Energy

Being energy efficient is one of the best ways you can reduce your household carbon footprint. Energy is indispensible in the modern world, but there are many ways we can be smarter about our use.
Simple ways to beat the heat in summer

KEEP THE HEAT OUT

Ensure your home is well insulated, draught proof, close curtains and shade the outside of windows with awnings, vines, trees or a shade sail.

USE A FAN

Use a fan instead of air conditioners, if possible. Fans use a fraction of the energy of air conditioners. 

SET AT 24 DEGREES +

Set your air conditioner at 24 degrees or warmer – every degree cooler than this uses about ten percent more energy.

USE REVERSE CYCLE INSTEAD OF DUCTED

Reverse cycle split systems are more efficient as they can be switched off when not in use, without having to run a single large system to heat/cool unwanted spaces such as corridors/pantry.

REDUCE YOUR SPACE

Close the doors to unused spaces/rooms to cool the space with less energy.

RETHINK

Don’t add unnecessary heat to your home. Electrical appliances can emit heat when switched on. Turn off all lights and electrical appliances when not in use. Cooking outside on hot days rather than inside can reduce the need for extra cooling.  

COOL YOURSELF

Cool yourself before your home. Have a cold shower or a splash of cool water on the neck can make you feel instantly cooler.

Heating & Cooling
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Appliances
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Water Heating
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Lighting
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You may be surprised at what uses the most energy in your home – often more than 60% is used on heating, cooling and water heating.
Simple ways to stay warm in winter

RUG UP

It is more efficient to warm yourself, rather than your whole home. Put on a jumper, use a blanket/heated lap blanket or use a heat pack while watching television/sleeping.  Having a hot drink and cooking food inside the house will reduce your need to switch on the heaters.

FIX DRAUGHTS

If you are heating your house, don’t let the heat escape through cracks, gaps and windows. Draught proof your house using draught tape to seal gaps and make sure windows are covered with curtains and pelmets.  Ensure you maintain adequate ventilation if you are using a gas heater.

SET AT 18 DEGREES

Set your heater around 22-24oC – every degree warmer than this will use ten percent more energy

HAVE SHORTER SHOWERS

Have a short but hot shower for less than 4 minutes. Even an additional few minutes of hot shower can make a difference to your power bill! Have your clothes ready to pop on as soon as you get out of the shower.

USE YOUR CURTAINS

Open curtains during the day to let the sunlight warm your home and close them in the evening to trap the heat in.

Are you getting the most from your solar panels?

Got solar panels? Excellent! Follow our tips for maximising your yield of the suns free energy!
Solar Panel Tips

Other Ways to Switch

Learn about more ways you can switch your thinking and live a more sustainable lifestyle.

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