Australian households every year generate almost 1/5 of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions. That’s more than 15 tonnes per household each year through everyday activites such as:
- Transport
- Household energy use
- Household waste in landfills
Household heating and cooling appliances
Space heating and cooling generate a further 14% of GHG emission and approximately 39% - 50% of toal energy use within the home.
Household hot water heating
Hot water heating is also a very significant contributor to total Greenhouse gas – 28% GHG emissions are generated from this one appliance, while 27% of the total energy used within a home comes from the hot water appliance.
To make the right purchase decision you must take into consideration:
- Cost comparisons
- Short term costs
- Long term costs and benefits
- Operational running costs
- Time and logistical restraints
- Product servicing and reliability
DID YOU KNOW? |
Appliances
- Choose appliances by looking at their energy rating. The more stars in the rating, the more you will save on your energy bills
- Make sure the appliance is installed properly
- Make sure the refrigerator has the correct temperature set on the thermostat and that it is positioned in a cool spot in the home where air can circulate around
- Try to use the clothesline as often as possible, rather than the clothes dryer
- Turn off appliances at the power point when not in use
Hot Water Use
- Convert to a gas or solar Hot Water Heater
- Choose a hot water system with a high energy star rating
- Check that your hot water system and hot water pipes are well insulated
- Limit showers to less than 5 minutes
- Install water efficient shower head or water restriction valves
- Wash clothes using a cold water cycle
Heating and Cooling
- Insulate the floor, walls and ceiling of your home
- Seal out draughts
- Use close fitting blinds
- Choose and install an energy efficient heater and cooler
- Wear more clothes in the cold instead of turning up the heater
- Switch off heaters and coolers when you are not home
Lighting
- Turn off lights when you leave a room
- Install compact fluorescent lighting in areas that are used for long periods of time
- Install timing devices, light sensors or movement detectors for outdoor use
- Make use of natural light by positioning desks, tables and seating near windows
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