How to make your home greener
Households are being urged to make 2008 a greener year by following a few steps around the home.
EnergyAustralia energy efficiency expert Paul Myors said being energy efficient was one the simplest ways for all households to help combat climate change.
“Using electricity more wisely is one of the best New Year’s resolutions we can all make,” Mr Myors said.
“It only takes a few simple steps for homes to cut their greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 per cent.
“That’s just like taking your family car off the road for the year. That’s a deep cut of CO2 in anyone’s language.
“And to make your New Year even greener, use the money you save on your electricity bill to buy GreenPower and help make an even bigger impact by supporting renewable energy.”
A typical Australian household of four people produces the equivalent of about 10 tonnes of CO2 a year. However, by following the steps below, it is estimated that this figure can be cut by about 30 per cent a year.
Steps for a greener 2008:
1. Don’t leave appliances in standby mode – save up to $50 per year and 0.4 tonnes of CO2. New plasma televisions use about four times the amount of electricity than standard televisions, so make sure when they are not in use that you turn them off at the power button, not the remote.
2. Use energy efficient light bulbs – save up to $50 per year and 0.4 tonnes of CO2. CFLs use about 80 per cent less energy and last up to eight times longer compared with standard bulbs.
3. Don’t over-heat or over-cool rooms – save around $50 per year and 0.4 tonnes of CO2. The most energy-efficient temperature setting for your air conditioner is between 23 and 26 degrees in summer and about 18 and 21 degrees for heating in winter.
4. Use the clothesline whenever the sun shines – save up to $40 per year and 0.3 tonnes of CO2. Clothes driers use about 15 times more energy than your washing machine for each cycle. So when it’s sunny use your clothes line or clothes horse.
5. Get rid of that old second fridge – save up to $200 per year and 1.6 tonnes of CO2. About 30 per cent of homes have more than one fridge. If you don’t won’t to get rid of your second fridge, try running it only when you think you need it.
6. Shave two minutes off your shower – save up to $100 per year and 0.8 tonnes of CO2. There are more than 2.6 million electric hot water systems in NSW. They are the most greenhouse-intensive way to heat water in the home. When you turn on your electric hot water system it is like turning on 200 TVs all at once.
If these tips don’t suit your home, go to www.energy.com.au/efficiency for more advice to help save money and energy.
