Saving energy
Energy efficient appliances
Appliances can use 25 per cent of your home's energy. Choosing an energy efficient fridge, dishwasher and washing machine saves electricity and money.
Heat pump hot water
Heat pump hot water systems use heat from the air to heat water. They use around one quarter of the electricity of a normal storage hot water system.
Heating and cooling
With passive design you can reduce your heating and cooling needs. Choosing the right heating or cooling system saves money when you do need to use it.
Insulation
A well insulated home can reduce your heating and cooling bills and help you to be more comfortable all year round.
Lighting
Using natural light and switching to more efficient lights can reduce your lighting costs by up to 80 per cent.
Renewable energy
Renewable energy is generated from the sun, wind and water. Switching to renewable energy reduces your environmental impact.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
RECs are an electronic currency you could receive with your small scale energy system. You can use them to reduce the cost of the system or trade them.
Solar hot water
Solar hot water systems use the sun to heat water. With a solar hot water system, you could get between 50 and 90 per cent of your hot water for free.
Solar power
Solar power systems use photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into energy. You can generate your own energy at home and save on your power bills.
Did you know?
- Uninsulated ceilings can waste 35 per cent of your winter heating.
- For every old style incandescent globe you replace with a compact fluorescent light you can save $43 in electricity costs.
- A large screen television turned on for 6 hours a day can generate half a tonne of greenhouse gas a year.
- Many appliances use electricity even when they appear to be turned off. Switch them off at the power point to save energy.
Page last modified: 20 Aug 2009