Energy Coach - July

Here we are, right in the middle of winter, paying the price for not optimising our homes in preparation for these colder months. But it's not too late - now is an opportune time to maximise energy efficiency in your home. This not only keeps your home comfortable but also helps save on energy bills. Here are some seasonal tips and practical advice, covering short-term and long-term strategies to enhance energy efficiency in Australian homes during July.

Subscribe to Bill Hero

Not a subscriber yet? What are you waiting for! Never overpay for energy again! Bill Hero automatically compares every bill to help keep you always on the best priced plan.

Subscribe to Bill Hero

Short-Term Tips for Immediate Energy Savings

1. Optimize Heating Systems

• Use Programmable Thermostats: Set your thermostat to lower temperatures when you are not home or at night. Programming it to a comfortable level at home ensures efficiency without compromising comfort.
• Zone Heating: Only heat the rooms you are using. Close doors to unused rooms and use space heaters to avoid heating the entire house.

Get in the Zone

Zoned heating systems are a big investment, but can pay off over time, by keeping heating costs down while making sure your home stays comfortable.

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

2. Improve Insulation and Sealing

• Seal Drafts: Check for drafts around windows, doors, and other openings. Use weather stripping, caulk, or draft stoppers to seal any gaps. This prevents warm air from escaping and cold air from entering.

Close the door on draughts

One of the quickest and easiest ways to improve the thermal efficiency of your home is to stop drafts from around your door

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

• Curtains and Blinds: Close curtains and blinds in the evening to add an extra layer of insulation and retain heat. During the day, open them to let sunlight naturally warm your home.

It’s Curtains for Cold

Curtains are more than cosmetic - they can minimise heat transfer through your windows, keeping your home more comfortable year round.

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

3. Efficient Use of Appliances

• Smart Use of Heaters: Use electric blankets or heated throws as a personal heating solution. They are more efficient than heating an entire room.
• Optimize Hot Water Usage: Set your water heater to a lower temperature (around 60°C). Take shorter showers and use cold water for laundry when possible.

Hot Water Systems

Hot water is one of the most important household appliances. Here’s how to navigate the complexities of hot water systems, focusing on energy efficiency and safety.

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

4. Lighting

• Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs. These use less energy and last longer, reducing both energy consumption and replacement costs.

LED Lighting

Shed a Light on Savings: Why You Should Switch to LED Lighting in Your Home Today!

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

• Use Natural Light: Take advantage of natural light during the day. Position mirrors to reflect light into darker areas and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Maximise Energy Efficiency with Curtains, Blinds, and Window Shutters

Strategic use of curtains, blinds, and window shutters can play a pivotal role in temperature regulation and energy efficiency.

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

Long-Term Strategies for Sustainable Energy Efficiency

1. Upgrade Insulation

• Roof and Wall Insulation: Investing in high-quality insulation for your roof and walls can significantly reduce heat loss. This keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, leading to substantial energy savings year-round.

Insulation

Insulation is the single most important thing for minimising energy consumption in your home. Here’s everything you need to know.

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

• Double Glazing Windows: Double glazing windows provide better insulation compared to single glazing. They help in reducing heat loss in winter and keep your home cooler in summer.

Energy-Efficient Windows: A Smart Investment for Long-term Savings

Although the initial investment for double-glazed or energy-efficient windows can be significant, the long-term savings and comfort is worth it.

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

2. Energy-Efficient Heating Systems

• Heat Pumps: Consider installing a heat pump, which is one of the most energy-efficient heating and cooling systems available. They use less electricity compared to traditional electric heaters and provide consistent warmth.
• Radiant Floor Heating: This is an effective and efficient way to heat your home, as it evenly distributes heat from the floor up. Though the initial installation cost can be high, it pays off in the long run with reduced energy bills.

3. Renewable Energy Solutions

• Solar Panels: Installing solar panels can significantly cut your electricity bills. They generate electricity from sunlight, which can power your home during the day. Any excess energy can be stored in batteries or fed back into the grid for credits.
• Solar Hot Water Systems: These systems use solar energy to heat water, which can be a significant portion of your energy use. They are particularly effective in Australia, given the ample sunlight available.

SolarQuotes

Bill Hero has partnered with SolarQuotes, the leading Solar quote provider in Australia, to help you get up to 3 no obligation solar quotes from fully qualified installers, absolutely for free.

Get your SolarQuote

4. Smart Home Technology

• Home Automation Systems: Invest in smart home technology that allows you to control heating, lighting, and appliances remotely. This ensures you use energy only when needed and can lead to significant savings.

Smart Home Cooling Systems: Revolutionising Energy Efficiency

Smart home cooling systems offer precise control and improved efficiency. These systems not only cool homes more effectively but also adapt to user habits and preferences, leading to smarter energy use.

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

Practical Advice for Energy Efficiency

1. Regular Maintenance

• Service Heating Systems: Ensure your heating systems are serviced regularly to maintain their efficiency. Clean filters and check for any issues that might reduce their performance.
• Check Insulation: Over time, insulation can degrade or be damaged. Regularly check your insulation and replace or repair as needed to maintain its effectiveness.

2. Behavioral Changes

• Dress Warmly: Wear appropriate clothing indoors during winter to reduce the need for excessive heating. Layering clothes and using warm socks and slippers can keep you comfortable without turning up the heat.
• Use Rugs: Placing rugs on cold floors can add an extra layer of insulation and make your home feel warmer.

3. Energy Audits

• Professional Energy Audits: Consider hiring a professional to conduct an energy audit of your home. They can identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved and recommend specific actions.
• DIY Energy Checks: Perform a DIY energy check by looking for drafts, checking insulation, and identifying energy-hungry appliances. Simple fixes can lead to immediate improvements.

Home Energy Audits: A Comprehensive Guide

To make progress on home energy efficiency, you’ll need to do an energy audit. Here’s how.

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

Seasonal Tips for July

1. Winter Proofing Your Home

• Chimney and Fireplace: If you have a fireplace, ensure the chimney is clean and the damper is closed when not in use to prevent warm air from escaping.
• Covering Windows: Use heavy curtains or thermal blinds to cover windows at night. This helps retain heat and adds a layer of insulation.

Maximise Energy Efficiency with Curtains, Blinds, and Window Shutters

Strategic use of curtains, blinds, and window shutters can play a pivotal role in temperature regulation and energy efficiency.

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy

Conclusion

Maximizing energy efficiency in your Australian home in July requires a combination of immediate actions and long-term investments. By optimizing your heating systems, improving insulation, using energy-efficient appliances, and adopting renewable energy solutions, you can significantly reduce your energy bills while keeping your home comfortable. Implementing these seasonal tips and practical advice not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Have your say

Got opinions about July energy efficiency? Have your say in the comments, but please first read and understand our Community Guidelines.

Bill Hero Community Guidelines

Welcome to the Bill Hero community, a space for you to engage with other members, share knowledge and experiences, and share what content you enjoyed the most.

Savings as a ServiceRichard Foxworthy