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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nLet\u2019s get started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Completing the audit is easy. Read through the questions and follow the steps below to get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you answer yes? You\u2019re all good, move onto the next question!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you answer no? Read our tip to try to reduce your energy usage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heating and cooling (41%)<\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen heating and cooling, do you check the temperature?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
In winter the best heating range is between 18\u00b0C – 20\u00b0C and in summer try to set your aircon to around 25\u00b0C. Every 1\u00b0C increase to heating and 1\u00b0C decrease to cooling can increase energy usage<\/a> between 5% and 10%. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Installing insulation in your walls and ceiling could save up to 45%<\/a> on your heating and cooling costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use draught excluders, door and window seals to prevent draughts and regulate temperature inside your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important: When using a gas appliance, you have to ensure adequate ventilation to avoid creating a serious health hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Washing a full load means less washes in the long run, reducing the amount of energy and water being used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Harness the power of the sun and hang our washing out instead of using the dryer. When you do have to use the dryer, avoid overloading it and make sure you clean the lint filter afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaving unused appliances switched on at the power-point could be costing you up to $100 per year<\/a>. So it’s worthwhile switching them off when not in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking shorter showers will save water and reduce the energy needed to heat it. You could save up to $200 a year<\/a> on your water and energy bills by keeping your showers under four minutes<\/a>. So pop on your favourite song, or set a timer, the next time you jump in the shower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Change your shower head to a 3-star rated one to save 10 litres of water<\/a> per minute \u2013 and lower your energy costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Choose an energy efficient water heater when your current water heater needs replacing. A solar hot water heater could supply up to 90<\/a>% of your hot water needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure your fridge temperature is between 3\u00b0C and 5\u00b0C<\/a> and your freezer is between -15\u00b0C and -18\u00b0C<\/a>. Each degree cooler uses 5% more energy<\/a>, while higher temperatures allow bacteria to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fluorescent and LED lights are much more energy efficient than traditional incandescent or halogen lights. Think about replacing inefficient lights, especially when you have large groups of halogen downlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep a lid on your pots<\/a> when using the stove \u2013 you use up to 70%<\/a> less energy this way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now you’re armed with tips to help improve your energy habits, it\u2019s worth making sure you\u2019re on the right energy plan <\/a>for your needs to maximise savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also see how your usage stacks up against other households by using this benchmark tool<\/a> from Energy Made Easy. If you\u2019re energy usage is consistently higher than other households with the same amount of people in your area, this is an indication that you might need to make some tweaks to the way you’re using energy at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDoes your home have insulation?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Have you sealed gaps around doors and windows that let draughts in?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Appliances (17%)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Do you hang clothes out to dry?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Do you turn appliances off at the switch?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Hot Water (23%)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you shower for less than four minutes? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Is your shower flow rate 9L per minute or less? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Do you have a solar, electric heat pump, or a five-star energy rated gas water heater?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Refrigeration (8%)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is your fridge temperature between 3\u00b0C and 4\u00b0C? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lighting (5%)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you have energy efficient lights? <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cooking (6%)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Do you use lids on pans when cooking?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Bonus tips to help you save<\/h2>\n\n\n\n