The homes, built as part of the Community Housing Program, will come equipped with energy saving appliances and building features that will reduce electricity costs for the tenants. Tenants of Community Housing Program residences are generally those of lower income families, and so the cost saving benefits will be even more beneficial
The $250 million Community Housing Program will also work to retrofit existing properties to increase energy efficiency for Community Housing Providers’ tenants. Some of the proposed plans include installing solar panels, improved insulation, and updating household appliances.
CEFC Community Housing Sector Lead, Victoria Adams, said that the new houses, built to an average seven-star energy rating level, will reduce energy use by an estimated 25 percent for their tenants. Many buildings with a seven-star rating receive this score due to energy efficient building materials, high-quality insulation and ventilation, and double glazed windows.
Ms Adams said that the finance was important for Community Housing Providers as they had typically been unable to invest for the long term, meaning that the program allowed tenants to reap the benefits of lower energy costs for years to come.
The Housing Industry of Australia welcomed the news and what it meant for both the tenants of Community Housing and the overall impact on the environment and climate change. They believe that by promoting energy efficiency, the government has shown its support for the environment through the housing sector, and are hopeful for further funding to assist the other 8 million existing homes.
Energy efficient houses have become increasingly popular, with many homeowners opting to fit their houses with cost and energy saving measures. The most popular being solar panels, double glazing of windows, and low flowing showerheads. Government rebates have played a crucial role in the popularity of these energy saving measures, and made them a possibility for many Australian homeowners.
Keeping YOUR Energy Costs Down
To keep energy costs low at your home, here are a few simple tips you can follow:
• Switch appliances off at the wall when you’re not using them. This can add significantly to your power bill.
• Wash your clothes in warm or cold water instead of hot water. There are specialised detergents created for cold water washes that work just as well.
• If using the air-conditioning, be sure to shut all the doors in the house and keep the curtains closed. Experts recommend setting your air conditioner’s temperature to 25 degrees in the summer and 18 degrees in winter.
Many Australians are now opting to have an energy audit performed at their dwelling, in an effort to cut the costs of their power bill. An energy assessment will provide a thorough check of your home and evaluate what measures should be taken to make your home more energy smart and save you a significant amount of money.
To ensure your household on Sydney’s Northern Beaches or North Shore is running at its most energy efficient, our professionals at Everest Electrical are happy to provide an in-depth survey of your home.
We invite you to call us today on 0410 229 139 to see how we can assist you in becoming more energy efficient, and start cutting your power costs today.