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Heating and cooling
1. Consider upgrading to a new split system for heating and cooling
Heating and cooling appliances are the largest users of energy in a home. A reverse-cycle air conditioner the most cost-effective and energy-efficient ways to provide heating and cooling for your home in one system, for year-round comfort. If you already have a split system air-conditioner, start using it for heating instead of your existing gas or electric heating to save on bills and to help our environment. Find out if you're eligible for the $1,000 rebate at Heating Upgrades Victoria.
2. Reduce the space you heat or cool
Shut doors to areas you’re not using and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time instead of the whole home. Smaller spaces cost less to heat and cool.
3. Close blinds/curtains
Make sure your curtains or blinds seal your windows properly to keep the heat inside during winter. In summer keep your curtains or blinds close during the day to keep the sun off your windows so your home will remain cooler.
4. Adjust room temperature
Air conditioners and heaters are the biggest users of energy in the home. Set the temperature to 24-26°C in Summer and 18- 20°C in Winter. Every degree can add 10 per cent on to your bills.
Hot Water Unit
5. Rebates
Solar Victoria provides rebates for more than just solar (pv) panels. You can access up to a $1,000 rebate for installing solar hot water and heat pump hot water systems. You can apply for this rebate even if you’ve already claimed a solar PV rebate through Solar Homes program. For more information and to apply please visit Solar Hot Water Rebate.
6. Use hot water efficiently
Water heating is the next largest user of energy in the home. Limit the use of hot water by washing clothes in cold water, using eco settings in dishwashers and taking shorter showers. If your hot water system needs replacing consider an electric heat pump and check Victorian Government rebates (see section below).
7. Use free alternatives to a dryer
To save money and reduce your energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, dry clothes on a clothesline or clothes horse/airer instead of in a dryer.
Other ways to be energy efficient
8. Get the best energy deal (and the $250 Power Saving Bonus)
You may not be receiving the best offer on your electricity and gas bill. Call your energy retailer and request to be put on their best offer or compare all offers in the market at Energy Compare. The average Victorian home can save $330 a year. And you can access a one off $250 Power Saving Bonus.
9. Insulate your roof
An insulated ceiling can make a big difference to your energy bills. Effective ceiling insulation can save you up to 20 per cent on your cooling and heating costs.
10. Seal draughts
Cracks under doors and around window frames can also let a lot of cold air into your home in winter (or let hot air in in summer). Simple draught sealing or ‘door snake’ products from hardware stores can make a big difference to home comfort.
11. Unplug appliances that you don't use
Empty and turn off a second fridge when not needed. A second fridge/freezer could easily be costing $200 or more a year to run. Do not locate it in a hot garage or veranda.
Additional steps
12. Invest In solar panels
Solar systems reduce electricity bills and help our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Council’s Solar Roll-out program makes it easier for Hume households to install solar and access generous rebates Hume Solar Roll Out.
13. Consider GreenPower
GreenPower is renewable energy (such as wind power and solar power) from government-accredited sources. Choosing to buy carbon neutral GreenPower from your electricity retailer may cost a little more but often savings from energy efficiency measures in your home can more than cover this cost. And the Vic Energy Compare website can help you compare GreenPower options too. You can select the amount of GreenPower that works for your budget.
14. Use efficient appliances & transition to all electric
When buying new appliances always compare energy use to make sure you are getting a good value option. If you have appliances that run on gas consider transitioning to fully electric when these appliances need replacing. The priority order for replacement is in order of energy use: heating, hot water, oven and cook-top. For more information see Renew website.
More information
Visit the Australian Government's Your Energy Savings web page, Sustainability Victoria's energy saving web page and the Consumer Policy Research Centre's Energy Info Hub for more tips.
Council has created three videos on energy saving in the home in alternate languages:
- Energy saving in the home in Arabic
- Energy saving in the home in Assyrian
- Energy saving in the home in Turkish