Proper window management can help reduce hot air from outside heating up your house. It is as simple as closing windows and doors during the day and opening them at night. This will block day time heat but take advantage of the cool night air. This works especially well for houses with few people in the house during the day. As for mosquitos, you may want to invest in some "mosquito plants"!

Did you know that electricity used to keep your appliances on standby can light one or more rooms? In a French survey, the average standby power of TV decoders are 11w, VCRs are 9.9w, TVs are 7.3w, Hi-fi stereos are 7.2w, modems are 4.3w, washing machines are 4w and microwave ovens are 3.5w. Compare these figures with the fact that your bedside lamp may only be a 4w compact flourescent light.

Don't pay for nothing.

Switch off your appliances at the main plug.

Collect rain water from the gutter and keep it in a container for watering your plants. If you are really into it, you may install a rain water collection system for flushing toilets as well. But do be aware of breeding mosquitos.

Turn off your car engine while waiting for your mate... especially if they are taking a really long time. Not only will it save you petrol but you'll spare the poor guy standing outside your car from exhaust intoxication.

Turn green... No, not you. But your house. Try to keep a garden in the front and back of your house. Leafy plants are good as they provide shade and lots of fresh air. When the sun goes down, plants will cool the surrounding faster than an empty yard. If you have previously tiled your garden, grow potted plants. Indoor plants are great too!

Flourescent lights now come in bulb forms, known as compact flourescent lights. You can use them in replacement of your existing incandescent bulbs. Bulbs that emit soft yellow tones are also available. These bulbs last longer and save up to 80% of your lighting bill without compromising the amount of light you get. They can be purchased at supermarkets and/or hardware convenient stores.

Remember those hot water flasks from the 70's? They're actually a very energy smart devise. You can boil a lot of water at one go and keep them in the flask. Now you don't have to wait for that kettle before enjoying your cup of coffee :-) Of course, sleeker models are available today!

To be energy smart is not difficult. Minor and logical adjustments can make a big difference to the way energy is used.

These concepts can help:

• Use only what is needed
• Use only when it's needed
• Reduce and Recycle
• Share

Get your household energy audit guide here.

Project Manager: CETDEM

Project Funder: DANIDA

Partner Organisation: OVE