Tune in to big energy savings turn off

There are many ways to lower your power bill. It is important to ensure your house is as energy-efficient as possible.
Some councils will send someone out to your home to conduct an energy audit and advise you on what you can do to save power. Steps include:
Cover hot water pipes with foam insulation to prevent heat loss; wrap your hot-water cylinder in a cylinder blanket; and turn the hot water cylinder down to 60C.
If you are renovating, ensure your hot-water heater is located close to where the hot water will be used.
Double glazing helps to keep heat in.
Install insulation in walls, ceilings and under floors, and use draught excluders to stop heat escaping under doors.
If you don't have curtains, think about getting them. Thermal-backed curtains will keep heat in better.
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs in high-use areas, which use up to 75 per cent less electricity than incandescent bulbs.
Lights on dimmer switches also use less power.
Turn off lights when you leave a room or go out, and organise your home so that you make the best possible use of sunlight. You can do that by opening curtains when you get up and leaving them open for as long as possible. Prune trees or shrubs which grow close to windows and keep out the light.
Turn appliances off at the wall when you are not using them, and make sure that you buy energy-efficient appliances.
Downlights have been popular in recent years, but they are wasteful in terms of electricity. Install compact fluorescent bulbs instead, and you will make considerable savings.
In the summer, instead of using fans and air-conditioning, open doors and windows and wear very light clothing.
In winter, close doors and windows, spend time in smaller rooms which are easier to heat, and wear extra layers of clothing. Block up fireplaces which are not being used.
Lower your heating thermostat by just 1C and you will save approximately 15 per cent on your heating bill.
Catriona MacLennan is author of Survive the Crunch, a book full of practical tips and user-friendly advice on what Kiwis need to know to survive the recession. The book, published by HarperCollins, can be bought at any good bookstore. RRP $24.99.From the book Survive the Crunch