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For many years, we have understood that the emissions created in the generation of electricity lead to pollution and climate change. We also know that we do not have enough fossil fuels to continue to generate electricity. As a community, we can all do our part to address these problems by conserving energy, whilst saving money in the process.
At Bingara Gorge, our Building and Siting Requirements include some information on how to design your home to be more energy efficient. Now that you have moved into your new home, you can continue to save money and help the environment by following these handy hints.
In Your Home
Appliances
Look for the energy efficiency star rating on all new air conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, fridges and freezers. The more stars, the more efficient the appliance.
Lighting
Fluorescent tubes and lights use a quarter of the electricity of ordinary globes and last up to four times longer. By installing energy efficient lights and remembering to turn lights off in your new home, you will make significant savings on energy bills and the cost of replacement globes.
Heating and Cooling
Passive design will ensure that your home is at a comfortable temperature for most of the year. Keeping your air conditioners and heaters in good condition will help maximise their efficiency. Using them at high speed for short periods of time is more effective than leaving them at low speed for longer periods. For real savings, think about expanding your ‘comfort band’ – the range of temperatures you allow in your home. By just turning your heating down or your air conditioner up one degree, you can cut your costs by up to 10%.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy, such as solar, wind and hydro power is clean and, once installed, provides a free source of power for your home. The most popular type of renewable energy is the use of photovoltaic cells (solar panels).
Both State and Commonwealth Governments provide rebates to help with the initial cost of the system, and some energy companies will provide a meter that will ‘run backwards’ and allow you to sell any excess power generated back to the network.
In the Garden
Swimming Pools
Over 3% of energy consumed in Australia is used in swimming pools; they use as much energy as dishwashers, clothes washers and clothes dryers put together. Make sure your filter is on a timer, and limit its use to six hours per day. Keep your pool covered to keep it clean and to limit heat loss and evaporation. If heated, avoid overheating the water – each degree rise in temperature can cost you up to 10% more.
Shade
Shade from trellises, trees and shade sails can be used to control indoor temperatures. Remember that the sun is higher in summer, so it may be possible to achieve an effect that shades the highsummer sun, but allows sunlight into the home in the winter. Additional privacy is an added benefit of correctly designed shade structures. Deciduous trees provide shade in summer but lose their leaves in winter, allowing sunlight through. Placing them near north and west facing windows can help to prevent rooms from overheating in the summer.
Hard Landscaping
Exposed concrete and paving near your house will absorb heat from the sun and radiate it inside, providing an external source of heat. Through the use of shading, you will be able to ensure that the area is shaded in summer and remains cool. Alternatively, in winter the sun should be radiating onto hard surfaces to increase the external temperature of your garden.
Outdoor Electrics
Low voltage and solar lighting is always a great way to reduce energy consumption. Remember to turn outdoor lights off, fit a time switch or use a sensor. Adjust movement operated intruder lights to allow for small animals. Fountains and other water features should be switched off at night. Garden design is an important contributor to the energy efficiency of your home. While plants and landscaping can contribute to heating or shading of the house, there are also other ways you can reduce the energy used in the garden itself.
Garden Equipment
Lawnmowers, whipper snippers and hedge trimmers use substantial quantities of energy, leading to high fuel bills and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Some petrol powered lawnmowers can create as much smog in one hour as 40 cars. Using a push mower, hand shears and secateurs will reduce pollution and keep you fit. Groundcover plants make an excellent low maintenance alternative to grass in your garden.
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