Is there much to be gain by....

noonesperfect

Knocking the dishwasher off before it starts the drying cycle? I don't always do it, but if I'm in the kitchen I do.

Also re energy-saving lightbulbs. Since they're effectively mini fluorescents does that mean that once they're on they're best left on? Or is it the starter on normal fluorescent bulbs that uses all the juice?

I only ask as I've got fed up with replacing reflector spotlight bulbs in my kitchen, and have swapped two of them for energy-saving bulbs as an experiment. As I'm in and out of the kitchen during the evening I'm inclined to leave them on rather than switch them off when I leave and back on maybe 30 minutes later for 5 minutes etc.

noonesperfect

Just bumping

lofty_cherrytree

Hi there, I also stop the dishwasher after it has emptied and the residual heat dries the plates etc, guess it must save some electricity. Can't answer your other questions though.

Bongedone

You should still turn of the energy saving bulbs if you will be out of the room for more than five minutes.

Seakay

http://www.bettergeneration.co.uk/efficient-appliances/energy-saving-light-bulbs-how-they-work.html

"Do fluorescent lights use more energy to turn on and off, (and so is it best to leave them switched on?)
It's a complete myth! Low energy bulbs definitely do not consume more energy to turn on, the only difference is that they can take a short while to reach full brightness. It’s always best to turn off any lights if you are not using them"