Household energy use is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Home energy efficiency is a cost-effective way to reduce energy cost and greenhouse gases production. As energy costs are expected to rise in the coming years, it is essential to address home energy use to curb these costs. By reducing your energy consumption, you can not only help the environment but also save money and increase your home's resilience to power outages. For example, a well-insulated home will heat up or cool down more slowly than a poorly insulated home during a blackout.
Another important factor in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the source of energy. In most parts of Australia, efficient electrical appliances like heat pumps generate fewer greenhouse gases than corresponding gas appliances because the electricity supply is gradually being decarbonised due to the increasing use of solar, wind, and storage systems.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, individuals need to make their homes and appliances more efficient and consider switching from gas to electrical appliances.
Australian homes are notoriously energy inefficient, and up to four out of five don’t meet the WHO guidelines for minimum winter temperatures. There is a huge unmet demand for more heating and cooling, and if we just add larger and larger air-conditioners and heaters, we will not be able to meet our greenhouse gas targets.
By improving building energy efficiency, we can reduce the required investment in energy infrastructure. This is particularly important as contrary to most people’s expectations, winter heating energy (when solar production is less) is greater than summer cooling energy for most Adelaide homes.
Low Energy Home helps people reduce energy use and greenhouse gas production, and create healthier more comfortable homes.
BTW the reason energy costs are going up, is not because renewables are more expensive (they aren't compared to a new coal fired or gas power plant), but because owners of coal fired power plants are not reinvesting in them (which is a correct decision). This means the energy cost from coal is currently not reflecting the long-term operating, maintenance and upgrade costs of these assets.
Here are some actions you can consider:
1. Insulation and weatherization: Improve insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors to reduce heat transfer and minimize the need for heating and cooling. Seal any gaps or leaks around windows, doors, and vents to prevent drafts and energy loss.
2. Energy-efficient appliances: Replace old, energy-intensive appliances with energy-efficient ones. Look for products with high energy star ratings and use them wisely to conserve energy.
3. Renewable energy sources: Install solar panels on the roof to generate clean, renewable energy for the household. Explore government incentives and subsidies available for solar installations.
5. Efficient heating and cooling systems: Upgrade to energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Regularly maintain and clean the HVAC system to ensure it operates efficiently.
6. Water conservation: Install water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. Collect rainwater for gardening and other non-potable uses, reducing reliance on mains water.
7. Efficient water heating: Insulate water heaters and set them to appropriate temperatures. Consider switching to energy-efficient heat pump or solar water heating systems.
8. Education and advocacy: Stay informed about climate change and share knowledge with others. Support policies and initiatives that promote renewable energy and sustainable practices.
Remember, collective action is crucial in addressing climate change. Encourage your neighbors and community members to adopt sustainable practices as well.
However, the above suggestions are generic, and the problem is that not all of these will be relevant for you. I can prepare a customised home energy efficiency plan to ensure that you only spend time and money on those items that make sense for your home. This plan will help you make those changes that will save you the most first.
To learn more about getting a customised plan to make your home more efficient and reduce greenhouse gas production, visit Energy Audits.
Another important factor in reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the source of energy. In most parts of Australia, efficient electrical appliances like heat pumps generate fewer greenhouse gases than corresponding gas appliances because the electricity supply is gradually being decarbonised due to the increasing use of solar, wind, and storage systems.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, individuals need to make their homes and appliances more efficient and consider switching from gas to electrical appliances.
Australian homes are notoriously energy inefficient, and up to four out of five don’t meet the WHO guidelines for minimum winter temperatures. There is a huge unmet demand for more heating and cooling, and if we just add larger and larger air-conditioners and heaters, we will not be able to meet our greenhouse gas targets.
By improving building energy efficiency, we can reduce the required investment in energy infrastructure. This is particularly important as contrary to most people’s expectations, winter heating energy (when solar production is less) is greater than summer cooling energy for most Adelaide homes.
Low Energy Home helps people reduce energy use and greenhouse gas production, and create healthier more comfortable homes.
BTW the reason energy costs are going up, is not because renewables are more expensive (they aren't compared to a new coal fired or gas power plant), but because owners of coal fired power plants are not reinvesting in them (which is a correct decision). This means the energy cost from coal is currently not reflecting the long-term operating, maintenance and upgrade costs of these assets.
Here are some actions you can consider:
1. Insulation and weatherization: Improve insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors to reduce heat transfer and minimize the need for heating and cooling. Seal any gaps or leaks around windows, doors, and vents to prevent drafts and energy loss.
2. Energy-efficient appliances: Replace old, energy-intensive appliances with energy-efficient ones. Look for products with high energy star ratings and use them wisely to conserve energy.
3. Renewable energy sources: Install solar panels on the roof to generate clean, renewable energy for the household. Explore government incentives and subsidies available for solar installations.
- If you are thinking of solar, find out how to ensure it is right for you, and where to get quotes from reliable installers here.
5. Efficient heating and cooling systems: Upgrade to energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Regularly maintain and clean the HVAC system to ensure it operates efficiently.
6. Water conservation: Install water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets. Collect rainwater for gardening and other non-potable uses, reducing reliance on mains water.
7. Efficient water heating: Insulate water heaters and set them to appropriate temperatures. Consider switching to energy-efficient heat pump or solar water heating systems.
8. Education and advocacy: Stay informed about climate change and share knowledge with others. Support policies and initiatives that promote renewable energy and sustainable practices.
Remember, collective action is crucial in addressing climate change. Encourage your neighbors and community members to adopt sustainable practices as well.
However, the above suggestions are generic, and the problem is that not all of these will be relevant for you. I can prepare a customised home energy efficiency plan to ensure that you only spend time and money on those items that make sense for your home. This plan will help you make those changes that will save you the most first.
To learn more about getting a customised plan to make your home more efficient and reduce greenhouse gas production, visit Energy Audits.