you’re not using them.