Free energy advice for Peninsula residents
Published on 30 October 2020
As residential energy usage increases with everyone having to work from home, unfortunately many have been experiencing bill shock.
Mornington Peninsula Shire has partnered with the Australian Energy Foundation (AEF) to provide residents with free 20-minute phone consultation to discuss ways to reduce your energy use.
You’ll be able to learn how to take control of your energy bills by understanding what areas of your home are using the most energy and what measures you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
To access this free service contact AEF on 1300 23 68 55 or book your appointment here: bookings.aef.com.au/#/customer/energyconsultations
In the meantime, here are six easy ways to save energy while keeping you and your family connected, comfortable and entertained:
1: Energy bill comparison
Compare your energy bills quickly and easily at the state government website Victorian Energy Compare. If you haven’t switched your plan for a while, you could end up saving quite a bit.
2: Draughts
Keep heat from escaping your home:
- Draught proof gaps around external doors and windows with adhesive tapes or seals
- Furnish windows with heavy curtains and pelmets, window films or bubble wrap.
3: Cooling
Many households find heating and cooling is their biggest energy expense. Cut those costs while keeping cool during the summer by:
- Using fans instead of air conditioning where possible
- Turning up your air conditioner thermostat to about 25 degrees. On a hot day, it will still be cooler than outside but will cost you less to run
- Shade your windows. During hot summer days this will help to keep the heat out.
4: Hot water
Here are tips to reduce your hot water usage:
- Take showers instead of baths
- Take three to four minute showers by using a timer
- Wash laundry in cold water.
5: Electronics and appliances
Our computers, TVs, game consoles and sound systems are heavily used. Here are ways to reduce your appliance’s electricity consumption:
- Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer
- Switch TVs and computers to an energy saving setting
- Turn off appliances and electronics at power point when not using (except your fridge)
- Set your refrigerator to 3 to 4 degrees and your freezer to -15 to -18 degrees
- Check your fridge or freezer door seals are intact and replace if not.
6: Solar research
Now that you are home during the day, it’s the perfect time to investigate your options for solar and battery storage. Going solar will lower your energy bills permanently and has a short payback period of three to seven years with multiple financing options.