Nine tips for energy freedom

Most of us know that installing rooftop solar panels, changing to energy-efficient LED lighting and eliminating draught-causing gaps around windows and doors will reduce our homes’ energy costs.

However, there are many other initiatives that can be taken to progressively fit or retrofit systems that will bring energy use down to zero net energy. These steps include using displays for monitoring electricity usage; taking advantage of the latest advances in heating and cooling technologies; changing a hot water system; and double- or triple-glazing windows.

While it is a straightforward process to incorporate these technologies when building a new home, the cost of replacing all the existing energy-hungry systems at the one time, in an existing home, may be a challenge. That’s why Dr Stephen Bygrave, the CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions, suggests people who are committed to generating more energy than they use “take these steps over time as their budget permits”.

Beyond Zero Emissions is a not-for-profit research and education organisation which aims to transform Australia into a renewable energy-powered, clean-tech economy. The company founded the Energy Freedom alliance in partnership with Energy Matters, Cherry LED, Knauf Insulation and Apricus Australia.

The alliance is promoting nine steps to achieving energy freedom in your home:

• Insulation. Fully insulating your home can cut your heating use by 80%.
• Rooftop solar. This gives you the power to generate your own energy.
• Lighting. LED downlights save 80% of the energy used by halogens.
• Draught proofing. Fixing draughty homes improves comfort and cuts winter heat loss by up to 25%.
• Hot water systems. As hot water accounts for up to a quarter of household energy bills, heat sourced from the sun or ambient air will help cut bills and emissions.
• In-home displays. Energy monitoring displays can save 9-15% on your energy bill.
• Heating and cooling. Solar or heat-pump hot water and reverse cycle air conditioners can save over 60% on your heating bill compared to ducted gas heating.
• Cooking and appliances. Induction cooktops use half the energy of standard electrical appliances and gas.
• Double- and triple-glazing. This reduces the heat loss and heat gain through windows and doors by up to 85%.

For more advice on how to progressively retrofit your home, visit www.energyfreedom.com.au.