Use less electricity
A list of ideas on how to get people to use less electricity around the
home.
- Use low energy light bulbs in all rooms and lamps
- Switch off lights when you're not in the room.
- Open the curtains fully to let more light in during the day
and you won't need to put on the side light.
- More your chair or desk so you can comfortable read using light
from outside during the day
- Use low energy bulbs in lamps too.
- Nag the children until they learn to switch off lights when
they leave a room.
- Get a fine box for contributions when people leave lights on.
This really encourages people.
- Don't let the kids mooch in the frdge or freezer. Make them
take out what they want and shut the door.
- Defrost the fridge and freezer on a regular basis
- Check the fridge and freezer door seals work and that there
are no condensation patches on the outside - this means the insulation
has broken down. You need a new one! Check out the link on the
left for discounts on highly energy efficient domestic appliances.
- Replace old appliances for new energy efficient ones.
- Shower rather than bath (Although this only saves electricity
if you have electric hot water heater)
- Turn the computer off when you're not using it. Use the energy
saving functions built in to make it do this automatically.
- Turn the tv off if you're not watching it.
- Do a full load on your washing machine
- Dry your washing outside on the line - see
this page for outdoor drying devices
If you must tumble dry consider getting a spinner - and giving
your clothes an extra spin before putting them in the dryer.
- Get a lcd monitor. Not only will it take up less space on your
desk but they're much more energy efficient and use less electricity
than crt monitors.
- Electric oven is more expensive to run than a gas oven. Treat
it with respect.
- Microwaves and crockpots are the cheapest ways of cooking food.
- If you have a double oven then use the smallest one necessary.
- Invest in a pressure cooker.
- Use the smallest ring possible when cooking, ensure the pan
covers the entire ring.
- Cover pots with the lid.
- Frozen food should be defrosted properly before cooking.
Likewise food should be cooled thoroughly before placing in the
freezer.
- Clean and maintain all electric items. They'll work more efficiently.
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If you have more than one oven use the smallest whenever possible. This
means you're only heating up the space you need. This is the same principal
as using the right size pan according to what ring you're using.
Use a slow cooker for soups, stews and foods that require a long cooking
time. Try new ways of cooking things too.
Copper-bottom pans heat up faster than regular pans - they'll also burn
less easily.
For all stove tops other than gas, use flat-bottomed cookware to maximize
contact between the cooking element and the pan;
Cover pots when cooking - preboil water in the kettle for boiling veggies.
Only use the amount you need.
Turn off just before food is completely done - food keeps cooking.
Get your gas appliances serviced regularly.
Low-fat and low liquid cooking reduces cooking time.
Frozen foods should be defrosted before cooking - a little planning goes
a long way!
Put the oven on to preheat when you're ready to start cooking.
Cooking time and energy consumption are reduced when air can circulate
freely within your oven. Do not lay foil on the racks and arrange pans
to encourage air flow.
Cook extra portions and refrigerate or freeze them for another meal. This
is a great idea and you'll find some foods definately lend themself to
this method. It also means you get quick and easy dinners for part of
the week.
Use timers and meat thermometers to avoid over cooking.
Using the self-cleaning feature on your oven just after you have cooked
a meal, while the oven is still hot, saves energy.
Keep the inside of your microwave clean to maximize microwave efficiency,
and when possible cook foods in their serving dishes - they'll also stay
warmer longer.
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Indicates a miser rating - should save you money
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