There are many ways we can improve energy efficiency in our households, businesses and government. Reducing the amount of energy we use will mean lower greenhouse emissions, lower energy costs and reduced exposure to the impacts of climate change.

Saving energy is one of the most simple and cost-effective ways that we can cut greenhouse emissions in the short term. Where the avoided costs of energy quickly exceed the up-front costs of energy efficiency, such improvements make good economic sense. The period of time required to recoup the initial investment – known as the 'payback period', is critical in evaluating the benefit of energy efficiency initiatives.

In many cases, we can save energy just by changing our behaviour, and making well-informed choices when buying appliances or equipment. In other areas, relatively modest up-front investments will deliver ongoing savings.

Understanding the benefits

Environmental
Saving energy is one of the most effective ways we can cut greenhouse emissions. Reducing our use of electricity through conservation and efficiency directly reduces greenhouse emissions from coal and gas fired electricity generation. 

Save Money
Saving energy is about saving money – energy efficiency is about doing more with less. As energy prices start to increase energy efficiency plays a significant role in reducing or avoiding increased costs.

What you can do

Energy saving tips

Top actions I can take now

1. Switch off lights, appliances and equipment when they're not needed.
2. Install energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps.
3. Divert garden and food wastes from landfill to composting (either at home or through a Council scheme).
4. Make your home more comfortable by insulating draught-sealing and shading windows in summer.
5. Manage home heating and cooling by setting thermostats appropriately - a couple of degrees up in summer and a couple of degrees down in winter.
6. Cut hot water usage by installing a water-efficient showerhead, taking shorter showers and using cold water clothes washing.
7. Switch off your second fridge except when it's really needed.
8. Switch to low greenhouse impact transport options like bicycle or public transport - or use phone or email.
9. Minimise waste of packaging and materials - refuse, reduce, re-use, recycle.
10. Use solar power - dry your clothes on the clothes line outside, not in a dryer.

Good decisions I can make in the future

• When buying a car, buy a fuel-efficient one. Alternatively, consider buying a transport pass or bicycle.
• When building, renovating, renting or buying a home, aim for high energy-efficiency and install energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
• When replacing an electric hot water service install a high efficiency gas or solar unit.
• Buy energy-efficient appliances with low standby power usage.
• When choosing a home location, consider the time and cost of travel from there to work, school, shops and leisure activities.

(Extract from http://www.greenhouse.gov.au)
http://www.saveenergy.vic.gov.au/

How an EcoSmart Electrician can help

Call us on 1300 300 031 to learn how.

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