How to save on energy costs and reduce your emissions while spending more time at home
As we spend more time at home, we’re using much more electricity than usual. In fact, research has shown that household energy usage has increased by 20-30% (versus this time last year).
Council has partnered with the Australian Energy Foundation to provide you with simple energy advice you can trust and help you contribute to Nillumbik’s Climate Change Action Plan.
So how do we keep energy costs down during this unprecedented time?
There are many things that you can do to reduce your carbon footprint, but if you don’t know where to start then the energy advisors at the Australian Energy Foundation can help you work out exactly what you need to do to make your home energy-efficient.
The Australian Energy Foundation [https://www.aef.com.au/] (AEF) are offering free 20-minute energy consultations to Nillumbik residents via phone, to help you with energy advice on a wide range of topics including:
Tips on how to shop around for the best energy tariff
How to heat and cool your home more cost-effectively, without sacrificing on comfort
Easy ways you can use less energy when working, studying and cooking
Recommend if you should consider powering your home with solar and the steps and investment required
Book your free consultation [https://bookings.aef.com.au/#/customer/energyconsultation1] now or call AEF on 1300 236 855.
To start you off, here are five easy and cost-effective ways to save energy while keeping you and your family connected, comfortable, and entertained:
1 – Energy Bill Comparison
Compare your energy bills quickly and easily at the state government website Victorian Energy Compare (www.compare.energy.vic.gov.au). If you haven’t reviewed your plan or energy provider for a while, you could end up saving quite a bit.
2 – Draughts
Draughts and air leakage can lead to between 15-25% of heat loss. Keep heat from escaping your home by:
· Draught proofing gaps around external doors and windows with adhesive tapes or seals.
· Furnishing windows with heavy curtains and pelmets, window films or, in a pinch, bubble wrap.
3 – Heating
Many households find that heating is their biggest energy expense. Cut those costs while keeping warm with these three simple energy-saving tips:
1. Heat with your home’s Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner. Isolate and close off heating to the areas you spend the most time in rather than heating the entire home
2. Set your Air Conditioner or heater to 18-20℃. If you don’t have a thermostat, use a thermometer to check the room’s temperature
3. Prioritise personal heating with items like electric blankets or heated throw rugs rather than heating the entire room. Personal heating options only cost ~3c per hour to run.
4 – Hot Water
Here are three of the easiest tips to reduce your hot water usage:
1. Take showers instead of baths
2. Take 4-6 minute showers by using a timer
3. Wash laundry in cold water.
5 – Electronics and Appliances
Our computers, TVs, game consoles, and sound systems are going to see heavy use as we enjoy well-deserved home entertainment. Here are ways to reduce your appliance’s electricity consumption:
Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer
Switch TV’s and computers to an energy saving setting
Turn off appliances and electronics at power point when not in use (except fridge)
Set your refrigerator to 3°- 4°, and your freezer to -15° to -18°. Check your fridge/freezer door seals are intact and replace if not.
Where to from here?
From solar to insulation, the Australian Energy Foundation [https://www.aef.com.au/]can provide advice on all areas of your home, helping you make an informed decision. They can also connect you with reliable suppliers for everything you need to make your home energy efficient. They conduct a rigorous procurement process so that you can buy with ease and confidence.
Areas they can help with include:
- Solar Panels and Battery Storage [https://www.aef.com.au/for-home/solar-power/]
- Insulation [https://aef.com.au/for-home/insulation/]
- Draught Proofing [https://aef.com.au/for-home/draught-proofing/]
- LED Lighting [https://aef.com.au/for-home/lighting/]
- Hot Water [https://aef.com.au/for-home/hot-water/]
- Heating & Cooling [https://aef.com.au/for-home/heating-cooling/]
- Windows [https://aef.com.au/for-home/windows/]
To get in touch with a friendly Energy Advisor you can:
• Book a free 20-min Energy Consultation [https://bookings.aef.com.au/#/customer/energyconsultation1] on a date and time that suits you
• Contact AEF on 1300 23 68 55
• Email them directly at advice@aef.com.au
Who is the Australian Energy Foundation?
• The Australian Energy Foundation is a for purpose organisation, leading the way to an equitable zero carbon society. They accelerate the energy transition by empowering communities to take action. Read more about AEF here. [https://www.aef.com.au/about-us/our-story/]