Sustainable Homes: Energy Consumption

Energy Consumption Temperature Control Air con on/off timer The ARCtick identifies businesses and licensed individuals who are authorised under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995, to install, service and repair fridges, freezers and air conditioners, in your home, office or car. http://www.lookforthetick.com.au/

Did you know that the fluorocarbon refrigerant contained in air conditioners and refrigerators can be extremely harmful to the environment? In fact, 1kg of refrigerant emissions (R410a) has the same greenhouse impact as two tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is the equivalent of running your car for six months. That's why Australia has specific laws, to help protect the environment and minimise any further damage to the atmosphere. http://www.environment.gov.au/atmosphere/ozone/rac/consumer.html



Correct disposal of old air conditioners/fridges
The Australian Refrigeration Council Ltd (ARC) was appointed in June 2005 by the Australian Government as the industry board to administer the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration regulations under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greeenhouse Gas Management Act (1989). ARC is responsible for granting Refrigerant Handling Licences and Refrigerant Trading Authorisations approved under the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning regulations. http://www.arctick.org/index.php



Replace windows with double glazing
Glazing has a major impact on the energy efficiency of the building envelope. Poorly designed windows, skylights and glazed surfaces can make your home too hot or too cold. If designed correctly, they’ll help maintain year-round comfort, reducing or eliminating the need for artificial heating and cooling. http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs410.html


Insulate walls and ceiling
Under the Energy Efficient Homes Package, the Australian Government is offering:
- free ceiling insulation worth up to $1,600 to all Australian home owner-occupiers of currently uninsulated homes; or
- $1,600 rebate on the costs of installing solar hot water systems
- help for renters, with a rebate for landlords on the costs of insulating their rental properties. http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs47.html


Switch to Greenpower
The latest quarterly report shows that over 877,000 Australian homes and 34,000 businesses are voluntarily purchasing GreenPower. http://www.greenpower.gov.au/

There are many options for using clean renewable energy sources in the home. Systems based on solar and wind are becoming increasingly accessible. http://www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs66.html


Home energy audit
Home energy audits provide a unique opportunity to engage with households on the connections between energy use and greenhouse, in a manner that responds to their individual needs. While audits are a logical thing to do, there are many different ways of auditing and a certain level of skill is required.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/local/publications/audit.html