Tips for an energy efficient 2010
EnergyAustralia is urging homeowners to investigate five steps to a more energy efficient New Year.
EnergyAustralia energy efficiency expert Paul Myors said following the steps will keep a lid on energy use, save money and cut greenhouse emissions.
"One of the first New Year’s resolutions we can make in 2010 is to use power more wisely," Mr Myors said.
‘Australian homes are getting bigger, which means more lighting, heating and cooling and we’re filling them with bigger appliances.
"By following these steps a typical household of four people can save up to $360 a year off its energy bill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 per cent.
‘The Federal Government’s phase out of energy guzzling light globes is now saving households money in lower lighting costs.
"Several extra financial incentives and rebates to help you cut energy costs even further are now also available.
Ceiling insulation and solar, gas or heat pump hot water all have generous rebates for homeowners.
"Other simple steps such as turning off appliances at the power button or better still at the power point will save up to $100 a year on energy bills.
Turning off a second fridge or switching to gas can cut costs even further."
Top five tips for a greener 2010
1. Convert your hot water system
Hot water is the biggest energy user in the home. Convert your electric hot water to solar, heat pump or natural gas and save up to 3 tonnes of C02 a year and up to $250 a year off bills. Rebates of up to $3000 are available.
2. Get rid of that old second fridge
Old fridges can use 2-3 times the electricity of a newer fridge. Getting rid of the old fridge can save up to $200 a year on bills and reduce greenhouse by up to one tonne a year.
3. Switch to gas
Gas has around one third of the greenhouse emissions of electricity. Gas heating is about 80% efficient compared to around 30% efficiency for electricity.
4. Government rebates
State and Federal Government rebates are available. Go to:-http://www.environment.nsw.qov.au/rebates/ or
http://www.environment.gov.au/rebates/
5. Switch off standby power
Standby power can account for up to 10% of household energy use. Home office and entertainment appliances are the worst offenders. Switch appliances off at the power button or better still, switch them off at the wall.
"One of the first New Year’s resolutions we can make in 2010 is to use power more wisely," Mr Myors said.
‘Australian homes are getting bigger, which means more lighting, heating and cooling and we’re filling them with bigger appliances.
"By following these steps a typical household of four people can save up to $360 a year off its energy bill and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 per cent.
‘The Federal Government’s phase out of energy guzzling light globes is now saving households money in lower lighting costs.
"Several extra financial incentives and rebates to help you cut energy costs even further are now also available.
Ceiling insulation and solar, gas or heat pump hot water all have generous rebates for homeowners.
"Other simple steps such as turning off appliances at the power button or better still at the power point will save up to $100 a year on energy bills.
Turning off a second fridge or switching to gas can cut costs even further."
Top five tips for a greener 2010
1. Convert your hot water system
Hot water is the biggest energy user in the home. Convert your electric hot water to solar, heat pump or natural gas and save up to 3 tonnes of C02 a year and up to $250 a year off bills. Rebates of up to $3000 are available.
2. Get rid of that old second fridge
Old fridges can use 2-3 times the electricity of a newer fridge. Getting rid of the old fridge can save up to $200 a year on bills and reduce greenhouse by up to one tonne a year.
3. Switch to gas
Gas has around one third of the greenhouse emissions of electricity. Gas heating is about 80% efficient compared to around 30% efficiency for electricity.
4. Government rebates
State and Federal Government rebates are available. Go to:-http://www.environment.nsw.qov.au/rebates/ or
http://www.environment.gov.au/rebates/
5. Switch off standby power
Standby power can account for up to 10% of household energy use. Home office and entertainment appliances are the worst offenders. Switch appliances off at the power button or better still, switch them off at the wall.
