Kitchen
Simple things you can do to save energy & water
Benefits
- Government Rebates
Hot Water Systems
Hot water accounts for approximately 37% of the annual energy usage in Hunter homes. Consider switching from an electric hot water system to gas, solar or heat pump. You could save up to $700 a year on your household energy bills. And for further savings look at our information on rebates currently available.
Benefits
- Energy Savings
Refrigerator
Every home in Australia has at least one fridge/freezer that runs 24 hours a day, all year round. This continuous use of power can account for up to 11% of your household energy bill. There are some simple things we can all do to save energy and money. Consider placing your fridge in a cool area, away from stoves and external walls. Make sure the seals are in good condition and minimise the opening and closing of the doors. And when replacing a fridge look for the highest star rating to maximise energy efficiency.
Benefits
- Energy Savings
- Water Savings
Dishwasher
It's not unusual to turn on the dishwasher when you're rushing out the door to work. But perhaps this isn't the most energy efficient time of the day? Before turning on your dishwasher consider if it's a full load; can it clean efficiently on an eco/short cycle; and is it off peak? This can all make a big difference to energy and water consumption, especially when using a smart meter during off peak. And before you buy a new dish-washer check the water efficiency.
Benefits
- Energy Savings
Hot Plates & Oven
All good cooks like to heat the oven to the correct temperature before use. But minimising the amount of time the oven is turned on can save lots of energy. Making sure that oven seals are not old and worn ensures that heat does not escape and maximises the oven's efficiency. And the same applies to hot plates. Turn them on just before they are needed. Try to adjust the temperature to the correct level and turn off promptly when cooking is finished.
Benefits
- Energy Savings
Toaster
It may sound simple but before you buy a new toaster think about what you really need. Cooking 2 slices of toast in a 4 slice toaster uses twice the energy. What a waste. And remember, the higher the setting the more power that is used. And with all electrical appliances, when not in use, turn off at the point. Leaving appliances on standby wastes energy.
Benefits
- Energy Savings
Microwave
You may not know that microwaves use far less energy than other forms of cooking. So not only is it fast but it's energy efficient. But don't forget, when you've finished cooking to turn it off at the point.
Benefits
- Water Savings
Kettle
If you're making one cup of coffee or tea remem-ber to just fill the kettle to the 1-2 cup level. Only boiling as much as you need saves both water and energy. You may be surprised to know that to boil one cup of water uses roughly the same amount of energy as it takes to run a light globe for an hour. Don't forget when buying a new ket-tle to check the star rating - the higher the rating the more energy efficient. And standby is not good for the bill. So turn it off at the point.
Benefits
- Water Savings
Coffee Machine
If you're making one cup of coffee or tea remember to just fill the kettle to the 1-2 cup level. Only boiling as much as you need saves both water and energy. You may be surprised to know that to boil one cup of water uses roughly the same amount of energy as it takes to run a light globe for an hour. Don't forget when buying a new kettle to check the star rating - the higher the rating the more energy efficient. And standby is not good for the bill. So turn it off at the point.
