Power moves – Expert tips for cutting energy costs

Use solar energy when it is abundant

Consider scheduling activities like baking, stovetop cooking, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers when the solar PV system is producing at its peak (between 9am and 4pm). This will help maximise the amount of clean and cheap electricity used.

However, during overcast and humid days, when solar panels are not producing as much electricity, consider minimising these activities (at least during the hottest part of the day), given these activities can add extra heat to your home, increasing the need for more cooling.

All GemLife homes come with 3kWp rooftop solar panels, and Virtual Power Plants with battery energy storage systems are being rolled out across all developments, new and established.

Reducing hot water

Heating water is one of the biggest energy users when washing clothes. Washing in cold water saves energy and money. However, be aware that some machines need both hot and cold water to function properly. As part of GemLife’s standard inclusions, all homes are fitted with power-friendly heat pump hot water systems.

Close blinds, curtains and doors during very hot or cold days

Sunlight can significantly increase the temperature inside your home. To block out solar heat, keep blinds and curtains closed during very hot days, especially during the hottest part of the day. The same is true for chilly days when you want to keep warm inside the house. Keeping doors closed helps keep in cool and warm air too.

GemLife homes are clad with Hebel, a high-performance building product with superior insulation qualities, keeping homes warmer in winter and cooler in summer. At locations with cooler weather, such as GemLife Woodend, double-glazed windows give extra thermal benefits during Victoria’s winter months.

When heating and cooling are needed, they ensure maximum efficiency by keeping the temperature at home between 18 and 20 degrees in winter and 25 to 27 in summer.

Set air conditioning efficiently

If using air conditioning, set the thermostat as high or as low as comfortably possible. Each degree higher or lower can save on cooling and heating costs. Consider programming the thermostat to adjust temperatures for the season.

Maintain air-conditioning systems

Regular maintenance of air conditioners ensures they operate efficiently and use less energy.

Use efficient appliances

Appliances can account for around 25 percent of home energy use, so choosing the most energy-efficient appliance can bring savings. If it is time to replace old appliances, opt for energy-efficient ones. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when choosing appliances such as fridges, washing machines, dryers, televisions, and computer screens.

For instance, a 600-litre fridge rated at 1 star costs approximately $2,000 annually. The same fridge, rated at 8 stars, costs around $950 per annum to run, which is around half the running costs of the less efficient appliance.

Use solar energy when it is abundant

Consider scheduling activities like baking, stovetop cooking, dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers when the solar PV system is producing at its peak (between 9am and 4pm). This will help maximise the amount of clean and cheap electricity used.

However, during overcast and humid days, when solar panels are not producing as much electricity, consider minimising these activities (at least during the hottest part of the day), given these activities can add extra heat to your home, increasing the need for more cooling.

All GemLife homes come with 3kWp rooftop solar panels, and Virtual Power Plants with battery energy storage systems are being rolled out across all developments, new and established.