It may seem that energy bills are always on the rise and it’s a constant battle to keep the bills in a manageable state. This can be stressful for homeowners especially with large families, but the good news is there are certain ways you can fight back and turn your home into an energy efficient powerhouse.
You might have to invest a little at the start, but you’ll reap this money back tenfold by enjoying lower energy bills in the future. With a few small changes in your home, you can have extra cash each month and create a cleaner, greener home. Take a look at the top ways you can make your home more energy efficient.
Harness the Power of the Sun
With the majority of Australia receiving more than 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, it goes without saying that installing solar panels would be a good move! Using the sun’s rays to power your home will drastically reduce your bills and will have a positive effect on the environment.
Choose Quality Window Covers
It’s estimated that around 30% of heat is gained in the summer and lost during the winter through inefficient windows. Choose from either; good quality customised roller blinds or curtains all of which need to be made to measure and to fit snugly so they insulate your window space. Consider placing awnings on the outside of the windows that are sun facing.
Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
If you have a large family, it can be tough policing everyone and making sure every switch and light is turned off all the time. LED lights last longer and use less energy than the usual light bulbs. They’re said to last 35-50 times longer than compact fluorescent lamps and 2-5 times longer than fluorescent lights.
Insulate Your Home
Reports show that one third of your energy cost is lost through the walls and ceilings so insulating these areas will make your home more energy efficient. If you fail to insulate, heat will escape in the winter and get in during the summer. Investing in insulation is advised and will help to reduce energy bills in the future.
Update Your Old Hot Water System
Old hot water systems will deplete a lot more energy to do their job efficiently. Today you can opt for an energy efficient hot water system, which can have a great effect on your energy consumption. There are many to choose from which will suit different household sizes and budgets.
