Saving energy is good for the environment and it saves you money! Here are some tips on how you can save energy in your home.
Turn It Down
Heating and cooling, hot water services, and fridges, are some of the biggest energy users in the typical Victorian home. Making small adjustments to the temperature of these energy guzzling items can make a huge impact on your energy use and save dollars without compromising your comfort.
Heating – Set your thermostat between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. Every degree above this will increase running costs by around 10 per cent.
Cooling – Set your air conditioner thermostat to 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. Every degree lower will increase running costs by around 10 per cent.
Fridge – Set your thermostat at 3 degrees Celsius for optimal cooling.
Freezer – Set your thermostat at -18C degrees Celsius for optimal freezing.
Hot water – you need a minimum of 60C degrees hot water storage and a temperature not exceeding 50C degrees at the water outlets.
Install efficient appliances and fixtures
When investing in large household appliances and fixtures, use the Federal Government's Energy and Water Ratings (stars) to guide you to the most efficient products to save money. This will show you how much you could reduce your ongoing operating costs by purchasing energy efficient appliances.
Start thinking medium to long-term and invest more now to get the most energy efficient appliances and fixtures. You'll reap the environmental and financial benefits for years to come.
Go solar
Generating your own renewable energy enables you to supplement or provide all your electricity needs, which reduces energy costs and greenhouse emissions. A small one kilowatt system on an average sized house can save around two tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.
What's the process for installing solar PV?
Check if you need approval to install solar panels
Some property owners will require planning approval to install solar panels. You can install solar panels in a Heritage Overlay, but if you can see the panels or inverter from the street you will need to apply for a planning permit from Council.
Find out if you need a permit.(PDF, 354KB)