Cut Your Household Energy Use

Taking steps to reduce your energy use will not only reduce your energy bills but also help the environment

Renewable energy:

Installing a solar energy system may have a large upfront cost, although the long-term financial benefits are worth this cost. Solar systems can be coupled with battery storage to allow you more energy resilience and reduce dependence on the energy grid.
Changing to an energy provider that sources renewable energy from large-scale wind and solar farms may not reduce your energy bills, although the cost is usually comparable to other energy providers, and this will reduce your household energy emissions by supporting renewables.

Appliances:

When purchasing new appliances, look for energy-efficient electric appliances, such as hot water systems, heating and cooling systems, cooktops and ovens, washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, and televisions. Even energy-efficient smaller appliances like vacuum cleaners, toasters and hair dryers can reduce your energy bills.
Rethinking how you use your appliances is also a way to reduce energy costs, for example using your washing machine and dishwasher at off-peak times if you are reliant on the energy grid, or during sunlight hours if you have solar energy.
Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full
Use your washing machine on a cold setting
Turn off appliances when they are not in use

Lighting:

Turn off lights when they are not in use
Energy-efficiency lighting including LED lighting uses significantly less energy than other lightbulbs
Utilising natural light from the sun is a great, free way to reduce lighting costs. Allowing natural light into your home will also warm up your home in the colder months

Insulation and windows:

Adequate insulation is fundamental to reducing your energy use. Insulation both warms your home in cold months and cools your home in warmer months. Ensure that your insulation is appropriate for your home
Eliminating door and window drafts reduces the need for cooling and heating. Door and window snakes, rope caulk, fixing holes or cracks in windows, and heavy curtains can help stop drafts without having to replace windows and doors
Windows that are properly installed and are sufficiently glazed to provide insulation will help in reducing energy consumption
Inside and outside window coverings provide protection from the sun’s heat in summer, and insulate the home in winter

Flooring:

Flooring is important in energy efficiency, consider what flooring is right for your home, the versatility the flooring has, and the potential use of under-floor heating.
Rugs that can be removed in summer are practical to provide extra warmth in winter but allow cooling in summer

Heating and cooling your home:

Ceiling fans can be used both in summer to cool rooms, and on a reverse setting in winter to push warm air down. Ceiling fans use less energy than other heating and cooling systems
If you do get a heating and cooling system, having the right size system for your home will save energy and money
Use your windows to your advantage. Close windows and shadings during summer days to keep the heat out, open windows and shadings in the evenings to allow cool air to enter
Create a dedicated cool room in summer and warm room in winter where your efforts are focused on heating or cooling one room rather than your entire home

Hot water:

Get the most appropriate hot water system for your household. Consider the upfront and ongoing costs: some good options are solar hot water or electric hot water systems
Insulate exposed hot water pipes with closed-cell rubber insulation, available from hardware stores
Service and maintain your hot water system to get the most efficiency out of it
Use hot water wisely to reduce the amount of water and energy used

Heated pools:

A variable-speed pool pump uses much less power than a single-speed pool pump
Solar-powered hot water heating for your pool is a great alternative to use your pool throughout the year while keeping costs low
Using a pool cover reduces chemical use, keeps your pool cleaner, and retains your pool’s heat

Transport:

Active transport like walking or riding a bike is a free way to reduce household emissions. If you have to drive, think about carpooling to work or school to save money on fuel.
Electric vehicle (EVs) and battery systems significantly reduce the running cost of your vehicles compared to combustion engine vehicles, saving fuel costs and reducing your household emissions
If you are purchasing a combustion engine vehicle, consider a hybrid or more fuel-efficient vehicle to reduce the running costs and environmental impact – compare the fuel efficiency of vehicles here: https://www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au/

Monitor your energy use:

The Council has free household energy and water efficiency kits at the libraries, check out your local library to use these
Installing an energy monitor allows you to see of what you are using energy for and change your energy use habits

Home Energy and Water Efficiency Kits

These kits are available to borrow at our libraries and can help you understand your energy use and take measures to reduce your household energy consumption.

The Home Energy and Water Efficiency Kits include:

Power-Mate Lite: shows how much electricity an appliance is using and what this is costing you.
Thermal Imaging Camera: shows where hot and cold areas are around you house. It highlights areas where drafts, water leaks and missing insulation might be present.
Energy Saving Thermometer: shows the appropriate operating temperature for heating, cooling, hot water service, fridge and freezer. It will inform you if you need to adjust your settings.
Water-Flow Measuring Cup: this will tell you the flow of you shower and taps in litres per minute.