Save Energy At Home

Why save energy?

Electricity generation accounts for 66% of greenhouse gas emissions in Victoria, followed by transport at 16%. Improving our energy efficiency is therefore one of the easiest ways to reduce our carbon footprint. Not only will saving energy have a positive effect on the environment, but it will also save you money.

 

How much energy do you use?

 

Energy in the home is mainly used for heating, cooling and hot water. The breakdown of typical energy usage in the home is shown in the pie chart below.

 

Figure 1 - Typical Home Energy Use

Source: Baseline Energy Estimates 2008

 

You can calculate your energy emissions online by using the Australian Greenhouse Calculator.

 

Reduce Your Energy Use at HOME

 

	1. Turn off standby Standby power is a hidden energy cost that could amount to 10% of your electricity bill. Standby mode can use energy even when the appliance is not in use. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if equipment is on or off. If you switch appliances off at the wall when you aren't using them, it guarantees that you will save energy.
	2. Draught proof your house Save up to 25% on heating costs by draught proofing your home. Fit draught seals to the base of your doors, seal windows, fit covers to exhaust fans and use close fitting curtains and blinds to prevent heat loss in your home.
	3. Use energy efficient lighting Reduce the amount of energy you use for lighting by 50 per cent or more by making smarter lighting choices. With traditional globes currently being phased out, switch to more efficient technologies such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light emitting diodes (LEDs). Click here for more information
	4. Use the clothesline Electric clothes dryers are big energy users. Use the sun instead and hang your clothes on the line, or an indoor clothes rack, whenever you can.
	5. Insulate your home Almost 40% of household energy use goes towards heating and cooling. Without proper insulation, half of this energy can easily leak out of your home. Make your home more energy efficient by insulating your roof, ceiling and walls. Be sure to use an accredited and trained installer. Click here to find out more.
	6. Make your fridge more efficient You don’t need a new fridge to reduce your energy use. Make it more efficient by repairing broken door seals, keeping coils clean and well ventilated, positioning your fridge away from direct heat, keeping the door closed as often as possible, and ask yourself if you really need that second fridge – if not, switch it off!
	7. Buy energy efficient appliances When it’s time to replace an existing appliance, buy an energy-efficient one. Look for the energy rating label – every extra star can reduce your energy use and your long term running costs.
	8. Use the sun Generate electricity at home by installing a solar power system. Not only will it reduce your environmental impact, but it will help reduce your electricity bills as well. Take advantage of current rebates for installing small-scale solar power systems and solar hot water systems. Want to know more? Click here!
	9. Switch to Greenpower GreenPower is electricity generated from clean, renewable energy sources like the sun, wind and water. GreenPower is one of the most effective things you can do to reduce your household’s greenhouse gas emissions. Your electricity supplier can supply part or all of your electricity as GreenPower. Contact your electricity supplier to make the switch.
	10. Turn the temperature down Every degree that you turn your air conditioner or heater down by saves energy and money. For your heating and cooling systems aim for between 18-21°C in winter and 23-26°C in summer. Remember you can always warm up by putting on a jumper or cool down by taking one off! Try to reduce your hot water system thermostat by 5 degrees. Make sure you consult the owner’s manual to find out how, and don’t go below the recommended 60°C.

Sources: Sustainability Victoria (2011), DCCEE (2010) and ACF (2005)

 

Reduce your energy use when you're OUT & ABOUT

 

	1. Ride a bike Lower your travel costs and reduce your impact on the environment by getting around on a bike. It’s also a great way to improve your health and fitness. Check out Wyndham’s bicycle network to plan your next route.
	2. Catch public transport Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions by catching the train or bus. It’s less stressful, you don’t have to worry about traffic or finding a park, and you don’t have to pay for fuel or parking! Find out what public transport services are available in Wyndham here.
	3. Car pool It’s much more efficient, both economically and environmentally, to drive a full car. Find a friend who is heading in the same direction as you to car pool with. It will reduce costs and the number of cars on the road

 Sources: DCCEE (2010)