Sequence matters - learn how to save energy at home
With rising energy costs looming, it's a good time to start thinking about energy use in your home.
Energy efficiency
With the days getting cooler and rising energy costs looming, it's a good time to start thinking about energy use in your home.
Many people, especially those with older homes, may not know where to start. When it comes to saving money on energy by reducing your usage, sequence matters.
While it's a little more exciting to talk about solar panels, batteries and double-glazing, it turns out starting small can deliver the biggest benefits.
About 60 per cent of household energy consumption comes from heating and cooling your home. Simple and affordable upgrades like draught-proofing, insulation and window treatments will significantly improve the thermal performance of your home by retaining conditioned air.
Draught-proofing is the single most effective thing you can do. Sealing doors and windows, vents, exhaust fans, unused heating ducts and chimney draught stoppers can save up to 50 per cent of your conditioned air.
This all sounds easy on paper, but how do we actually do it?
Household energy efficiency training
The Mycelia Energy Collective (MEC) and PICAL are partnering-up and offering a short-course covering the basics of energy literacy, home energy-efficiency, and support available for vulnerable community members to relieve bill stress and improve the comfort of their homes.
The course is open to all, and free for existing PICAL and local community organisation volunteers. Participants will gain first-hand experience in how to identify draughts, measure effectiveness of insulation and efficiency of appliances. They'll also learn low-cost tips and tricks for improving the thermal comfort of a home and information about MECs Free Energy Assessments and Upgrades Program.
This course is valuable for anyone who wants to save money on energy. Apply practices to your own home, or share your learning with friends, neighbours, and family.
Mycelia Energy Efficiency Program
Tuesdays 9.30am – 12pm May 21 and 28, June 4 and 11.
PICAL – 16 Warley Avenue, Cowes.
Free for existing PICAL and community organisation volunteers.
This course will run in Term 3 through BCAL and is also offered in Corinella at CDCC and Wonthaggi at WNC.
A fairer energy deal
The Mycelia Energy Collective is a low-cost energy deal with no membership fees, no lock-in contract, and anyone in Victoria can join. As a local registered charity, we direct money back into the community, powering a fair transition to renewable energy. Check out our rates or sign-up on the People's Grid website: www.thepeoplesgrid.com/collectives/mycelia-energy-collective
A greener water heater
Water heating accounts for 18-25 per cent of your energy bill, and new generation heat pumps are by far the most efficient on the market. Upfront costs can be a barrier, but if possible, this investment can significantly reduce your electricity use and costs.
As proud partners of the Mycelia Energy Collective, Earthworker Energy Manufacturing Cooperative are offering discounted pricing on their Solar and Heat Pump hot water products to MEC members.
This worker-run factory in Latrobe produces high-performing 'Made in Morwell' stainless steel hot water storage tanks with a 15-year warranty. They use recycled materials in a unique insulating case and their premium water systems incorporate high-efficiency CO2 refrigerant heat pumps, evacuated tube solar arrays, and all-electric storage tanks.
For pricing and information contact info@mycelia.org,au
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