Retrofit existing dwellings with energy efficient fixtures like insulation, draft sealing, and double glazing.
What Can I Do?
You can make small changes in your existing home to improve comfort and energy efficiency while significantly reducing your energy bills.
Insulation: Check and improve the insulation in your home, starting with the roof space. Ensure it is sufficient and in place. If there’s space, add additional insulation. You can also retrofit insulation in weatherboard walls and consider underfloor insulation if you have access
Draft Proofing: Seal your home to prevent hot or cold air from entering or leaving. Identify and seal gaps around doors, windows, chimneys, pipes, and other potential leakage points. Just remember that an airtight home can and should still have good ventilation for great air quality and to prevent mould, e.g. using extraction fans.
Window Efficiency: Windows can account for a significant portion of energy loss and gain. Ensure a balance between natural light and heat transfer. Use window coverings on hot days and cold nights. Opt for timber or thermally broken aluminium frames with double or triple glazing or low-emissivity glass to minimise heat transfer. Consider window treatments like thermal drapes, pelmets, honeycomb blinds, or external shutters and awnings to further reduce heat transfer.
The City of Albany has a DIY Home Energy Audit Kit available for loan. This kit includes a thermal imaging camera that can help you to identify where heat loss is occuring from your home.
Read more:
Your Home – Passive Design: Ventilation and Airtightness, Your Home – Passive Design: Glazing