Property Owner Report
Completing some or all of the recommendations in this report will make your property more energy efficient and comfortable, and should improve its value.
When you’ve read your recommendations, check out the links and resources at the end of this report and at www.climatechoices.act.gov.au.
If you live in the ACT, you can get free expert advice on saving energy in your home including additional support implementing these recommendations or checking your bills, by calling the ACT Sustainable Home Advice line on 1300 141 777 or emailing SustainableHomeAdviceProgram@act.gov.au.
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Windows and draughts
Your recommendations
- Also, installing pelmets above the blockout curtains would increase the Energy Efficiency Rating of the property, improving the value of the property.
You can find more detailed information about draught-proofing, window insulation and window coverings in the links at the end of this report.
Heating
Your heating recommendations
- Regularly check and clean the dust from your air conditioning vents and filters to ensure your system is running as efficiently and safely as possible. This can reduce running costs by 5-15%.
There is more information about heating your home in the links at the end of the report.
Cooling
Your cooling recommendations
- Keep your home cooler in summer by opening your windows, doors and curtains when it cools down at night, then closing them in the morning as soon as it starts to get warm outside.
- Air conditioning units should be serviced annually. This will extend the life of the unit, saving you money in the long term
Appliances
Your appliances recommendations
- You can find out how much each of your appliances is costing you by getting a plug-in power meter (see photo). It will show how much power the appliance has used since it was plugged into the meter and will calculate the cost. You can buy power meters at hardware stores or online.
- When the time comes to buy a new appliance, check the energy star rating labels (see https://www.energyrating.gov.au/). More stars mean greater energy efficiency. Choosing a more energy-efficient appliance will reduce energy consumption and help lower energy bills.
- A new, efficient washing machine could save you considerably on running costs. Look for a unit with an eco function and the best energy and star rating you can afford
- A new, efficient dryer could save considerably on running costs. It is now possible to buy heat pump dryers with 10 star energy rating.
Hot Water
Your recommendations
- Ask an electrician to check that the hot water storage tank thermostat is set at 60 degrees. Running costs will be higher if the temperature is set any higher. (To prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria in the tank, the thermostat should never be set lower than 60 degrees).
- A 3 star showerhead will halve the amount of hot water and energy used per minute. Note: the property owner will need to give permission and engage a licensed plumber to install a new showerhead in the ACT.
Lighting
Your lighting recommendations
- Swap light bulbs with LED lights as they need replacing. Incandescent, halogen and compact fluorescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes can all be replaced with long-lasting efficient LED versions.
- LED lights use 20% of the power of halogen lights and last five times as long.
Insulation
Your insulation recommendations
- Not applicable (e.g. if your home has another home above it).
Links & Resources
- Energy in the ACT https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/energy
- Heating your home https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/energy/energy-efficiency/heating-for-your-home
- Staying warm on less energy https://act-hea.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Actsmart-Staying-warm-on-less-ACCESS.pdf
- Actsmart Energy Saving Guide (a detailed guide and action plan template) https://act-hea.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/ACTSmart-ESG-12-20.pdf
- Draught-proofing DIY videos https://www.climatechoices.act.gov.au/policy-programs/sustainable-home-advice-program and https://www.greenityourself.com.au/category/topics/draught-proofing
- Make the Switch from gas appliances to an efficient all-electric home https://maketheswitch.org.au
- Better Renting Energy Efficiency Guide for People Who Rent https://www.betterrenting.org.au/energy_efficiency_renting
- Renters Guide to Sustainable Living https://renew.org.au/publications/renters-guide-to-sustainable-living/
- Energy rating website https://www.energyrating.gov.au/
- The renting book https://act-hea.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/The-Renting-Book.pdf
- My Efficient Electric Home Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/MyEfficientElectricHome
For further information about your recommendations and how to implement them please contact:
For further information about ACT energy efficiency programs and technical advice, call the ACT Sustainable Home Advice line on 1300 141 777, email sustainablehomeadviceprogram@act.gov.au, or visit www.climatechoices.act.gov.au.