Horizon Power :: Top Tips

There are many simple ways to reduce energy costs in your home. By making minor changes in the way you use appliances or just by taking a little extra care, you can make significant savings.

Over time, this can add up to quite a substantial amount of money. The greatest opportunity to save is with appliances that use the most power, such as water heating, space heating and cooling. However, reductions can be made right across the board.

When purchasing new electrical appliances, look for this label to see which is the most energy efficient. The greater the number of stars, the more efficient the appliance.

Download the Betterways energy saving brochures

Betterways top tips: all around the home

Install ceiling insulation to minimise heating and cooling costs.
Keep curtains closed to prevent heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
Close off unheated areas.
Don't overheat the room / house; increasing the thermostat setting by 1 degree can increase running costs by 10%.
Clean the air conditioner filter regularly.
Choose appropriate clothing to wear in winter and summer.
Choose energy-efficient appliances by comparing the Energy Rating labels before you buy.
Turn off appliances when you're not using them and switch off lights when you leave the room.
Make sure that heaters are kept clean by removing dust and fluff from the fan and reflective surfaces.
Use compact, high efficiency fluorescent lighting in high usage areas. This can save you up to 80 % in lighting running costs PLUS compact fluorescent lights last up to 8 times longer than regular (incandescent) bulbs.

Betterways top tips: in the kitchen

Defrost your freezer when the ice is more than 5mm thick.
Remove all the dust from the fridge condenser coil periodically with a vacuum cleaner.
Examine the fridge's magnetic door seal for any air leaks.
Make sure your refrigerator's on and off cycle is operating.
Always fill jugs and kettles from the cold tap.
Only fill jugs and kettles with the amount of water you need.
Make sure the oven seal is in good condition and does not leak heat.
Load the dishwasher to capacity before running it.
Use a microwave oven where appropriate for cooking, re-heating and defrosting.
Consider a ceramic or induction cook-top for precise temperature control and easier, faster cooking with appreciably better results.

Betterways top tips: in the laundry

Set the hot water-heater thermostat to no more than 65 degrees Celsius.
Make sure that the hot water system outlet pipe is well insulated.
Turn off your hot water system when you go on holidays.
Repair leaking hot water taps.
Consider installing a timer on your solar hot water heater booster.
Have a properly qualified person periodically check your water-heater as recommended in the manufacturer's instructions.
Use cold water in the washing machine whenever possible.
Load your clothes dryer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer after each load.
Use the clothes line on fine days instead of the clothes dryer.

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