Appliances, systems and lighting
Energy use is also affected by the services, lighting and appliances that you buy when the building and renovating is over.
If you do spend a little extra on items such as energy efficient appliances, heating systems and hot water systems, they will quickly pay for themselves through significant energy and cost savings in the long-term.
Pick the right size
When choosing an appliance, you should first think about the type and size that will match your needs, and then compare the star rating of a range of suitable models.
Star ratings only compare appliances of similar sizes. A large appliance with a high number of stars will be energy-efficient for its size. But it may still use more energy than a smaller appliance.
Look for the stars
It's now compulsory for manufacturers to put energy rating labels on dishwashers, airconditioners, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and clothes dryers. The label has a number showing the kilowatt hours the appliance uses per year and a star rating of between one and six.
The more stars you see, the less energy you use, and the more money you will save. Select products with the highest water efficiency and energy star rating. An improvement of only one star can mean savings of 10 to 30 percent on running costs.
There is a gas energy rating label that shows gas efficiency for room heaters, ducted heating systems and water heaters. This label also displays a star rating (up to six) and a figure showing the average gas consumption.
Install the right lighting
With larger houses and more lights per house, the energy we use in lighting is increasing in Australia. Most homes could probably reduce the amount of energy they use for lighting by 50 percent or more.
The type of lighting you choose will affect the amount of electricity that you use, your electricity bill and your greenhouse gas emissions.
Compact fluorescent globes use about 75 percent less energy and last up to eight times longer than standard globes.
The higher the wattage of a lamp, the higher the running cost. Compact fluorescent bulbs produce the same light as incandescent bulbs but they have a lower wattage and lower running costs.
More on energy efficient lighting
Think solar
A photovoltaic system (solar panels) allows you to create your own clean energy from sunlight. It can generate around a third of the electricity required in an average Victorian household.
Building and renovating is the perfect time to consider installing solar electricity (photovoltaic) or a solar hot water system. It will add value to your home and you may qualify for a government rebate .
Switch to GreenPower
Building or renovating is an ideal time to call your energy retailer and ask for energy which is sourced from the sun, wind, hydro and biomass.
By switching to GreenPower, you can immediately cut your household greenhouse gases by up to 70 percent and help reduce the impact of climate change.
GreenPower is independently audited and government guaranteed to ensure your contribution is helping to increase renewable energy projects in Australia.
Quick Action: Staying Cool
Fans keep temperatures down, move air through the house and only use a fraction of the energy.
