Explore your Household
We recognise that as a renter, you may not have a choice of heating, cooling, cooking or hot water systems but there are still many actions you can take to reduce your energy costs.
BathroomBathroom
Why it’s important
After heating your rooms, hot water is the next biggest user of energy at home. Choosing how and when you use water in your home could save you money and reduce your home’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Taking action
- You can save energy and water by choosing a high star rated washing machine when the time is right to replace your current one.
- Run clothes on a cold water cycle to avoid using energy to heat water.
- Use a timer in the shower to keep your shower time under five minutes.
Support available
- The Renters’ Home Energy Program provides free, expert advice on the best actions you can take to make your rental home more comfortable and reduce your energy use and costs.
- You can also access an online tool (which takes 30 minutes to complete) that can give you tailored actions on how to make your home more comfortable.
Kitchen
Why it’s important
Cooking equipment is one of the least efficient of all household appliances. Having an efficient electric stove top can help you reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
- If your home has a gas stove, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your natural gas use:
- use the smallest burner size for your required pot or pan.
- use ceramic and stainless-steel cookware – they heat up faster and retain heat longer reducing the amount of energy needed to cook with them.
- use small countertop electric appliances like a rice cooker, air fryer, or even a portable induction cooktop.
- Using your dishwasher wisely can also help save energy and water and the kitchen:
- only run the dishwasher when it’s full
- many dishwashers have an ‘eco’ mode that uses less power and water for a standard load.
- if your energy plan has an off-peak rate run your dishwasher overnight.
Support available
- The Renters’ Home Energy Program provides free, expert advice on the best actions you can take to make your rental home more comfortable and reduce your energy use and costs.
- You can also access an online tool (which takes 30 minutes to complete) that can give you tailored actions on how to make your home more comfortable.
Dining/living/bedroom
Why it’s important
Heating makes up about 60% of an average Canberra household’s energy use. The most efficient heating and cooling systems available on the market today are reverse cycle. These are sometimes called a split system.
Taking action
- If your home is reliant on a gas heating system, there are steps you can take to reduce your natural gas use:
- turn down the thermostat to between 18 and 20˚C – every degree warmer costs you around 5–10% more.
- use blinds and curtains to keep out the cold or to let in the sun.
- turn off your heater half an hour before you leave the house.
- use draught stoppers (or door snakes) and other draught excluders.
- wear slippers or socks and your favourite cosy jumper.
Support available
- The Renters’ Home Energy Program provides free, expert advice on the best actions you can take to make your rental home more comfortable and reduce your energy use and costs.
- Eligible households can access help with draught-proofing and curtains through the Low Income Household Program.
- Attend one of our workshops for tips on how to heat your home efficiently.
- You can also access an online tool (which takes 30 minutes to complete) that can give you tailored actions on how to make your home more comfortable.
