Renovations provide a great opportunity to target the replacement of old technologies in your home and upgrade to more efficient lighting, appliances, and heating, cooling, and hot water systems.
Australia’s Guide To Environmentally Sustainable Homes states that there are four key areas to consider for technology upgrades:
• Heating and cooling: Heating and cooling can use up to 40 per cent of your household energy, so it makes sense to do whatever you can to reduce your heating and cooling costs. Upgrade your heating and cooling system with the highest energy star rating you can afford, one that only heats or cools rooms that are in use and can be expanded to include future additions. Windows and doors can also dramatically affect heating and cooling costs, so consider upgrading your windows, doors, and relevant accessories such as curtains, blinds, awnings, flooring and carpet.
• Hot water: Heating water for showers, baths and washing clothes can use up to 25 per cent of your household energy. Consider installing an energy-efficient heat pump or solar hot water service.
• Appliances and technology: New appliances such as fridges, dishwashers, and washing machines are far more efficient than older models and can quickly pay for themselves in energy savings. The same goes for home entertainment and office equipment. Choose the highest energy star rating when replacing appliances and technologies.
• Lighting: Choosing the right lights can reduce electricity use and downsize your bills. Replace low-efficiency incandescent or halogen lights with LED lights, which use around 80 per cent less energy.
If you want to learn more about energy saving and what else you can do at home to cut costs, head www.nsw.gov.au/energy.
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