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It's getting colder, and its time to get your home ready for winter energy efficiency.
As the Australian autumn deepens in May, cooler temperatures and shorter days bring new challenges and opportunities for home energy efficiency. With winter on the horizon, preparing your home now can lead to significant energy and cost savings. In this guide, we explore practical and effective tips to enhance your home’s energy efficiency during this transitional month, ensuring your home remains comfortable, environmentally friendly, and economically run.
Before the cold fully sets in, ensure your heating system is in top shape. Service your furnace, heat pump, or boiler to improve efficiency and prevent mid-winter failures. Replace filters or clean reusable ones to ensure optimal airflow and efficiency.
Installing a smart thermostat can lead to significant energy savings. These devices optimize heating by adjusting temperatures based on your daily schedule and weather conditions, ensuring you use energy only when necessary. Set your thermostat to lower temperatures when you are asleep or away from home.
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Draughts can increase your heating costs substantially. Use weather-stripping and caulk to seal gaps around doors, windows, and any other areas where cold air might enter. This simple measure can prevent heat loss and reduce your heating needs.
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Thermal curtains can be a great investment for keeping the warmth in and the cold out, especially at night. During the day, open curtains on north-facing windows to allow natural sunlight to heat your home,to 60°C to ensure safety while and close them as soon as it gets dark to preserve the warmth.
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Water heating accounts for a significant portion of energy costs in Australian homes. Set your water heater to 60°C to ensure safety while optimizing energy use. Consider wrapping older models with an insulating blanket to reduce heat loss and lowering the temperature setting when you’re away for extended periods.
Richard Foxworthy
If your home has older, single-pane windows, upgrading to double-glazed or energy-efficient windows can significantly reduce heat loss during the cooler months and heat gain during summer. This upgrade can improve your home’s comfort and reduce heating and cooling costs.
Richard Foxworthy
Proper insulation is one of the most effective ways to maintain your home's temperature. Check and upgrade the insulation in your attic, walls, and floors. This will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
Richard Foxworthy
May is a good month to plan for solar panel installation as the days start to shorten. Solar panels can provide significant energy savings by generating your own electricity and leveraging government rebates and feed-in tariffs.
Bill Hero has partnered with SolarQuotes, the leading Solar quote provider in Australia, to help you get up to 3 no obligation solar quotes from fully qualified installers, absolutely for free.
Heat pumps are highly efficient systems that can heat and cool your home. They work most efficiently in moderately cold or warm climates, making them an excellent choice for many parts of Australia.
Establish a routine for checking and maintaining your home’s energy systems. This includes cleaning solar panels, servicing your HVAC system, and ensuring your home’s exterior is in good condition to handle the winter months.
Focusing on energy efficiency not only helps in reducing utility bills but also contributes to a sustainable environment. By implementing these measures, homeowners can play a crucial part in reducing carbon footprints and promoting a healthier planet.
Explore community programs and government incentives available for energy-efficient upgrades in your area. Many local governments offer rebates for installing insulation, energy-efficient windows, and renewable energy systems.
May is a pivotal month for preparing your Australian home for the cooler weather ahead. By taking proactive steps now, you can ensure your home is warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient throughout the winter. Start with immediate, simple actions and plan for the longer-term investments that will provide continuous benefits. Each step you take not only enhances your living space but also supports broader environmental goals. Let this May be the start of a more energy-efficient and sustainable home.
Got opinions about energy savings in May? Have your say in the comments, but please first read and understand our Community Guidelines.
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