However, there are some things to consider before getting those panels installed. \u201cInstalling solar<\/a> on different types of roofs can be difficult. So if you have a tiled roof or a slate roof it\u2019s going to be considerably harder to install,\u201d Ipaviz warns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSecondly, you want to understand the orientation and where the panels will get the most sun. If there is too much shade on your block, panels could be redundant and it\u2019s time to explore your options. So, you need to understand where you can maximise exposure to the sun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also need to consider the orientation of your home, which ideally should be north or north-west. A consultation from solar experts<\/a>, can help you understand where to place your panels to get the most out of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are so many ways to naturally cool your home without air-con<\/a>. \u201cCross ventilation is key. You will probably want to install fly screens if you don\u2019t already have them because the idea is that you can open your windows at night to allow those cooling breezes to come through the home \u2013 and you don\u2019t want the bugs to get in,\u201d Ipaviz says. Glazed windows or shutters can also help you beat the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of maxing out your heater, there are clever, energy-efficient ways<\/a> to generate and retain the warmth you need at home. You want to be retaining as much thermal mass as possible, Ipaviz says. One example is to consider concrete floors or walls when building as these are ideal for insulation. Also ensure the heat can\u2019t escape through cracks in your walls, windows, or doors. There are so many benefits to having more plants at home<\/a>. They purify the air, help reduce street noise, and are even proven to aid stress and anxiety. They can also help provide shade to cool the home, lessening your reliance on non-natural cooling systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another way to be more sustainable<\/a> is to start a compost in your yard. Through composting, you lessen your contribution to landfill, allowing natural items like fruit, veg, coffee, and tea to break down organically. Compost also makes a great fertiliser for your garden!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Solar-heated water<\/a> is one way to be more sustainable, using rainwater tanks are another. But there are also a series of small, cost-free adjustments you can make to conserve water. \u201cRetro-fit a water tank to your house and start trying to capture as much rainwater as you can,\u201d Ipaviz recommends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019re really starting to see the effects of drought and being connected to the main water supply means we [in non-regional areas] are really disconnected from what is happening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doing your bit to conserve water<\/a> is also important, and it can be as simple as washing your car on your lawn or adding a bucket to your shower to capture excess water that could be used to water your garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another easy way to be more sustainable is to think about what you buy<\/a> and how you use it at home. If you\u2019re buying new clothing or furniture, consider shopping second-hand and saying no to brands with a high-waste output or unethical production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look to buy items with natural ingredients, particularly soaps and shampoos that will go down your drain. Consider the packaging of your products \u2013 are they recyclable or made from recycled materials? Reduce single-use plastics, and double-check you\u2019re recycling all your items correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMake use of the recycling programs, like REDcycle, at most major supermarkets now,\u201d Ipaviz advises. \u201cIf you are using single-use plastics, make sure you take them to the appropriate recycling bins so they can be disposed of correctly and turned into new products.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt\u2019s also worth reviewing your local council recycling restrictions and what can or can\u2019t go into your red and yellow bins, because there is a lot of confusion around that and some councils do different things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re building a new home, you can ask your builder about sustainable materials that are lower in embodied carbon. Embodied carbon is the carbon emissions associated with construction materials, both in the build phase and through the building\u2019s life-cycle. You could even consider enrolling in building workshops<\/a> and construction induction white card training<\/a> so you\u2019re informed about sustainable building practices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to make a difference in your household is to just be more curious and aware of your energy habits<\/a>, and make even tiny changes to your daily routine. This includes turning light switches off, shortening showers, and not relying on air-con or taking it for granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe need to start becoming more aware that there is a large footprint behind every electrical switch, behind water heaters or air-con, and start to realise that all of the little savings we make, add up to a really big saving globally,\u201d Ipaviz reminds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Opt for natural cooling solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Retain heat in winter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Finally, Ipaviz recommends using a fan with a counter-clockwise or \u2018winter<\/a>\u2019 setting. \u201cThis will push the heat down and around the room. So you can put your heater on a lower setting, reduce your power<\/a> and still keep the room ambient and warm,\u201d he explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/4-1.png\")
4. Dial up the greenery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Creative water solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Think about your household items<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. Think about sustainable construction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Be more energy conscious<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/REA-1.png\")
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