Save Energy, Save Money and Help the Environment

Here are some easy ways to save energy, money and reduce the amount of greenhouse emissions being produced to run your home:

Hot Water

• Lower the thermostat on your hot water system - 60°C for storage and 55°C for instantaneous. And remember to turn off your hot water system when you're heading away on holidays.
• Take four minute showers.
• Only use your washing machine or dishwasher when you have enough for a full load.
• Wash your clothes in cold water instead of hot water.
• Upgrade your old hot water system to a new energy efficient model and start saving money, and the environment. Request a quote online, or call Alinta Assist on 13 13 58.

Heating

• Think before you turn your heater on - use your heater only at essential times, or not at all.
• If you do use your heater, limit the length of time your heater is switched on to two hours.
• Circulate warm air by running your ceiling fan on low-speed, or on its winter setting.
• Rug up with extra clothing or blankets.
• To prevent heat loss, repair faulty door seals, install weather-strips and lay rugs on bare wood or tile floors.
• Keep heat in with pelmets and heavy curtains or blinds on the windows.
• Only heat the room people are using and close doors to other unused areas.
• Insulate your home by installing roof and wall insulation.
• For heating, set the thermostat to 20°C or less [each 1°C can save].

Lighting

• Open curtains and blinds to let in natural light.
• Turn off lights when you leave a room.
• Use low energy compact fluorescent light bulbs, as these are up to 80 per cent more energy efficient than traditional [incandescent] bulbs.

Appliances and Stand-by Power

• Turn off appliances, including your computer and monitor, when not in use.
• Plug appliances such as TVs and DVD players into multi-point power boards, and turn power boards off when you're not using the appliances.
• When replacing items, purchase high star energy rating appliances.

Star-Rate your Home

For more ways to make your home and lifestyle greener, ask Alinta Assist about a Star-Rating Consultation. Alinta Assist environmental experts will give your home a star-rating by looking at the way you use water, waste, energy and transport. They'll provide you with a personalised action plan to reduce your environmental impact, and help you to monitor the effects of the improvements you make and new habits you adopt. Call Alinta Assist on 13 13 58.