Some of the no-cost electricity saving tips recommended are -
Lighting
Turn the lights off when leaving a room.
Use "task" lighting rather than whole room lighting when a
small amount of light is required.
Regularly clean light fittings, reflectors and lampshades.
Timers
Electric Shower
Computer
Configure your computer to "energy saving" mode in which
it will automatically change to the state of low consumption.
Switching off the screen can save even more than just letting the
screen saver run.
Turning your computer off at night instead of leaving it on will
save on average 25% of its annual energy bill. Remember you should
turn off your computer whenever you are not going to use it for more
than an hour.
Television
Fridge/Freezers
Don't let frost build up in the freezer compartment as this
increases energy consumption. Remember to defrost and clean the
inside of your refrigerator and freezer at least every 6 months and
make sure they are positioned in a cool place, not next to the
cooker or boiler or where possible not in the path of direct
sunlight.
Check that the door seals on the refrigerator and freezer are tight
fitting - the seals hold a 5 euro note in place when the door
is closed.
Don't put warm or hot food straight into the freezer - let it cool
down first.
Cooking
Put lids on pots and turn down the heat when the water starts to
boil. The lids not only keep heat in the pot but also reduce
condensation in the kitchen.
At a certain point in cooking, turn off electric rings and use their
residual heat.
Lots of energy saving cooking devices are under used: like slow
casseroles, insulated deep fat fryers, microwave ovens and pressure
cookers. They can save both energy and time - with better results!
Microwaves
Electric Ovens
The oven is expensive to use - try to use it as sparingly and
efficiently as possible. Where possible use it for more than just
one item and remember you can cook at a higher temperature at the
top of the oven, and simultaneously at a lower temperature at the
bottom.
Do not open the oven door to check cooking - every time you do so
you lose 20% of the accumulated heat.
Toasters & Kettles
The toaster is more energy efficient than the grill for
toasting bread.
When making tea or coffee, boil only the amount of water required
(but make sure the heating elements of electric kettles are
covered!)
Tumble Dryers
When drying clothes in a dryer, dry heavy articles separately from
light articles and turn the dryer off as soon as the clothes are dry
- don't over dry the clothes!
Dry clothes naturally out of doors whenever possible.
Washing Machines
Dishwashers
Electric Blankets
When purchasing, you should consider the following
Appliances
Be demanding when you buy, check the energy labels on
appliances. Purchase ‘A’ rated appliances whenever possible, they
can save their replacement cost over their lifetime and benefit the
environment.
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
These use a fraction of the electricity and last up to 10 times
longer than ordinary light-bulbs - could you install more in your
home?
Electric Heaters
When buying heaters, make sure they are the right size for the rooms
they are to heat. Remember that electric heaters consume electricity
at the most expensive charge rate.
http://www.seai.ie/Power_of_One/Energy_Saving/
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