Free or inexpensive soulutions 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.
  • 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 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 Greywater system to reduce excess water bills and save water.
  • Capture free energy from the sun and wind by installing photovoltaic cells or a wind turbine on your house.
  • Install a solar or heat pump 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.