Here are some tips to help you use energy more efficiently at home

• Switch to low energy lighting throughout your home that uses one fifth the energy of normal light bulbs. CFL bulbs are a good energy-saving option. Use movement-sensitive lights areas like hallways so that every time you pass by or leave a room, the lights automatically sense it and turn on or turn off. Always turn off your computer and television. Never keep them on standby as this consumes more energy.

• Don't forget to switch off broadband connections, speakers or printers. They're all mini-energy guzzlers which, taken as a whole, amount to a lot.

• Look for refrigerators and washing machines having the highest energy-efficiency rating.

• As regards cooking appliances, microwaves are the most efficient as they cook fast.

• Get batteries that can be recharged rather than recycled.

• Install solar panels on your roof top. In climates like ours, a solar heating system can provide 50 to 75 percent of domestic hot water use.

• The energy (natural gas, propane, electricity, etc) needed for hot water heating can be reduced by 60 to 90 per cent by using a solar water heating system to pre-heat water before it enters your existing traditional water heater.

• Costing far less than a new conventional heating system, solar air heating systems usually pay for themselves in 3-6 years. They typically last for 18 to 35 years and require minimal maintenance.

• Get a switch installed which checks your power usage. This will automatically turn off the power if the usage is more than the prescribed load.