Tips for Consumers

Energy Efficiency

We are committed to empowering everyone to achieve a low carbon, smart energy future. By promoting sustainable energy solutions, we are focused on helping the community save energy and cost.

Energy Saving Tips

50 Fun Facts:

    Air Conditioner

    • Use fans instead of air-conditioners to keep cool.
    • If using fans alone is not enough to keep cool, run the air-conditioner for about an hour before switching to the fan.
    • Service your air-conditioners regularly. Besides the filters, the condition of other components such as the refrigerant, pipe and motor also affects energy efficiency.
    • Clean the filters regularly. Dirty filters impede airflow and cause energy wastage
    • Set the air-conditioner temperature to 25℃ or higher. The lower the temperature, the more electricity used.
    • Choose an inverter air-conditioner.
    • Shut the doors and windows when using air-conditioners.

    Computer

    • Switch off your computer completely when not in use for long periods.
    • Enable the power management features of your computer, such as switching to lower power sleep mode or hibernation mode after idling for a certain amount of time (e.g., more than 5 minutes).
    • Choose a laptop over a desktop as laptops consume less electricity.

    Iron

    • Start with clothes that require lower temperatures (e.g., silk and wool) before ironing those that require higher temperatures (e.g., cotton). This will prevent unnecessary heating, cooling, reheating.
    • Select the temperatures for the various fabrics. Overheating the iron will not only waste electricity, but also damage your clothes.

    Computer

    • Switch off your computer completely when not in use for long periods.
    • Enable the power management features of your computer, such as switching to lower power sleep mode or hibernation mode after idling for a certain amount of time (e.g. more than 5 minutes).
    • Choose a laptop over a desktop as laptops consume less electricity.

    Iron

    • Start with clothes that require lower temperatures (e.g. silk and wool) before ironing those that require higher temperatures (e.g. cotton). This will prevent unnecessary heating, cooling and reheating.
    • Select the temperatures appropriate for the various fabrics. Overheating the iron will not only waste electricity, but also damage your clothes.
    • Switch off the iron after use.

    Water Heater 

    • If you have an instantaneous water heater, switch it on before you shower and switch it off immediately after use.
    • Cut down on long showers. Taking shorter showers save both electricity and water.

    Did you know?

    • Unlike instantaneous water heaters, storage water heaters continue to use energy to heat water when they are left switched on.

    Did You Know?

    • Unlike instantaneous water heaters, storage water heaters continue to use energy to heat water when they are left switched on.

    Refrigerator

    • Cover liquids and food stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered items release moisture, forcing the compressor to work harder to keep the temperature low.
    • Allow food to cool before putting them into the refrigerator. Hot food causes the compressor to work harder to keep the temperature low. 
    • Do not overload the refrigerator to ensure that cold air can circulate freely.
    • Do not place the refrigerator near heat sources such as stoves, ovens or direct sunlight. The higher the ambient temperature, the more energy the refrigerator consumes. Instead, place the refrigerator in a cool place with good circulation.
    • Allow some space around the refrigerator to enable heat to escape from the compressor and condensing coil.
    • Do not open the refrigerator door unnecessarily.
    • Do not leave the refrigerator door open longer than necessary. Decide what you need from the refrigerator beforehand.
    • Set the refrigerator to the recommended temperature.
    • Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator instead of using the microwave oven.
    • Ensure that your refrigerator door seals are airtight.

    Electric Airport

    • Boil water only when needed.
    • Use a thermal flask to store hot water.

    Cooking Habits

    • Cover the pot while cooking. Food cooks faster in covered pots.
    • Match the size of the pot with the size of the burner. Energy is lost when small pots are used on larger burners.
    • Use a microwave oven to cook or warm leftovers instead of a conventional oven.
    • Use an over timer instead of opening the oven door to check your food.
    • Clean your cooking appliances regularly so that heat can be transferred more efficiently.
    • Check the seal on your oven door for cracks or tears to retain heat more effectively.
    • Plan your cooking procedures and prepare your ingredients ahead to reduce unnecessary energy usage.

    Washing Machine and Dryer (note: ‘dryer’ is incorrectly spelt on the current website)

    • Wash with an optimal laundry load to maximise energy savings.
    • Use the right amount of detergent to avoid washing or rinsing the load unnecessarily.
    • Pre-soak or use a soak cycle for heavily soiled garments to avoid two washing cycles.
    • Use the economy mode to save energy.
    • Select a clothes dryer with energy-saving features, such as the ability to strop drying once it senses that the clothes are sufficiently dry.
    • Dry with an optimal laundry load whenever possible. Save even more energy by air-drying lightweight items and using the clothes dryer only for heavier items.
    • Choose a clothes dryer of suitable capacity that meets your family needs.

    Electric Airpot

    • Boil water only when needed.
    • Use a thermal flask to store hot water.

    Cooking Habits

    • Cover the pot while cooking. Food cooks faster in covered pots.
    • Match the size of the pot with the size of the burner. Energy is lost when small pots are used on larger burners.
    • Use a microwave oven to cook or warm leftovers instead of a conventional oven.
    • Use an oven timer instead of opening the oven door to check your food.
    • Clean your cooking appliances regularly so that heat can be transferred more efficiently.
    • Check the seal on your oven door for cracks or tears to retain heat more effectively.
    • Plan your cooking procedures and prepare your ingredients ahead to reduce unnecessary energy usage.

    Washing Machine and Dyer

    • Wash with an optimal laundry load to maximise energy savings.
    • Use the right amount of detergent to avoid washing or rinsing the load unnecessarily.
    • Pre-soak or use a soak cycle for heavily soiled garments to avoid two washing cycles.
    • Use the economy mode to save energy.
    • Select a clothes dryer with energy-saving features, such as the ability to stop drying once it senses that the clothes are sufficiently dry.
    • Dry with an optimal laundry load whenever possible. Save even more energy by air-drying lightweight items and using the clothes dryer only for heavier items.
    • Choose a clothes dryer of suitable capacity that meets your family needs.

    Lighting

    • Choose energy-saving lighting such as compact fluorescent lamps and LED bulbs. Avoid incandescent lamps.
    • Use dimmers, timers or sensors to control the level and duration of lighting needed.
    • Clean lamps and light fixtures regularly. Dust on lamps and reflectors reduces light transmission.
    • Whenever possible, use natural light for your lighting needs.

    Television

    • Dim the light while watching television. This saves electricity while cutting glare from the screen.
    • Always switch off your TV set-top box at the power socket as it consumes the highest standby power.
    • Lower the brightness and contrast settings of your TV.

    Standby Mode

    • Switch off your home appliances at the power socket when they are not in use. Standby power can account for up to 10% of your home energy use.

    Television

    • Dim the light while watching television. This saves electricity while cutting glare from the screen.
    • Always switch off your TV set-top box at the power socket as it consumes the highest standby power.
    • Lower the brightness and contrast settings of your TV.

    Standby Mode

    • Switch off your home appliances at the power socket when they are not in use. Standby power can account for up to 10% of your home energy use.

    Energy Audit

    Ever wondered which appliance in your home consumes the most electricity? Use our Home Energy Audit Calculator to audit your daily electricity usage!

    To begin, simply type in the appliances that you use at home -- to add more appliances to your list, click on "Add More". The standard wattage will automatically appear; you may also type it in manually. Then, fill in the number of units you have of each appliance, followed by the number of hours you use each appliance per day.


    Gas Safety

    At SP Group, safety is our highest priority. Staying free of accident and injury is an important part of our culture, for the public, our staff and our contractors.

    It is important to follow safety instructions and tips to keep your home safe. Watch these videos to learn about common mistakes made during a gas leakage.

    Signs of a Gas Leak

    • Smell – The most common way of discovering a gas leak is through our sense of smell. Gas produces a strong distinctive odour similar to rotten eggs.
    • Sound – Hissing or whistling sounds coming from gas appliances.

     

    Do’s & Don’ts during a Gas Leak

    • Open all windows to ventilate the area.
    • Shut the gas meter control valve.
    • Keep a safe distance from the gas leak area.
    • Call 1800-752-1800 from a safe distance.
    • Do not use a naked flame to detect a gas leak.
    • Do not use a cell phone in the vicinity.
    • Do not turn on/off any switches or appliances.

    Take Safety Precautions during Renovation Works

    • Piped gas installation, maintenance and repair work must be carried out by a Licensed Gas Service Worker or Professional Engineer (Mechanical). You can validate the worker’s license here.
    • Be aware of the location of piped gas behind the walls to prevent puncturing the pipes during drilling.
    • Check for gas leaks at the end of each day by turning off all gas appliances and checking whether the gas meter is running
    • If the meter is running or if it smells like gas is leaking, turn off the gas meter control valve and call 1800-752-1800 immediately.

    Other Useful Gas Safety Tips

    • Always purchase a gas cooker with the SAFETY Mark.
    • Install gas appliances in a well-ventilated area.
    • Ensure no smell of gas before lighting the gas cooker.
    • Turn off your gas meter control valve when you are going away for a long holiday.
    • Keep access to the gas meter control valve clear from obstruction.
    • Keep all flammable materials away from any gas appliances.
    • Do not leave the gas cooker unattended when cooking and ensure that pots on the cooker do not boil over.
    • Do not burn incense near gas pipes.