Water & Energy Saving Tips

Water Saving Tips

The Garden:

• don't cut lawn shorter than 2cm
• mulching your garden can save up to 73% of water lost through evaporation
• a forgotten sprinker can waste 1000 litres of water per hour
• garden irrigation systems & watering timbers
• moisture sensors are useful for detecting when your garden's had enough water
• water during the cooler periods of the day, early morning or late evening

See your local plumber or water retailer for further information & publications on reducing your water consumption in the garden.

The Kitchen:

• a running tap can use up to 15-20 litres/minute
• wash fruit and vegies in a sink half full (approx. 12 lt)
• an average dishwasher uses 35 litres per wash so follow the manufacturers instructions and maximize its use
• don't rinse dishes before loading into dishwasher

The Laundry:

• you can use up to 120 litres each time you use the washing machine
• when buying a new washing machine look for one that is water and energy efficient
• front loading washing machines use 40% less water than top loading washing machines

The Bathroom & Toilet:

• replacing a single flush toilet with a 6/3 dual flush can save up to 8 litres per flush (or for the average family 36,180 litres per year)
• leaking toilets can waste up to 16,000 litres per year
• don't leave the tap running while you brush your teeth
• older style shower heads can use up to 24 litres per minute. Install a AAA rated shower head (9 litres per minute), depending on water pressure, location and quality of pipework.

Energy Saving Tips

Greenhouse Gas Emissions (reducing your energy costs):        
Australian households every year generate almost one-fifth of Australia's total greenhouse gas emissions. That's more than 15 tonnes per household each year through day to day activites such as transport, household energy use and household waste in landfills.

Household Heating & Cooling Appliances:
Space heating & cooling generate a further 14% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and approximately 39% - 50% of total energy use within the home.

Household Hot Water Heating:
Hot water heating is also a very significant contributor to total GHG. 28% of GHG emissions are generated from this one appliance. While 27% of the total energy used within a home comes from the hot water appliance.

Your local Green Plumber will be able to assist you in making the correct purchase decisions taking into consideration:

- cost comparisons
- short term costs
- long term costs and benefits
- operational running costs
- greenhouse/environmental effects
- time and logistical restraints
- product servicing and reliability
- other greenhouse decisions and improvements

Tips for Saving Energy:
Appliances:

- Choose appliances by looking at their energy rating. The more stars in the rating, the more you will save on your energy bills.
- Make sure the appliance is installed properly
- Make sure the refrigerator has the correct temperature set on the thermostat and that it is positioned in a cool spot in the home where air can circulate around.
- Try to use the clothesline as often as possible, rather than the clothes dryer.
- Turn off appliances at the power point when not in use.

Hot Water Use:

- Choose a hot water system with a high energy star rating
- Check that your hot water system and hot water pipes are well insulated.
- Limit showers to less than 5 minutes.
- Install efficient shower head or water restriction valves.
- Wash clothes using a cold water cycle.

Heating & Cooling:

- Insulate the floor, walls and ceiling of your home.
- Seal out draughts.
- Use close fitting blinds.
- Choose and install an energy efficient heater or cooler.
- Wear more clothes in the cold instead of turning up the heater.
- Switch off heaters and coolers when you are not home.

Did you know it is estimated that one degree difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures adds 10% to heating and cooling bills?

Lighting:

- Turn off lights when you leave a room
- Install compact fluorescent lighting in areas that are used for long periods of time.
- Install timing devices, light sensors or movement detectors for outside use.
- Make use of natural light by positioning desks, tables & seating near windows.