Saving Energy at Home - Energy Efficiency Tips

Summary

This video provides simple and effective tips for saving energy around the home. It highlights how hot water systems, refrigerators, and heating/cooling systems contribute to high energy bills. Viewers are encouraged to use cold water for laundry, install low-flow showerheads, and adjust refrigerator temperatures. The script also suggests switching off appliances when not in use, improving window seals, and using fans or natural methods like planting trees for cooling. By following these tips, households can reduce energy waste and enjoy significant savings on their energy bills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hot water systems are the largest energy users in most households, accounting for around 30% of energy consumption.
• 😀 Washing clothes with cold water helps save energy and reduces electricity bills.
• 😀 Install a low-flow showerhead to cut down on water use, as the average showerhead uses at least 10 litres of water per minute.
• 😀 Reduce shower time by using a shower timer and aiming for 4-minute showers.
• 😀 Refrigerators consume about 15% of a household's energy; set the fridge to 4°C and the freezer to -15°C for optimal energy use.
• 😀 Get rid of or switch off second fridges when not in use to avoid unnecessary energy costs.
• 😀 Appliances on standby consume around 10% of a home's electricity; always switch off appliances at the wall when not in use.
• 😀 Enable energy-saving settings on your computer and turn it off at the wall to reduce power consumption.
• 😀 Heating and cooling account for 25% of a home's energy use, so seal windows and doors to prevent air leaks and energy waste.
• 😀 For a natural way to cool your home, use fans, cross-ventilation, and plant deciduous trees on the western side of your house for summer shade.

Q & A

What is the biggest energy user in most households?

Hot water systems are the biggest energy user in most households, accounting for around 30% of a home's energy use.

How can you reduce energy usage when doing laundry?

You can reduce energy usage by washing clothes with cold water instead of hot water.

How much water does an average showerhead use?

An average showerhead uses at least 10 liters of water per minute.

What is one way to save water during showers?

You can install a low-flow showerhead to reduce water flow and take shorter showers, ideally keeping them under 4 minutes.

What is the recommended refrigerator temperature for energy efficiency?

Refrigerators should be set to 4°C, and freezers should be set to -15°C to ensure safe storage of food while minimizing energy use.

What should you do with a second fridge that is only used for drinks?

You should switch off a second fridge when it's not being used, or put a timer on it, to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

How can you save energy from appliances left on standby?

You can save energy by switching off appliances at the wall after use, as standby power accounts for around 10% of household electricity usage.

How much energy can you waste by leaving appliances on standby?

Leaving appliances on standby can cost you over $100 a year on wasted energy.

What is the recommended way to reduce heating and cooling energy usage?

You can reduce heating and cooling energy usage by checking the seals on windows and doors to ensure hot or cold air isn't escaping and by using heaters and air conditioners only when necessary.

How can external shading and natural cooling help reduce energy use?

You can use fans, cross-ventilation, and external shading to keep your house cool. Additionally, planting deciduous trees on the western side of your house can provide summer shade and let light through in winter.