Heating and cooling

Save energy at home

Heating and cooling

How much energy you use for heating or cooling your house depends on what kind of system you have, how you use it, where you live and the weather. But usually it’s estimated that Australian homes use 10-50% of their energy on heating and 9-29% on cooling each year.

Here are some ways to take the heat off your bill:

  • Make sure your home is well insulated. Insulation retains warmth generated in your home in winter and keeps out harsh summer heat
  • Repair faulty door seals, hang curtains or blinds so they fit close to window frames and lay rugs securely on bare floors
  • Dress for the weather. ‘Layer up' in winter and wear cool, natural, breathable fibres in summer
  • Keep all doors closed to unused areas (unless your heating or cooling system requires doors or windows to be opened)
  • Try not to change the thermostat settings often
  • Close curtains over large glass areas (you can lose up to 16% of heat transfer through glass)
  • Keep thermostat temperatures moderate (manufacturers recommend settings of 24°C in summer and 20°C in winter)
  • Make sure all appliances are regularly maintained to remove dust and ensure adequate air flow. Check your instruction booklet for directions
  • Balance out greenhouse gas emissions generated by your heating and cooling by choosing government accredited Origin GreenPower and Origin Green Gas.

To reduce energy use for heating:

  • Minimise your use of portable electric heaters. They consume up to 2.4kW per hour and one heater can add hundreds of dollars to one winter electricity bill
  • Oil-filled heaters are well suited for bedrooms, because they have low surface temperatures and enclosed elements
  • Always light gas heaters in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, turning the setting down to a comfortable level after the burners are lit
  • Set rules so heaters aren’t used as much – e.g. ‘heater to be used only on days minimum temperatures are 10°C or lower (instead of 12°C or lower)’ – and you can save between 10 and 15 % of your energy use.

To reduce energy use for cooling:

  • Fans use minimal energy, operate at a fraction of the running cost of air conditioners and can reduce the number of days you use air conditioning
  • For maximum efficiency, set the air conditioning unit to re-circulate cool air instead of pulling warmer air in from outside
  • Make sure the outdoor section of your air conditioning unit isn’t installed facing the sun (north or west), unless the area will be constantly shaded to allow adequate cooling of the unit
  • If you can increase the room temperature by 1°C, you could save up to 10% of operating costs
  • Set rules when air conditioners aren’t used so much – e.g. ‘to be used only on days maximum temperatures are 30°C or higher (instead of 28°C or higher)’ – and you can save between 2 and 10% of your energy use.
 

For expert advice on buying energy efficient gas or electric heating or cooling systems, call us on 13 14 27 (Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales).

 
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