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Water heating
For most houses hot water is the largest energy cost and cause of greenhouse gas emissions. Solar, heat pump and, to a lesser extent, gas systems, are usually better for the environment. By choosing the right system you can lower your energy bills, save money, and reduce environmental impact without compromising your lifestyle.
Solar panels are the most energy efficient form of creating naturally heated water in a home in this part of the world. Making sure that you have the correct size collector for the capacity of the tank to serve the amount of people in the home is critical so make sure you get expert advice before you buy. This will assure you of having abundant hot water year round with little cost to you and the environment.
Rebates on solar hot water systems are currently available in WA.
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Water applicances
Water efficient appliances offer an excellent way to save money and protect the environment. They include efficient shower heads and taps, dual flush toilets and front loading washing machines.
The money saved on water and energy will more than cover any initial extra cost.
Some appliances and plumbing fixtures have a water efficiency rating. AAA is best, AA is fair and A is standard. By December 2005 manufacturers will be required by law to rate their products and any products that do not comply with minimum standards will have to be withdrawn from the market. So it makes sense to choose water-efficient appliances now.
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AAA rated shower heads costing as little as $20 can reduce indoor household water consumption by 20 percent. They pay for themselves at least three times over in any 12 month period, depending on your water usage. You may well be able to get a rebate if you fit a water-efficient shower head. Contact the Water Corporation for more information.
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The rainwater that falls on your roof is often channelled straight to the storm water drain. Why not gain the benefit of free water by installing a rain water tank.
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Heating and cooling
Heating and cooling are high cost items for the average home and for the environment. In Australia, poorly designed houses are designed against the climate, meaning that we have to install energy inefficient appliances – air conditioners and heaters – to cool us in the summer and keep us warm in the winter. If your house is not designed for the climate your home may well require supplementary heating or cooling. As with any other appliance, check the energy ratings and the degree of adjustment offered by each appliance before purchasing.
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Some things to consider:
- Decide which rooms need frequent heating and cooling. Make sure they can be closed off from the rest of the house and are well insulated
- In WA extreme hot or cold periods are quite short. You may only need to heat or cool a few rooms to a comfortable temperature during these short periods.
- Consider whether ceiling fans would be sufficient to cool you in the summer and push the rising warm air back down in the winter
- Remember that gas appliances often cause only one quarter of the greenhouse emissions produced by equivalent electric appliances and be sure to buy a low nitrous oxide producing heater ( ask your retailer which is the lowest )
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White goods
 Don’t forget to carry energy-efficient principles through to the appliances you install in your home. Always choose durable, efficient appliances and furniture when old items wear out. The energy performance of popular appliances is displayed by an Energy Rating Label. This national scheme provides you with a simple star rating to help you select the best appliances for your needs.
Energy Rating Labels can be found on many appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, dish washers and air conditioners. Take a look at the energy all stars website to check out the most energy efficient white goods available.
The energy use of an item can be found on the centre of the Energy Rating tag. You should look out for the lowest kWh possible as the lower the energy usage, the more money you will save. For example, a top loading washing machine could use up to 643 kWh per year whilst a front loading model could use as little as 186 kWh per year, saving you around $60 per year on your energy bill, from your choice of washing machine alone!
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Lighting
Use energy efficient “compact fluorescent lamps” (CFL) instead of normal incandescent bulbs, as they use 80% less power and last 8 to 10 times longer. They cost more up front but will actually save you up to $15 per year. As CFLs use more electricity to get started, it might be worth sticking with low wattage incandescent bulbs in areas of high usage such as the toilet and pantry.
You could also consider motion sensor monitors to avoid lights being left on by accident. The cost of installation would be approximately $60 - $100 but each one would save you approximately 86kg of greenhouse gases per year.
Maximise natural lighting wherever possible be installing skylights or solar tubes in darker rooms in the house.
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