There are plenty of simple things you and your family can do every day to use energy more efficiently. Not only will you be reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions produced, you can also reduce how much you spend on your monthly energy bills too!
Be green. Save the planet and your wallet.
There are plenty of simple things you and your family can do every day to use energy more efficiently. Not only will you be reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions produced, you can also reduce how much you spend on your monthly energy bills too!
Let’s start from the top
Homes with a high ‘energy rating’ are more energy efficient when it comes to thermal performance. Thermal performance is measured by how much additional heating and cooling a property requires – the less it uses the more energy-related greenhouse gas emissions are reduced and the better the energy rating.
Figuring out your energy rating
To make sure you’re getting the maximum energy efficiency from your home, consider having your home evaluated by an accredited assessor.
Having your home assessed is particularly useful if you’re renovating or designing a new home as they can demonstrate how strong your homes energy efficiency is or where improvements to performance can be made.
Energy ratings can also be used to help you make decisions on insulation level, floor coverings, window shading and window placement.
Useful tip: You can also use your rating certificate to promote how “green” your homes is when selling.
Do your bit by following these simple tips to save energy
1. Seal your home against the heat and cold by making sure your walls are well insulated, as well as closing off unused areas when heating or cooling your home.
2. Choose double glazed windows to cut down on heating/cooling transfer with the outside.
3. Install rainwater tanks and water saving shower heads to improve water efficiency.
4. Turn your hot water unit off if you're going away on holidays to save energy maintaining set thermostat temperatures.
5. Install energy efficient light globes.
6. Cover any exposed external hot water pipes with insulation wrap to keep the water in pipes warmer for longer.
7. Don’t overload your washing machine or dryer, it will struggle with the load and use extra energy in the process. Stick to what fits!
8. Don’t install the outdoor section of your air conditioning facing the sun, unless the area will be constantly shaded to allow adequate cooling of the unit.
9. If you need to buy a new appliance, chose an energy-efficient model can to save money on your bills and reduce your environmental impact without making a difference to your lifestyle.
10. Turn your appliances off at the power point. Even when your appliances are not doing anything you can see or hear, they still may be performing some internal functions which use power.
There are plenty of other things you can do to make your home and family more energy efficient, not only helping you stay “green” but also helping you cut the cost of your energy bills.
For more information on protecting valuable energy resources for the future you can visit www.livinggreener.gov.au.
April 2011
