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Top 10 ways to make your home more energy efficient

08/2021
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There are two main benefits of improving your home’s energy efficiency.   The first is reducing your carbon footprint, and the second is reducing your energy bills.  Here are 10 simple tips that may help make your home more energy efficient.

 

Draught proof windows and doors

Sealing the windows and doors of your home with caulking or weather stripping is one of the most effective ways to make it more comfortable and energy efficient. Gaps around doors and windows should be weather sealed to prevent air leakage. Having tight seals assists in reducing energy usage and costs.

 

Check for insulation

A well-insulated home will repel heat during the summer and retain heat during the winter, thereby reducing the cost to heat and cool your home. Arrange for an experienced insulation installer to inspect your home’s roof cavity, subfloor and walls to ensure they are adequately insulated.

 

Reduce the temperature of your heating and cooling system

Heating and cooling systems consume large amounts of energy. Altering the thermostat temperature only marginally can result in lowering energy use. Utilise zoning settings to only heat or cool the occupied areas of your home.

 

Keep air filters clean

Failing to keep heating and cooling system air filters clean reduces their operating efficiency, leading to increased energy consumption. A regular maintenance program will assist in keeping heating and cooling units operating effectively and efficiently.

 

Use window coverings

During Summer, use blinds, shades and curtains to block the sun, and in Winter use them to keep the heat in.  This will reduce the need for you to cool and heat your house.

 

Install low flow shower heads

Installing efficient, low flow showerheads to reduce the litres of water used per minute during a shower saves both water and energy.

 

Install an instantaneous water heater

Energy can be wasted constantly heating water in a storage hot water unit. Reduce energy costs by installing an instantaneous water heater which only heats water when it’s required.

 

Choose energy efficient appliances

Household appliances consume large amounts of energy. When updating appliances, look for the Energy Rating Label – the more stars the more energy efficient.  Also consider unplugging appliances when not in use to reduce standby energy consumption.

 

Use modern lighting technologies

Using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) in place of halogen or incandescent light bulbs can result in reducing lighting costs.

 

Use a multi speed swimming pool pump

Having a pool pump that runs at variable speeds is much more energy efficient than a pump that runs consistently at the one high speed.

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