Carbon Action Pro
turning on the aircon ( https :// renew . org . au / renew-magazine / buyersguides / cooling-buyers-guide /) ✓ Use insulating window treatments ( i . e . lined curtains or blinds such as honeycomb ): open to sunlight in winter ; close to summer sun and to reduce heat loss in winter
Tips for hot water and appliances ✓ Use less hot water : ✓ Wash clothes in cold water ✓ Avoid running water when brushing teeth , washing hands , rinsing dishes , etc ✓ Shorten shower times ✓ Replace your aging gas or electric HWS with a solar or heat pump system ( https :// renew . org . au / renew-magazine / buyers-guides / hot-waterbuyers-guide /) ✓ For solar HWS , make sure the booster has a manual switch or can be put on a timer . ✓ Run full loads in washing machine and dishwasher ✓ Use electric appliances ( rather than gas ) where possible and if sourced through renewable electricity ✓ Use smaller appliances ( e . g . kettle , toaster , microwave , electric frypan , bench-top convection oven , etc ) rather than stove top , grill or electric oven ✓ Defrost foods in refrigerator prior to cooking , rather than defrosting in microwave ✓ Set power saving options on laptops and computers so that screens and hard drives power down , rather than revert to screen saving mode
Tips for home improvement ✓ Seal gaps between walls , floors , ceilings , cornices & skirting using gap sealer or silicone . (
https :// renew . org . au / renew-magazine / buyersguides / draught-sealing-guide /) ✓ Ceiling insulation : add to existing or replace to a minimum of R5 ( 5cm approx . = R1 ); don ’ t forget to cover the manhole and around ceiling penetrations ✓ Consider double glazed windows as a step beyond window treatments ( above ). ✓ Replace down-lights with LED fixtures or fit covers to reduce heat escape during winter , heat entry during summer and fire hazard associated with down-lights and insulation
✓ Look into latest technologies : induction cook-tops , inverter refrigerators and microwaves , heat-pump dryers ✓ Purchase high WELS ( Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards
St Margaret ’ s News 10 June 2021