If you’re not in a position to build or renovate, or perhaps you’re currently renting a home and unable to make upgrades - don’t fret! We’ve found some cost-effective options to help reduce your energy costs and keep your home warmer this winter.
1 / LOAD UP ON INTERIOR FURNISHINGS!
Interior furnishings such as - rugs, bookcases, quality curtains, blinds, and door snakes are all furnishings that help with thermal comfort and keep the heat in during winter and the cool out in summer.
2 / SEAL THOSE AIR LEAKAGES
When your home is leaky… what can you do? We recently wrote all about it!
3 / CHANGE YOUR CEILING FAN ROTATION SEASONALLY
Did you know that how your ceiling fan rotates can actually improve the temperature in your space? Set your fans counterclockwise in summer as it creates a downdraft… and set them clockwise in winter to create an updraft and circulate the warm air. Amazing huh! Find out more about it here.
4 / TALK TO YOUR LANDLORD
Ask your landlord whether they would consider installing solar, or other clean energy products to improve the comfort and liveability of your rental.
5 / SET YOUR REVERSE CYCLE TO THE OPTIMAL ENERGY-EFFICIENT TEMPERATURE
Even the most minor degree increases (in winter) and decreases (in summer) can alter your power bills considerably.
6 / FIND A LOCAL SPARKY!
Locate an electrician in your suburb to attend your home and monitor where your biggest energy spenders are coming from. This can identify appliances that are costing you more money to run than they’re worth.
7 / COMPARE YOUR ELECTRICITY PROVIDERS!
Check whether they're green.
8 / KNOW YOUR OFF-PEAK & ON-PEAK ELECTRICITY USAGE PERIODS
Check what times are off-peak with your provider for lower energy costs. Use these times to wash your clothes and use your dishwasher.
9 / USE BANK INCENTIVES
Did you know that some banks offer incentives for designing & building more energy-efficient homes?
When you’re building a new home, Bank Australia provides a Clean Energy Home Loan for 7+ Star Homes. Commonwealth Bank similarly provides a Green Loan for clean energy products such as solar panels or EV charging stations.
References
Save on Energy - Seasonal Ceiling Fan Direction
Canstar Blue - Appliance recommendations
Domain - How to heat your home for less this winter
