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As we head into cooler weather, Energy Coach has you covered with quick wins for maximising energy efficiency in March, coupled with longer-term solutions that will pay off year round.
Welcome the the March edition of the Energy Coach newsletter. Energy Coach is Bill Hero's energy efficiency sidekick - while Bill Hero helps you minimise your bills, Energy Coach helps you with the other side of the energy savings coin, minimising your energy consumption.
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March straddles the line between sun-drenched summer and the crisp cool of autumn, offering a unique opportunity to recalibrate your energy habits. This transition period is not only a time to relish the changing colours of nature but also a great opportunity to enhance your home's energy efficiency before the colder weather really begins to bite.
Let's dive into a mix of short- and long-term strategies to boost your home's energy efficiency this March, ensuring comfort, savings, and sustainability.
Quick Wins: March-Specific Energy Efficiency Tips
1. Master Your Thermostat
As the heat of the summer begins to wane, so should your dependence on air conditioning. Adjusting your thermostat to reflect the cooler evenings can result in significant savings. Aim for a comfortable 24°C during the day, and turn it off at night, if it gets cool, you can rely on your blankets.
2. Let Nature Do the Work
March is the perfect month to leverage natural ventilation. Open your windows in the early mornings and late evenings to allow the cool breeze to circulate through your home, reducing the need for artificial cooling.
Inspect your home for any leaks or drafts, especially around doors and windows. Simple weather-stripping or caulking can seal these leaks, preventing warm air from entering and keeping your home cooler without the air conditioner's help.
4. Light the Way Efficiently
As daylight hours start to decrease, efficient lighting becomes more important. Do you still have any incandescent bulbs? Replace them with LED lights! LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.
With the changing season, reassess how you use your appliances. Run your heat-generating appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and dryers during the cooler parts of the day. This minimizes indoor heat during the day, keeping your home cooler.
Long-Term Strategies for Sustained Efficiency
1. Invest in Insulation
Proper insulation in your attic, walls, and floors will keep your home naturally cooler in the warmer months and warmer when it cools down.
It's a longer-term investment, but its the single most important thing you can do to improve the thermal efficiency of your home, and the energy savings and comfort it brings are unmatched.
Double-glazed or low-emissivity (low-E) windows will significantly reduce energy transfer, keeping your home temperate and reducing reliance on heating and cooling systems. It's an upgrade that may take some time to budget for, but will pay dividends in comfort and savings year-round.
March's milder weather is ideal for installing solar panels. Solar energy can power your home efficiently, reducing your reliance on the grid and cutting energy costs. With various government incentives available, it's an investment worth considering.
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Transitioning to a heat pump hot water system can be a game-changer for your energy bills. By extracting heat from the air to warm your water, it uses significantly less electricity than traditional hot water systems. It’s a sustainable choice that aligns with the cooler months ahead.
Investing in smart home technology, such as programmable thermostats, can optimize your heating and cooling systems, ensuring they're only in use when necessary. Smart plugs and energy monitors can also provide insights into your usage patterns, helping you make more informed energy choices.
Start Small, but Think Big: Begin with the immediate wins. Simple changes like adjusting your thermostat, sealing leaks, and optimizing natural ventilation can have an instant impact on your energy consumption.
Plan for the Future: Consider the long-term strategies as investments in your home's future and the planet's well-being. While some initiatives may take time to implement and yield results, the benefits of reduced energy bills and increased comfort levels are enduring.
Seek Expert Advice: For larger projects like insulation, window upgrades, or solar panel installation, professional advice can tailor solutions to your home’s specific needs, ensuring optimal energy efficiency.
Stay Informed: Keep abreast of the latest energy-saving technologies and government incentives. Energy efficiency is an evolving field, with new opportunities for savings and sustainability emerging regularly.
Conclusion
March in Australia is not just a bridge between seasons but a beacon for energy efficiency opportunities. By embracing immediate strategies and planning for long-term improvements, homeowners can enjoy a more comfortable, sustainable, and cost-effective living environment. Let this March be the month you commit to making your home an exemplar of energy efficiency, reaping the benefits now and in the future. Remember, every step towards energy efficiency is a step towards a healthier planet and a more sustainable lifestyle.
Have your say
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Here are some seasonal tips and practical advice covering short-term wins and longer-term investments to optimise energy efficiency in your home this November.
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Richard Foxworthy
