Improve Homes and reduce energy bills,
Some mornings, my office gets so cold that the only way to work is with fingerless possum gloves, a scarf, and a blanket.
My husband and I debated the best solution: Should we join the migration to the Sunshine Coast? Consider working at the library? Or install air-conditioning?
Frustrated with a house that was persistently cold in winter and too hot in summer, and eager to lower our energy bills, I booked an appointment with Adam Corrigan.
As the director of Your Energy Friend, Adam conducted a thorough home energy audit. I wanted to understand how to make our home more comfortable and if we could save money on our exorbitant energy costs.
The audit included a two-hour home visit, provided on-the-spot advice, and a detailed written report. This report outlined ways to enhance our home’s thermal comfort and reduce our energy bills.
Below are some key tips you can use to achieve similar results.
Ways to reduce electricity and gas costs
In our home, winter brings a significant increase in energy bills. Without air-conditioning, we rely on gas heaters for the living rooms and small electric heaters for the bedrooms.
Additionally, our heated towel racks are frequently used during this time.
Corrigan introduced us to Energy Made Easy, a free, independent price comparison website operated by the Australian Energy Regulator.
This platform displays each offer in a consistent format, making it straightforward to compare and find the best deal.
Keep a couple of recent electricity and gas bills on hand. Then, follow the prompts on the website to find plans available in your area.
Compare the price per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity or megajoule (MJ) for gas, along with the daily connection fee. Additionally, check the commitment period, any special discounts or fees, and whether a smart meter is required.
As Corrigan points out, “If you don’t shop around, your retailer will simply keep increasing the rate per kWh and MJ that you’re paying.”
You may find a plan that saves you hundreds of dollars annually. However, before switching, check if there’s an exit fee on your current plan.
Additionally, ensure you thoroughly review the fine print of the new plan. This step is crucial to avoid unexpected costs or conditions.
Ways to save money by upgrading your hot water system
According to Corrigan, the hot water system is the largest energy drain in our homes. It typically accounts for at least 23 percent of energy use.
Moreover, if you have a gas system like we do, costs are rising significantly.
“There is no such thing as renewable gas,” Corrigan explains. “It’s a finite resource, and the price will inevitably increase.”
Heat pump systems are more cost-effective and produce lower greenhouse gas emissions. They are particularly efficient if you have solar panels.
However, heat pumps are more expensive to purchase compared to other systems.
Fortunately, you might qualify for a government rebate if you install a small-scale, renewable energy system. For more details, visit energy.gov.au/rebates.
Ways to enhance your insulation
If you’re unsure about the insulation quality in your home, and if your roof or sub-floor spaces are easily accessible, inspect them yourself.
Put on old clothes, grab a flashlight, and check for two key things: Is there insulation present, and are there any gaps?
Corrigan notes that even a five percent gap in insulation coverage can reduce its effectiveness by half.
“It’s like putting a blanket over yourself in bed and then cutting holes in it,” he explains. “It just doesn’t work!”
When selecting insulation, the most crucial factor is the R-value. This measures how well a material resists heat flow.
Australian building codes generally recommend a minimum R-value of R4.1 for ceiling insulation, though requirements may vary by climate zone.
In general, a higher R-value means better insulation and lower power bills.
You can choose to install insulation yourself or hire a professional. Just ensure you follow the safety instructions provided by the suppliers.
Ways to improve draught-proofing
Draughts are a significant cause of heat loss during winter and allow hot air to enter in summer.
In addition to obvious gaps under doors, chimneys, and bathroom or laundry vents, inspect around windows, skirting boards, and skylights.
Look for visible light, the sensation of air on your fingertips, or even a whistling wind sound. These are all signs of draughts.
Corrigan explains that when all gaps are combined, the average Australian home effectively has a hole the size of one square metre.
After identifying draughts, you’ll need to choose appropriate gap-fillers.
Draught stripping, or draught excluders, can be used for doorways and windows. Options include self-adhesive strips, brush strips, foam, and rubber seals.
These materials are readily available at hardware and specialty stores, and they are usually inexpensive and easy to install.
Consider using a self-seal casing for ceiling exhaust fans, which only opens when the fan is on. Additionally, apply transparent sealant to gaps in the skirting boards with a caulking gun.
Those heavy curtains with pelmets your grandmother used? They are actually excellent for thermal comfort.
“The reason you want pelmets is that they prevent heat exchange through the glass,” Corrigan explains.
If a traditional box pelmet isn’t your style, an invisible pelmet is a cost-effective DIY solution. It remains unobtrusive with a casual glance.
Ways to save energy at no cost
Corrigan suggests several easy ways to reduce energy usage without spending any money. These include:
Turn off lights when you leave a room.
Switch off appliances at the power point to avoid standby power consumption.
If your electricity plan uses a “time of use” tariff, operate your appliances during off-peak times.
Wash clothes in cold water and air-dry them outside, rather than using a dryer.
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full.
Take advantage of government schemes that allow you to replace old lightbulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
Clean the seals on your fridge/freezer doors and ensure they are working properly. To check, a piece of paper should stay firmly in place when the door is closed on it.
