Energy Coach - August

Winter's chilly grip begins to loosen in August, presenting a unique opportunity to focus on energy efficiency in our homes. It may seem like a dream, but warmer weather is on the horizon, and now is a good time to implement strategies to save energy immediately, and prepare for the heat of summer. This article provides a comprehensive guide to maximising energy efficiency in Australian homes during August, offering both immediate solutions and long-term investments.

Quick wins to improve energy efficiency

Optimise Heating

The easiest and simplest heating optimisation strategy has three main steps:

Close doors and stop draughts so you'll heat only the minimal area in your home that you actually use
Dial down your thermostat to maintain an acceptable moderate temperature
Make sure your heating system is well maintained so it can perform efficiently.

It's tempting to dial up the heating on a cold day, but remember that every extra degree of heat in your home can cost an additional 10% on your energy bills, and also consider that temperature ramp-up makes your heating system work hard, which will limit its lifespan.

If you live in a place where temperatures plunge overnight, it can be more efficient to leave the system running overnight, but set to a low temperature - say at or below 16°C. This will mean that your system won't need to work so hard to bring the temperature up from near zero in the mornings,

Whatever you might set your overnight temperature to, set thermostats to no more than 20°C for good energy efficiency. That's warm enough to beat the chill; all you'll need is an extra layer to stay snug. Every degree of heat costs money.

Probably the easiest and most effective maintenance task is also the most commonly ignored: cleaning your heating system filters.

When was the last time you cleaned the filters in your reverse-cycle air-conditioning unit?

The more dust that builds up on the filter, the less air can get through and the more expensive your system is going to be to run.

For optimal performance, you should clean your filters every two or three weeks. It might sound like a lot of work, but it's actually very easy.

You can dust off the filters with a soft brush, use the brush nozzle on your vacuum cleaner, or wash them in warm, soapy water and dry them in the sun.

Harness Natural Warmth

Make the most of whatever warmth is available by opening curtains and blinds during sunny days to let natural heat in, then close them immediately at sunset to retain warmth.

Smart Appliance Usage

Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full, using cold water as the default.

Air-dry your clothes outside as weather permits, and avoid energy-intensive dryers.

Efficient Lighting

Replace any remaining incandescent bulbs with LED alternatives. Maximize natural light during the day, and install motion sensors for outdoor lighting.

Water Heating Efficiency

Lower your hot water system temperature to 60°C if it's set higher.

Fix any leaking hot water taps promptly.

Cook Smart

Use lids on pots and pans to reduce cooking times.

Opt for smaller appliances like slow cookers or electric pressure cookers for energy-efficient meal preparation, and plan meals that don't require the oven.

Layer Up (For Now)

Continue wearing warm clothing indoors to reduce reliance on heating, and use throws and blankets in living areas for added warmth without increasing energy use.

Long-Term Strategies for Sustained Efficiency

Insulation Upgrades

Assess your home's insulation in the roof, walls, and floors, and consider adding or upgrading insulation to meet current standards.

Don't forget to insulate hot water pipes to minimize heat loss.

Window Improvements

Install double-glazed windows or add secondary glazing to existing windows.

Apply window tinting or low-e coatings to reduce heat gain in summer. Consider installing external blinds or awnings for better temperature control.

Solar Power Installation

August is an excellent time to plan for solar panel installation - if you get on with it now, you can be up and running during the peak solar generation months of summer.

Research government incentives and rebates available for solar systems.

Consider battery storage options to maximize the benefits of your solar installation.

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Efficient Heating & Cooling Systems

If you're planning to install air conditioning, choose a high-efficiency reverse cycle system.

Look for models with high energy star ratings, and consider zoned systems to cool only occupied areas.

Smart Home Technology

Install a smart thermostat to optimize heating and cooling schedules. Use smart power strips to eliminate standby power consumption.

Implement a home energy management system to monitor and control energy use.

Ceiling Fans

Install energy-efficient ceiling fans to improve air circulation.

These can be used in conjunction with air conditioning and heating to improve efficiency in summer and winter.

Hot Water System Upgrade

Consider replacing old electric storage systems with heat pump or solar hot water systems. These can significantly reduce energy consumption for water heating.

Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

Plan and plant deciduous trees on the northern side of your home for natural shading in summer, while still letting light and warmth through in winter.

Create windbreaks with dense plantings on the southern side to protect from cold winter winds.

Landscaping for energy efficiency can take years to really pay off, but it's a very effective strategy that will deliver increasing returns into the future.

Preparing for the Warmer Months Ahead

Air Conditioning Maintenance

Schedule a professional service for your air conditioning system before summer hits.

Natural Ventilation

Install or repair flyscreens on windows and doors to allow for natural ventilation without insects.

Consider installing ceiling vents or whirlybirds to improve air circulation and reduce heat buildup in the roof space.

Practical Advice for Implementation

Energy Audit

Conduct a DIY energy audit or hire a professional to identify areas for improvement. This can help prioritise your energy efficiency investments.

Behavior Changes

Educate all household members about energy-saving habits. Create a checklist of daily and seasonal energy-saving tasks.

Monitor and Adjust

Use smart meters or energy monitoring devices to track your consumption. Regularly review and adjust your energy-saving strategies based on the data.

Stay Informed

Keep up-to-date with new energy-saving technologies and practices. Attend local workshops or webinars on home energy efficiency.

Conclusion

August and September are transitional months for energy efficiency in Australian homes, offering the chance to achieve immediate savings and set yourself up with longer-term strategies. By focusing on a mix of behaviour changes, smart upgrades, and forward-thinking investments, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and costs.

Have your say

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