Let’s be energy-smart!

Small, steady steps to reduce energy can yield considerable savings. It all adds up!

Here are some tips to save energy and money:

Start at home

1. Choose energy- and water-efficient appliances

• • Look out for more ticks on the energy- or water-efficiency label, when buying new appliances (see NEA’s tips here).
  • Switch to LED bulbs.

Save ~$260 a year if you buy a 3-tick air-con! Or save ~$75 a year if you switch to a 3-tick refrigerator.

2. Keep cool the smart way

• • Close your curtain blinds to keep out sunlight and the heat to keep your home cooler. This reduces the need for air conditioning or the amount of electricity needed to cool your room.
  • When using the air-conditioner, try the “dry” mode (‘teardrop symbol’) to reduce humidity and stay comfortable. Use “cool” mode only if necessary to lower the room temperature.
  • Set your air-conditioner temperature to no lower than 25°C. The lower the temperature, the more energy used.

 

Save close to $400 a year when you cool a room by running the air-conditioner for just a short while (1 hour) before switching to a fan

Save ~$15 a year for every degree that you raise your air-conditioner temperature

3. Travel in a greener way

• • Plan your trips in advance to be as energy-efficient as possible.
  • Where possible, opt to carpool, take public transport, or cycle
    

 

Small, daily actions matter too

1. 1. Switch off appliances at the source after use

• • Appliances such as your TV or microwave oven that are plugged in and on standby mode can still consume power even if they are not in active use. Always turn the power source off after use.

 

Save ~$300 a year by using a thermos flask for your hot water, instead of an electric air-pot. Save ~$175 a year by switching off your 200W desktop computer overnight

2. Reduce your shower time by 2 minutes

• Always turn the water off while you are shampooing or soaping up.
• When you don’t need to use a full blast, turn the tap on halfway.

 

Save ~$110 a year by switching off your storage water heater after use

 

3. Wash full loads

• Run your washing machine only when you have a full load. This helps save both water and energy.

 

4. Take the stairs instead of the lift

• Power your daily commute with your legs, if possible, whenever you can.

 

Every action counts! Let’s us do our part to save energy daily and reap considerable savings in the long run.

Images from National Environment Agency, Land Transport Authority