24/4/2015Author: Geraldton Property Inspections

Long weekend energy-saving checklist

Make no mistake, there’s certainly no need to change your plans to ensure your long weekend is an energy-efficient one. Whether going away or staying home, there are a number of simple adjustments you can make to a little save cash on your energy bills.

1. Consider your office space

Before you set that out-of-office auto-response, look around at what you can do to minimise energy waste while you’re away from your desk. Switch off all task lighting and electronics at your desk, check that there are no appliances on in the kitchenette, and turn off the air-conditioning and hot-water heaters if you have access.

2. Switch off

If you’re staying at home, give your household a few hours of ‘switch off’ time each day where no electronics, including computers, phones, and TVs, are used. This will not only save you energy, but also will carve out some quality family time for the holidays.

3. Make the most of afternoon tea time or afternoon beer

Long weekend energy-saving checklist

A long weekend means more time with friends and family, and most likely the kettle will be getting a workout over plenty of chats and cuppas or even the fridge for a cold frothy. An electric kettle consumes a lot of energy, so make sure you only boil the water you need and the fridge well try not to visit it to often it uses a lot of energy every time you open it to cool back down but I know you deserve it!

4. Turn down the heating or cooling

At home, or at your holiday house – wherever you are this weekend make a note to turn down the heating or cooling a little. Lowering your thermostat setting by 1°C can save you 10% on heating costs.

5. Eliminate standby power

If you’re leaving your home for the whole weekend or even just a portion of it, switch off all appliances and televisions at the power point to eliminate sneaky standby-power usage. Appliances in standby mode can add up to 10% of your electricity bill.

6. Use energy-efficient security systems

Want some home security tips over the weekend? Adding motion sensors and timers to outdoor security lights can help cut your electricity bill by providing light only when it’s needed. Motion sensors also improve security by turning lights on when they detect movement.

Taking these extra precautions over your long weekend will ensure you can enjoy your break with no unnecessary expenditure.

And remember why we are having this long weekend.

Will you remember them?

Anzacs

There are many ways we can celebrate ANZAC Day and help to remember the Australians who have fought and died in war. The most traditional way is to go into town each year and watch the veterans of recent wars polish their medals and march down the streets. It is a great opportunity for old friends to gather, and for families to remember.

In many towns and cities, one of the most moving ceremonies is the Dawn Service, when family, friends and veterans gather as the sun rises. A bugler plays the Last Post, and then everyone is silent for a minute. It is a very emotional time. It is a time for reflection – to think about all the Australians who have fought and died in all wars, and to remember their courage and sacrifice. You could ask your parents if they have ever been to a Dawn Service, and ask them to take you.

All the best the Geraldton property Inspection Team