How do I become energy efficient?
Make the Switch
In a Flash
Using less electricity is as easy as flicking a switch when you leave the room.
Becoming energy efficient
Being more energy efficient is all about making choices that reduce your overall energy consumption. This can range from small changes, like turning appliances off at the wall, to bigger projects such as installing insulation in your home.
Burning Questions
Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
What does it mean to be 'energy efficient'?
Energy efficiency means using less energy to produce the same product or service. So becoming energy efficient means making changes that result in reduced energy usage.
Do I have to make big changes to my lifestyle to become energy efficient?
Absolutely not! Becoming energy efficient can be achieved even through the smallest actions – and if we all play our part to live in a more energy efficient way, together we'll make a huge difference to the future of our planet.
How can I become energy efficient?
Becoming energy efficient is easy – check out some of these quick tricks that will turn you into an energy efficient hero in no time!
- Use eco-friendly fluorescent light globes - swapping your old-fashioned globes is better for the planet and your energy bill.
- Turn off your electronic devices at the wall - even in standby mode, they can still be draining energy, so always remember to 'turn it off'.
- Switch off your computer when not in use - a computer left on all day uses nearly of 1000 Kilowatts of electricity per year.
- Cut back on your long hot showers - water heating is the second largest source of household greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing your shower time even just a bit can make a big difference.
- Switch to Green Power - encourage your family to buy electricity that is generated by renewable energy sources for a major efficiency boost.
- Make sure your fridge is running efficiently - check the seals to make sure cold air can't escape, as this means your fridge has to use more energy to keep things cool.
- Fix up your home efficiency - check thermostat settings to make sure you set a reasonable temperature for hot and cold seasons, and think twice before reaching for the air con remote.
- Buy energy efficient products - many electrical products now come with an energy star rating, which makes it easy to select more efficient options.
What Do You Mean?
Researchers say the energy needed to produce plastic bottled water is up to 2,000 times more than the energy required to produce tap water.
Energy efficiency means reducing our overall demand for energy, i.e. by using less energy to produce the same product or service.
Speedy Summary
How can you make your home more energy-efficient?
Becoming energy efficient is all about making choices that reduce your overall energy consumption.
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