Oily rag ed – For Mr & Mrs Normal (if there is ever such a couple!), hot water accounts for over 40% of their electricity bill. Here are some common tips to keep the power bill down.
Make sure the thermostat on your hot water cylinder is not set too high. 60 degree Celsius (150 to 160 Fahrenheit) is sufficient but some can take it lower. If you hot water cylinder is losing heat (that is, it is warm to touch) look at adding insulation and ensure all hot water pipes are well lagged.
A wetback in a fireplace or chip heater is an excellent way of heating your hot water while you are heating your home. Install a valve to avoid back cooling in summer.
Reflectors in heaters should be kept clean and bright.
Match the size of your pan to the size of your element. Puddings can be steamed over boiling vegetables.
Turn the oven off 10 to 15 minutes before serving the meal – the stored heated will complete the cooking.
Some appliances are more efficient than others. A microwave and a pressure cooker, for example, save energy by cooking food quickly. Use them when you can.
Use a thermos flask to cook. Fill the flask with boiling water; add diced vegetables and chopped meat pieces and leave to cook. This is a great way to prepare hot food for picnics.
Lighting accounts for about 5% of the electricity bill. Turn off lights when not needed. We know of one person who goes a little further. To cut costs he uses 40wt bulbs. When he wants to read the newspaper he changes the bulb to 100wt, then changes it back once he has finished reading!
Clean your light bulbs, and use florescent bulbs – although they cost a little more, they use less energy. Use low wattage bulbs in non-work areas.