Page 17 - Living Gems Thrive | June 2024
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Close blinds, curtains and doors Maintain air-conditioning systems
during very hot or cold days Regular maintenance of air
Sunlight can significantly increase conditioners ensures they operate
the temperature inside your home. efficiently and use less energy.
Keep blinds and curtains closed
during very hot days, especially Reducing hot water
during the hottest part of the day,
to block out solar heat. The same is Heating water is one of the biggest
true for chilly days when you want to energy users when washing clothes.
keep warm inside the house. Washing in cold water saves energy
and money. However, be aware that
some machines need both hot and
Use fans strategically cold water to function properly.
Ceiling fans commonly consume less
electricity than air-conditioning units
and can be effective in cooling down Use efficient appliances
rooms when used correctly during Appliances can account for around
hot days. Ensure they are turned off 25 percent of home energy use, so
in unoccupied rooms. choosing the most energy-efficient
appliance can bring savings. If it
is time to replace old appliances,
Set air conditioning efficiently opt for energy-efficient ones.
If using air conditioning, set the Look for the ENERGY STAR label
thermostat as high as comfortably when choosing appliances such as
possible. Each degree higher fridges, washing machines, dryers,
or lower can save on cooling televisions, and computer screens.
and heating costs. Consider
programming the thermostat to For instance, a 600-litre fridge rated
adjust temperatures for the season. at 1-star costs approximately $2000
annually. The same fridge, rated
at 8 stars, costs around $950 per
Use solar energy annum to run, which is around half
when it is abundant the running costs of the less efficient
Consider scheduling activities like appliance.
baking, stovetop cooking, using
dishwashers, washing machines, and
dryers when the solar PV system is
producing at its peak (between 9am
and 4pm). This will help maximise
the amount of clean and cheap
electricity used.
However, during overcast and
humid days, when solar panels are Energy and water rating calculators
not producing as much electricity,
consider minimising these activities The Australian Government has created
(at least during the hottest part of energy and water rating calculators that will
the day), given these activities can allow you to compare products, including sizes
add extra heat to your home, thus and options, and see the savings.
increasing the need for more cooling.
Energy Rating Calculator
bit.ly/4dGbbrx
WELS - Product Search
bit.ly/3yuEX2n
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