SAVING. ENERGY. Check out our in use,. If it's not turn off the juice! Lumo Energy has created this guide of easy-to-use
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Lumo Energy has created this guide of easy-to-use energy saving tips to help save both your wallet and the planet! Why waste your energy? We know that tips are useful, but it’s even more useful to see where your money is being wasted and what’s costing you the most when it comes to your energy bills.
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Check out our energy tips videos on YouTube (search Lumo Energy) where we name and shame the biggest home energy guzzlers, through to those irritating niggly ones that can be costly over time. These simple tips can be practiced by everyone in the home. It’s a good idea to also look at your peak and off peak times on your energy bill (if applicable). It is worth using the dishwasher, washing machine and similar appliances during off peak times as much as possible.
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Cooling
Heating
When the mercury’s rising and summer’s in full swing it’s easy to crank up the air conditioner to keep cool. If you have an air conditioner, use it only when you have to and don’t over-cool. Set the temperature between 25ºC and 27ºC. Every extra degree increases your cooling energy use by between 5% and 10%. Check the filter on your air conditioner and clean to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep it working more efficiently, it will use less energy and save you money 2.
On average across Australia, 40% of the energy we use at home is for heating and cooling. This doesn’t include heating hot water1. The trick to effective heating is keeping the warm air contained. Close doors to only heat the rooms you are using.
If you decide to use electrical cooling, consider using fans. Ceiling and pedestal fans cost around two cents per hour of operation and reduce the temperature by 2ºC or 3ºC 2.
Set your thermostat to 18ºC to 20ºC in living areas during winter for the most energy efficient heating. Each degree higher could increase your running costs by up to 10%1.
Switch off
standby
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Insulating your home Insulation is the most cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. A fully insulated home means you’ll spend less on heating in winter and less on cooling in summer. A well-insulated home could save you up to a staggering 45% on your energy bills! 1. Block up unused chimneys, seal gaps in floors, doors and windows. Draughts account for a significant amount of energy loss.
Electronics
Lighting up your home
Standby power is a key source of hidden energy use that can amount to more than 10% of your household electricity consumption. Australians spend more money to power home audio products when in standby than when actually in use2. Turning the gaming console off at the wall instead of pressing the power button could save you approximately $160 per year off your electricity bill3.
Lighting consumes between 8% and 15% of the average household electricity budget 2. Lighting up your home with LED lights instead of incandescent or halogen lighting could reduce your lights’ energy consumption by up to 80% 1. Good quality LED and CFL lights last for about 6000 to 8000 hours, whereas incandescent bulbs generally only last for around 1000 to 2000 hours 1.
If you have leads attached to a power point that is on and the respective device is not attached, e.g. your mobile charger, it’s using energy. So if it’s not in use, turn off the juice. Televisions are now the fourth largest electricity user in our homes. Home entertainment products alone are responsible for at least 5% of our household energy use — more than your washing machine, clothes dryer and dishwasher energy use combined 2.
! Generally last for 6000 to 8000 hours
Generally last for 1000 to 2000 hours 1
Fridges Your fridge is likely to be the most expensive appliance to run in the home. Most households have at least one, and they run for 24 hours a day. When shopping for a fridge, look for one with an energy efficiency rating of at least 2.5 stars. Every extra star will reduce your running costs by around 20% 1.
Additional cool tips for your fridge: • Set the temperature of the fresh food compartment to 3ºC to 5ºC and the freezer to -15ºC to -18ºC 2. • Keep any coils at the back of the fridge free of dust, as dust on coils can act like an insulator, forcing your fridge to use more energy than necessary. • Make sure fridges and freezers are located in a cool, well ventilated space with a gap of at least 5cm for ventilation and heat dispersion. • Keep door seals airtight. A loose or damaged seal allows air to seep out, wasting energy and causing your fridge to work harder than it needs to.
Dishwashers Generally it’s best if your dishwasher is turned off once the cycle is complete. Avoid running the dishwasher when you’re about to go out as it will still be using energy once the cycle has run, unless you have a model that switches itself off. Always wait to wash a full load, because most dishwashers use the same amount of water whether it’s completely full or not. If your dishes are not coming out completely clean, you may be over-stacking it or it may need a service.
How much will that appliance really cost you? To find out more click here >
Water Hot water accounts for about 25% of a households energy use. Set your hot water unit to 65ºC but not more than 70ºC. Don’t overheat the water as this wastes energy. Insulating your hot water unit will keep its water temperature higher, requiring less energy to heat. Take shorter, cooler showers where possible to save on water and energy. You can install a simple timer to act as a handy reminder for your household. Installing a water-efficient shower head could save you up to $350 a year on energy and water 2.
Off-peak, smart meters and time-of-use pricing Most households use hot water and appliances before and after work which creates high energy demand during certain periods of the morning and evening. For some households, taking advantage of time-of-use pricing (if applicable) by using energy outside peak times may be an effective way to reduce energy costs 2.
Washing machines and dryers
Off-peak times will vary depending on your location and meter type. Check out our website for more information about how off-peak electricity works lumoenergy.com.au/off-peak
If you’re purchasing a washing machine, try to select one with at least a 3.5 star energy rating and 4 star water rating. Every extra star could save you up to 25% off your washing machine’s energy use on a warm cycle 1.
How much will that appliance really cost you? To find out more click here >
Switching to a cold wash could cut 80% to 90% off your running costs 1. Using cold water every time you wash could save you around $115 per year. Drying your clothes on the line can save you around $63 per year 3. To find out more, check out our blog at lumoenergy.com.au/blog
Garages & Sheds You may not think of your garage or shed as being part of your home, but it is likely the most inefficient area for energy usage. With lifestyle changes, more and more of us are utilising these spaces for more than the car. If your garage or shed is doubling up as a home office, home gym or additional storage space, it makes sense to take the time to review how the space can be more energy efficient.
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Switch appliances off at the wall or power board when you’re not using them
Outdoors Australians spend a lot of time outdoors, especially during the warmer months.
Your appliances and power tools will affect your energy usage. Are you aware of their energy ratings?
In-ground pools can use as much as 30% of a household’s electricity bill.
Do you have an old refrigerator that you keep for parties? Getting rid of the second fridge or only using it when you need it could save around $155 a year 2
2-star pool pump. This could save you more than $260 a year 2.
Remember a remote-controlled garage door uses energy every time you open and close it.
Choosing an 8-star pool pump can save you 4 times more electricity than a
A swimming pool will typically use around 2,000kWh to 3,000kWh of electricity per year depending on the type and size of the pump, how long it is run for each day, and whether the pool is heated 4.
Star ratings More stars, more savings When comparing similar sized products look for more stars and save money.
How much will that appliance really cost you?
Energy consumption Low score saves more The lower the energy consumption score, the less electricity the appliance uses, and the cheaper it will be to run.
How it works: Energy consumption (kWh)
Electricity rate ($)
Annual running cost
$0.28*
$88.76
For example
317
*Electricity rate based on average Victorian retail price as at Dec 2013. Savings based on a 400L fridge freezer with a 100L freezer with an assumed life expectancy of 10 years.
Calculate your energy consumption here: Energy consumption (kWh)
Electricity rate ($)
Annual running cost $ 0.00
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Armed with these great energy saving tips, we’re sure you’ll be able to reduce your energy usage. References The advice provided in this guide is indicative only and individual circumstances will affect results. For further information on energy saving tips, please refer to the following helpful links: 1 2 3 4
Victorian Government: http://sustainability.vic.gov.au Australian Government: http://yourenergysavings.gov.au Victorian Government: https://www.switchon.vic.gov.au South Australian Government: https://www.sa.gov.au
