If you live in Melbourne, or another of Australia’s southern states, you probably experienced a pretty chilly winter and subsequently high power bill!
Australians are used to scorching temperatures, but many Australian homes lack adequate thermal efficiency compared to countries with colder climates in Europe and North America. But during colder months, Australian’s use more energy to warm and light their homes, and during warmer months, inefficiently try to cool their homes.
Fortunately, there are many innovative ways to slash that power bill for good and make your home more energy efficient. By using a range of smart technologies, do-it-yourself changes, and quick wins around the home, you’ll be living an eco-friendly lifestyle and your power bills will decrease in no time.
Not only is having an energy efficient home important for the health of your family, the value of your home, and keeping your power bills low, it’s also important for reducing the impact our lifestyles have on the planet.
Here are some easy ways to make your home more energy efficient:
1. Start composting your food scraps
Keep your organic food waste and make your own compost pile, creating a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden, and reducing the amount of waste that would otherwise end up at the rubbish tip.
2. Seal your windows
Using a silicone gun, seal all cracks and leaks where warm air could escape or cold air could enter your home to lower your power bills and reduce heat wastage.
3. Turn off the tap
Be more conscious of your water wastage when brushing teeth, shaving, washing dishes and washing clothes. Only wash full loads in your washing machine. Also, showering uses significantly more water than bathing. You can also install low-flow taps to reduce water wastage.
4. Replace your light bulbs
A quick way to make some energy-savings around the home is to replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) or CFL (compact fluorescent lamps) are more energy efficient than standard bulbs.
5. Unplug unnecessary appliances
Microwaves, jugs, toasters, lamps, washing machines, phone chargers and more are typically all left switched on even when not in use. Although the energy wastage is quite small for each appliance, collectively this can represent a more significant overall wastage each year, and can make a noticeable difference to your power bill should you opt to unplug these when not in use.
6. Install solar panels
Although solar panels are a more expensive solution initially, over time, solar panels can represent a significant reduction in your power bill. Solar powers more than pay for themselves over their lifespan, and are an eco-friendly energy source to heat and power your home.
7. Buy energy efficient appliances
There are many appliances on the market with energy-efficiency ratings, so it’s now easier than ever to purchase the right appliance to lower your energy use. Look for the Energy Star rating on refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, televisions, heat pumps, air conditioning units and more.
8. Change your appliance settings
Reducing your thermostat by a few degrees won’t make too much of a noticeable difference to your home, but a significant difference to your power bill. During colder months, wear an extra layer of clothing and cosy up on the couch with a blanket instead of turning the heat pump right up.
9. Create your own draught stoppers
An easy do-it-yourself solution, sew your own draught stoppers to stop warm air escaping through gaps at the bottom of your door. You can even use some old pillow cases and sheets for a truly cost-effective solution.
10. Install insulation in your ceiling
Another slightly costlier solution, but a valuable addition to your home, ceiling insulation will keep warm air in your home where it should be. Before you install ceiling insulation, you will need to bird proof your home to make sure there are no pesky birds or other critters making a home in your attic, as they can damage insulation work and render it ineffective. Aussie Gutter Protection are Melbourne’s leading bird proofing service and can bird proof your home for good.
Aussie Gutter Protection can also help you with a range of options for ensuring the health of your family and your home. Talk to their specialist team about gutter guard protection in Melbourne and a customized bird-proofing plan for your home.
