energy efficiency checklist - Synergy

yurenergy efficiencychecklistIt doesn’t take a lot, to save a lotIn the interests of increasing your energy efficiency, Synergyhas put together this quick guide to ways you could reduceyour energy costs. Use the tips to save energy, save moneyand help save the environment at the same time.We’ve listed changes you can make straight away – atno cost – in the left column and other tips which can beimplemented as soon as possible on the right.Your quickguide to savingenergy andmoneyYou’ll be surprised how much energy and money you cansave by making a few simple changes.Heating and CoolingDo now at no cost:o Reach for a jumper instead of using the heater inwinter. Every degree warmer on your thermostatcan increase running costs by up to 10%.o In winter, close your blinds or curtains in lateafternoon and early morning to keep heat in.o Shut the blinds or curtains during sunny summerdays to stop sunlight from heating rooms.o Close all windows and doors before turning yourair conditioner/heater on, and limit cooling/heatingto just where you need it.Do ASAP:o Set your heater/reverse cycle air conditioner to18-20°C in winter.o Service your air conditioner/heater as often as themanufacturer recommends. This will help keep itrunning efficiently.o Clean the filters and outdoor unit on your airconditioner regularly to keep it free from dustand dirt.Audio Visual and Home EntertainmentDo now at no cost:o Dust off the Monopoly and have a family boardgame night once a week instead of watchingtelevision.o Make a rule around the house that only onetelevision is allowed on at all times. It’s a greatopportunity to spend time together, and if thereare two great shows on at the same time you canpre-record them to watch later.Do ASAP:o Turn off all appliances at the wall, including gameconsoles, media players and audio equipment.o Upgrade to a new TV with a good Energy Rating.LCD and LED are usually more energy-efficientthan plasma and new models have built-ineco settings to reduce energy usage.

Cooking and KitchenDo now at no cost:o Have a ‘no cook’ night once a week. If you struggleto think of a truly ‘no cook’ menu, try using theBBQ one night a week.o Only use your dishwasher when it is full. Try doingone full load every few days rather than dailysmall loads. This saves both energy and water.Do ASAP:o If you keep a spare fridge for drinks, only turn it onwhen you’re entertaining. Or, better still, use icebuckets.o Set your fridge to run at the optimum temperature– between 3 to 5ºC.Laundry and BathroomDo now at no cost:o Select the cold wash on your washing machinewhere possible. This could save money and keepclothes looking brighter for longer.o Only use your washing machine when it has a fullload. This saves both water and energy.Do ASAP:o Do you really need to use your bathroom heat/light/fan? Try using it only every second dayduring winter.o Ban the clothes dryer. It uses a lot of energy, sohang clothes on an outdoor line on sunny days,or a clothes horse under shelter on cloudy ones.Bedroom and StudyDo now at no cost:o Snuggle up without an electric blanket. Instead,try layering with woolly socks or use an extrablanket.o Shut down your computer. It uses power evenwhen the screen is black, so turn it off whenit’s not being used.o If you’re going to be away from your computerfor a while but will return, activate its standby/hibernate feature.Do ASAP:o Consider switching your electric alarm clock radioto a battery-powered clock.o Swap your old lightbulbs for energy-savingcompact fluorescent ones. They last longerand use less power.o Turn printers and phone chargers off at the wallwhen you’re not using them.SYN0096K