Sustainability tips to help reduce emissions and save money at home

Reducing the energy needed to heat and cool your home doesn’t need to be difficult. Here are some simple and affordable steps you can take to heat and cool your home:

• Set the right temperature.
  In winter, set your heater to 18–20°c. In summer, keep your air conditioner at 24–26°c. Each degree closer to outside temperatures can improve energy efficiency by up to 10%.

• Use reverse cycle air conditioners.
  Reverse cycle air conditioners are a very energy-efficient way to heat and cool your house. You may be able to get discounts through programs like Solar Savers.

• Clean filters and vents.
  Dusty filters make heaters and air conditioners work harder. Clean them every summer and winter to save energy and reduce emissions.

The best way to keep a house cool in summer is to stop the heat coming through windows and walls in the first place:

• Insulate your home.
  Good insulation in your ceiling, walls, and under the floor keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing the need for heating and cooling. For more information about home insulation, register for the free Solar Savers program.

• Stop draughts.
  Gaps in windows, doors, floors, and ceilings can let air in and out. Sealing these gaps can save a lot of energy. For more information on draught proofing your home, visit the Sustainability Victoria website.

• Use shading.
  Shading your house with trees, external blinds, or shade cloth helps keep it cooler in summer.

Reducing the amount of water used at home is great for the environment and for keeping costs down. Simple actions can make a big difference when it comes to saving water:

• Make small changes to habits.
  Take shorter showers. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.

• Fill up appliances.
  Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when full, and use eco-cycles where possible.

• Check for leaks.
  Try a simple 2-minute leak test or check your water bill for unusual spikes. Visit the Yarra Valley Water website to learn about reading your water bill.

• Fix leaks.
  Dripping taps waste a lot of water, so fix them as soon as you notice a leak.

• Choose efficient fixtures.
  Upgrade to water-saving showers, taps, and toilets. When buying new appliances, review the water rating labels. Visit the Water Rating website to learn about reading water rating labels.

You can lessen your environmental footprint by thoughtfully planning and caring for your garden:

• Mulch and water wisely.
  Mulch garden beds and water early in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

• Use a trigger nozzle.
  A trigger nozzle helps you control water flow and avoid waste.

• Grow your own.
  Plant a veggie or herb garden to enjoy fresh produce and reduce packaging waste.

• Plant indigenous species.
  Native plants need less water, are easier to care for, and support local wildlife. Find out more about what to plant or join council’s nature havens program.

Make the design of your new home, renovation, or development more sustainable, and reduce the impact of construction and building use on the natural environment. For more information see Environmentally Sustainable Design.

Visit the Your Home website for more tips about how to improve the energy and water efficiency of your home.