what you can do >> adapting and renovating your home


There are many things that you can do to maximise the energy and water efficiency of your existing home. And it doesn't need to cost the earth


Adapting and renovating your home
Free or inexpensive solutions for all homes
Low cost items
Medium cost items
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Adapting and renovating your home

Many people like the idea of an energy-efficient home but they may not want to move from their existing home that probably hasn't been designed according to solar passive principles. There are still many things that you can do to maximise the energy and water efficiency of your existing home. And it doesn’t need to cost the earth. Even very small, inexpensive changes can make a huge difference to the impact of your home on the environment. Here are some ideas:

Free or inexpensive solutions for all homes

  • Shade east and west-facing windows with an external shade-cloth blind in summer
  • Seal doors and windows to exclude draughts
  • Fit efficient showerheads and taps to save money without changing your habits
  • Gradually replace your old light globes with energy-efficient compact fluorescent globes
  • Mulch garden areas to reduce evaporation and water costs
  • Install electric timers and movement sensors for when you forget to switch things off
  • Check energy ratings before buying appliances
  • Plant a shade tree to keep you cool and the garden beautiful
  • Recycle and make garden compost – for your plants and the environment
  • Re-use laundry water to water your garden

Low cost items

  • Add insulation to save on heating and cooling bills and be more comfortable
  • Add insulated skylights with sun control to save on lighting bills
  • Use heavy drapes with pelmet boxes to reduce heating bills in winter, and cooling costs in summer
  • Shade windows from the summer sun with a covered pergola

Medium cost items

  • Install a solar or gas hot water system – they are better for the environment and can save you money

Regardless of which hot water system you install there are a few other things you should consider to save you energy and money:

  • Set your thermostat so that your water is at the right temperature. If the water is too hot you waste cold water to cool it to a useable temperature
  • Use separate hot and cold taps over sinks and basins. Mixing taps are usually left in the middle position so that every time you fill a glass or pot, you draw off unwanted hot water that just cools in the pipe
  • Install the hot water system as close as possible to the kitchen and bathroom to avoid wasting hot water in long sections of pipe
  • Insulate all hot water pipes to further reduce any heat loss
  • Install new windows or doors when renovating to improve light and ventilation. In Western Australia you will benefit from free heat from the sun
  • Add an extension to collect winter sun and cool summer breezes
  • Use high performance windows to decrease energy bills and increase comfort
  • Recycle your waste water by installing your own treatment system to reduce excess water bills and save water
  • Capture free energy from the sun and wind