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For many years, we have understood that the emissions created in the generation of electricity lead to pollution and climate change. We can all do our part by conserving energy, and saving money in the process.
The Ropes Crossing Building and Siting Guidelines provide information on how to design your home to be more energy efficient. Now that you have moved into your new home, you can continue to save money and help the environment by following these handy hints.
- Appliance – Look for the energy efficiency star rating on all new appliances. The more stars, the more efficient the appliance. A fridge / freezer with 4 stars will save you around $300 in electricity bills over 10 years compared to one with 1 star.
- Hot Water – About 20% to 30% of the electricity used at home goes on heating water. By insulating hot water pipes, having showers (not baths); bathing children together; and running your washing machine on cold washes where possible, you will significantly reduce your water heating costs. You should also check that your thermostat is not set too hot. Storage type hot water systems should be set at 60°C and instantaneous hot water systems set at 50°C. Contact your local plumber for more information.
- Solar and Gas Water Heating – Between 50% and 90% of your hot water can be provided for free by using a solar water heater. Whilst the initial cost is higher than an electric heater, a solar water heater will create genuine energy savings over its working life and provide a reliable source of hot water all year round. A gas water heater has faster heating time and is far ‘greener’ than an electric system, but costs around the same to install and run.
- Lighting – Fluorescent tubes and light use a quarter of the electricity of ordinary globes and last up to four times longer. By installing energy efficient lights and remembering to turn lights off, you will make significant savings on energy bills and replacement globes.
- Standby – Up to 10% of power consumption or around $100 per year, is due to standby power – appliances left so they can switch back on by remote control. TVs and DVD players use the most energy.
- Heating and Cooling – Better housing design will ensure that your home is at a comfortable temperature for most of the year. Keeping air conditioners and heaters in good working order will maximise their efficiency and using them at high speed for short periods of time is more effective than leaving them at low speed for longer periods. For real savings, think about expanding your “comfort band” – the range of temperatures you allow in your home. By turning your heating down or your air conditioning up one degree, you can cut your energy costs up to 10%.
- Renewable Energy – Renewable energy, such as solar, wind and hydro power is clean and, once installed, provides a free source of power for your home. The most popular type of renewable energy is the use of photovoltaic cells (solar panels). Both State and Commonwealth Governments provide rebates to help with the initial cost of the system.
For further information, visit
• www.yourhome.gov.au
• www.deus.nsw.gov.au
• www.energyrating.gov.au
• www.basix.nsw.au
Over 90% of Australia’s power is generated by burning coal. This creates pollution and greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change. On average, each household in Australia produces 8 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year; that’s about the same as three cars.
Green Power is a national initiative that allows consumers to ask their electricity supplier to use only renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and hydro power thereby reducing greenhouse emissions. The major energy suppliers all offer Green Power tariffs.
This initiative helps encourage further development of renewable energy infrastructure, so in addition to reducing emissions now, you are helping ensure a viable energy supply for Australia into the future.
Contact your energy supplier or visit www.greenpower.com.au for further details.
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Energy Efficiency |
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