Greenhouse Gas Emissions (reducing your energy costs):
Australian
households every year generate almost one-fifth of Australia's total greenhouse
gas emissions. That's more than 15 tonnes per household each year through day to
day activites such as transport, household energy use and household waste in
landfills.
Household Heating & Cooling Appliances:
Space heating &
cooling generate a further 14% of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and
approximately 39% - 50% of total energy use within the home.
Household Hot Water Heating:
Hot water heating is also a very
significant contributor to total GHG. 28% of GHG emissions are generated from
this one appliance. While 27% of the total energy used within a home comes from
the hot water appliance.
Your local GreenPlumber will be able to assist
you in making the correct purchase decisions taking into consideration:
- cost comparisons
- short term costs
- long term costs and benefits
- operational running costs
- greenhouse/environmental effects
-
time and logistical restraints
- product servicing and reliability
-
other greenhouse decisions and improvements
Tips for Saving Energy:
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:
- 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 efficient shower head or water
restriction valves.
- Wash clothes using a cold water cycle. Heating & Cooling:
- Insulate the floor, walls and ceiling of your home.
- Seal out
draughts.
- Use close fitting blinds.
- Choose and install an energy
efficient heater or cooler.
- Wear more clothes in the cold instead of
turning up the heater.
- Switch off heaters and coolers when you are not
home.
Did you know it is estimated that one degree difference between
indoor and outdoor temperatures adds 10% to heating and cooling bills?
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 outside use.
- Make use of
natural light by positioning desks, tables & seating near windows.
|
|
Last Updated ( Sunday, 09 July 2006 )
|