Saving energy in your home is relatively easy to achieve and can help you save money and play a part in reducing the amount of energy you use. 

For many people just knowing where to begin is difficult and wondering if it really makes any difference can cause people to put of making the decision to try. 

Here are some simple and effective ideas you can implement right away that will help you save money on your energy bills, beginning today.



1.  Turn off those lights.

How many lights are on in your home right now?  If there is no-one in the room, then turn out the lights.  Research done has shown that if a light is going to be on for more than 30 seconds, it is worth turning it off every single time you leave the room!



2.   Change those globes.

Energy efficient globes are readily available and become more affordable every day.  There is no need to break the bank or blow your budget, just replace each light as it breaks.  Rather than purchasing a regular globe, replace it with an energy efficient model.  They are reported to last for years - now there is a good idea!



3.   Turn off those appliances.

Did you know that the average computer can use the same amount of energy as your refrigerator?  Did you know that all those little glowing 'standby' lights can account for around 10%of your energy bill?  Turn them off!  Each evening, just flick that switch at the wall before you go to bed.  You can even buy a device to put into the wall plug that can be operated by remote control.  All you have to do it point and click as you head for the bedroom.  Now that is too easy.



4.   Do an energy audit.



Take a look around your home for the little things you may not have thought of.  Can you turn the temperature of you hot water service down a little and save some money and some energy?  How about the swimming pool?  Does that filter/pump system run 24 hours a day?  It doesn't need to you know.  If you get yourself a timer and attach it to the powerpoint, you can manager your filter/pump automatically without having to lift a finger.  Fancy being able to save energy and money without having to do anything more than that!



5.   Managing Your Wash Day.

Do you wash in hot or warm water? Washing with cold water can save you a LOT of money and energy.  Most automatic machines and their associated powders and liquids are now formulated to do a great job in cold water.  If you've never done it, give it a try this weekend.  While you are at it, why not let the sun and the breeze dry your washing.  It's FREE and the clothes smell just wonderful.  Clothes dryers use a lot of energy and they wear out your clothes a lot faster.  If you just have to have those super soft towels, you can pop them in on the warm cycle for just 5 minutes when you bring them inside. 



If you can implement these simple, effective changes to the way you use energy in your home, you will be amazed at how much money you can save and you will be able to say you have started doing your bit for the environment.

Cate Ferguson