Saving Energy - Heating & Cooling The Home

Make sure you're not overheating or overcooling - a one degree difference can alter your energy consumption by 10%.

Energy saving tips:

• Select a system with a thermostat or temperature sensor - this can save 40% of the running cost.
• Choose a heating or cooling system with high energy efficiency.
• Choose and design a heating or cooling system to suit the room size and demand.
• Locate thermostat panels on an internal wall, away from direct sunlight or other heating and cooling sources that could distort readings.
• Operate thermostats with an inside room temperature of 65 - 67°F in winter and 74 - 76°C in summer.
• Position the outdoor component of the system out of direct sunlight.
• If you have adjustable louvres, adjust them towards the ceiling when cooling and towards the floor when heating (cool air falls, hot air rises).
• Only heat or cool rooms in use and switch systems off when you're not at home.
• Dress for the weather - in winter, put on warmer clothing rather than use the heater.
Check for air gaps and seal off draughts in doors, windows, fireplaces, air outlets, vents and skirting boards - use an appropriate draught-proofing product.
• Use window coverings and internal doors to minimise heat transfer and loss.
• Choose and install energy efficient windows.
• Use external shading such as planting, blinds or awnings to keep direct sun off windows and cut down heat gain.
• Ensure walls and ceilings are well insulated, and minimise gaps in coverage - remember keep insulation away from hot flues and exhaust fans (min 90mm gap), electrical wiring and recessed light fittings (min 25mm perimeter gap).
• Investigate the use and benefits of under-floor insulation.
• Make sure your roof is lined with reflective foil (sarking).

Insulation

Insulation helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. A properly insulated home uses less energy for heating and cooling.

Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area. (Insulation is measured in R-values - the higher the R-value, the better your walls and roof will resist the transfer of heat.)

More Information

5 Home Insulation Tips That Can Save You Lots of Money

- by Jamie Clark

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