Use energy efficient light globes called compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or light emitting diodes (LEDs). They’ve come down in price and will save you money long-term.

• Choose the lowest wattage light bulb you need.
• Choose lampshades that allow more light through and that keep dust off globes.
• Dispose of used globes through your local council’s chemical clean out day or at your nearest community recycling centre. To find locations and dates go to www.cleanout.com.au.

Resources

• Office of Environment and Heritage tips on lighting.
• LED Buyer’s Guide – A resource by the Lighting Council of Australia.
• Energy Made Easy – This Australian Government site is designed to help you understand your electricity and gas bills, and find the best offers.

• Going on holidays? Energy-smart timers will turn lights on and off rather than keeping lights running.
• Curtains, blinds, shutters and awnings can impact heating and cooling costs.
• Consider what they are made of, where the sun rises and sets, and how window treatments can be adjusted.
• Don’t install multiple lights on the same light switch as you will waste power by turning on unnecessary lights.

Resources

• YourHome – This Australian Government site has tips on a range of topics including glazing your home and skylights.
• Save Power Kits – A program to help people save power and money is now available for loan at City of Parramatta Library and its branches.
• Energy Made Easy –  This Australian Government site is designed to help you understand your electricity and gas bills, and find the best offers.

• Cold? Add another layer of clothing or blanket rather than turn on the air conditioner or heater.
• Solar panels can reduce the cost of your air conditioner or water heater.
• Door and window seals are a cost effective way to keep cool or warm air in and stop draughts.

Resources

• Office of Environment & Heritage has shared tips and resources including how to save money on heating, cooling and through insulation and stopping draughts
• Sydney Water – Learn how to be more water wise and save on your water bill.
• YourHome – An Australian Government website with tips on sealing draughts around the home.
• Energy Made Easy –  This Australian Government site is designed to help you understand your electricity and gas bills, and find the best offers.
• Your Energy Savings – This website provides information about saving energy, saving money and available government assistance.
• Energy Rating – An Australian Government website that compares the energy efficiency of household appliances.
• Save Power Kits – A program to help people save power and money is now available for loan at City of Parramatta Library and its branches.
• Our Energy Future – Provides impartial, up-to-date energy efficiency and renewable energy advice for households and businesses.

   

• Use a bathroom exhaust fan with in-built heating lamp rather than stay longer in the shower to warm up.
• A four minute shower timer can reduce water and energy usage by 40 per cent.
• Dry clothes on an outdoor line or indoor clothes rack rather than in the dryer.

Resources

• Sydney Water – Learn how to be more water wise and save on your water bill.
• Office of Environment and Heritage – site has tips on saving water through sections called Products and appliances, Rainwater tanks and Greywater.
• Energy Rating – An Australian Government website that compares the energy efficiency of household appliances.

• Turn off power tool chargers when not in use.
• Switch your pool pump to off-peak.
• Think about shading and planting choices near your house, to reduce the amount of heat impacting key living spaces.

Resources

• YourHome – The Australian Government has tips on shading including planting.
• Office of Environment and Heritage – site has tips on saving water through sections called Products and appliances, Rainwater tanks and Greywater. There is a section on Water-saving tips in your garden which includes tips for pools and washing your car.
• Save Power Kits – A program to help people save power and money is now available for loan at City of Parramatta Library and its branches.
• Our Energy Future – Provides impartial, up-to-date energy efficiency and renewable energy advice for households and businesses.

• Leave space around your fridge for air circulation.
• Set your fridge to 3°C to 4°C and freezer to -15°C to -18°C.
• When boiling water, use a kettle rather than the stove.
• Use a hot plate the same size as your pan.

Resources

• YourHome – An Australian Government website with tips on sealing draughts around the home.
• Energy Rating – An Australian Government website that compares the energy efficiency of household appliances.
• Save Power Kits – A program to help people save power and money is now available for loan at City of Parramatta Library and its branches.
• Our Energy Future – Provides impartial, up-to-date energy efficiency and renewable energy advice for households and businesses.

• Laptops use less energy than desktop computers.
• Turn off appliances at the power point when not in use. Even standby or snooze mode uses power.
• Take the free Energy Rating app shopping (www.energyrating.gov.au) and convert your kilowatts to savings.

Resources

• Energy Rating Calculator – An Australian Government appliance running cost calculator.
• Our Energy Future – Provides impartial energy efficiency and renewable energy advice for households and businesses.
• Save Power Kits – A program to help people save power and money is now available for loan at City of Parramatta Library and its branches.