Tips on how to lower your energy bill

ARTICLE Rob Sodeau

An energy efficient home, is a home that uses the least amount of energy as ‘practical’.

The creation of an energy efficient home is easier than you think if you consider the following points:

Insulation

• Ensure that your roof space, walls and floors are adequately insulated. This will keep you warm in winter and cool in summer.
• If using a concrete slab, ensure its edges are insulated.
• Use thermally lined curtains.
• Install a thermal wrap on water cylinder and pipe work.
• Upgrade to double glazing.
• Damp-proof wooden floors.

Electrical

• Install LED lighting throughout your house.
• It pays to know where your energy is being consumed. An energy monitoring system can advise you on a circuit-by-circuit basis.
• Purchase appliances with the highest energy star ratings you can find.
• Consider generating your own electricity for use during the day with a solar electrical system. These are easily installed on the roof and can even store energy in batteries for those times when the sun isn’t shining.

Water

• Invest in a hot water heat pump. Our favourite system can also be linked to any solar array.
• Purchase appliances with the highest WELS ratings you can find.
• For existing showers, purchase a flow-control valve to restrict water wastage and use a low-flow showerhead.
   

You might be interested in reading: Choosing the right outdoor lighting.
 

This home renovation advice by Rob Sodeau article featured on page 37 in Issue 017 of Renovate Magazine. Renovate Magazine is an easy to use resource providing fresh inspiration and motivation at every turn of the page.

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*All information is believed to be true at time of publishing and is subject to change.