So, you’ve bought your home and may be interested in adding environmentally friendly energy and water efficient features to help save money on your utility bills and reduce your impact on the environment. Did you know that you can start small?
Appliances
Electricity
Choosing energy efficient appliances for big ticket items that you often use such as a fridge, dryer or even TV can make a difference. The best way to determine appliances energy efficiency is to examine the Energy Rating Label. The stars at the top of the label work as a ratings system and the higher the number of stars with the background shaded red means the product is more energy efficient. If you are searching for an appliance to buy, the Star Rating System is a handy way to visually compare your appliance options energy efficiency. On the bottom half of the label is the Energy consumption kWh per year which is the amount of electricity the appliance will use in a year. Here, a lower number means the appliance is more energy efficient.
To learn more about Energy Rating Labels click here.
Water
The best way to determine appliances water efficiency is to examine the Water Rating Label. On the top half of the label, the higher the number of stars with the background shaded blue indicates the product is more water efficient. It is also a handy way to visually compare your appliance options water efficiency. The bottom half of the label shows the Rate of Water consumption. Water consumption differs with product type. To learn more about Water Consumption with different products click here. A lower number indicates the product consumes less water.
LED Lights
Lights are essential and replacing your traditional incandescent light bulbs and some halogen light bulbs with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can reduce your home's energy consumption. LEDs also last longer which can have a positive impact on waste as they do not need to be replaced as often.
To learn more about switching to LEDs click here.
Other features to consider
Installing the following features in your home can help make it more energy efficient, saving you money and reducing the impact on the environment:
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems / Solar Panels
- Solar battery storage system
- Rain / Storm Water Tank
- Energy efficient LED lights in over 75% of the property
- Certified double-glazed windows
- Solar hot water system
- Solar pool heating system
- Home insulation that meets government standards for your geographic area
- Split systems, evaporative cooler or star rated zoned air conditioning units with either a minimum energy rating 4/6 stars or minimum 6/10 stars
- 5 Star + Gas or Electric Heating
- Curtains
