Efficient homes Archives

Students get behind an infrared camera

These high school students learnt how to test for air leakage and become proficient DIY-installers—leading to great results for the homes involved, and benefits for the whole community.

Community

Totally Renewable Yackandandah

Totally Renewable Yackandandah (TRY) is at the forefront of regional towns making the shift to renewable energy, as Matthew Charles-Jones described at a recent Renew branch meeting in Melbourne.

Climate change

Greenhouse gas footprint: What we do and don’t know about gas

Do you want to know the greenhouse footprint of Australian gas? Tim Forcey says, “how would we know?”—because no one is keeping track.

Buyers guides

Beat the winter chills: A guide to electric heating options

As we head into the colder months, thoughts turn to staying warm. What’s the best electric heating system for you?

Smart homes

Houses that think: Are smart homes really a smart idea?

Smart home technology is touted as the way of the future, helping to make life easier while reducing energy use. But is that really the case?

Heating

Heating case study: converting gas to heat pump hydronic

This 1908 weatherboard Edwardian in Melbourne has been renovated, extended and insulated — and is making the switch to all-electric, powered by solar PV and 100% GreenPower.

Efficient homes

Glazed and enthused: window replacement case study

Replacing the entire window with a new double-glazed one as part of a renovation was the answer to greater energy efficiency and thermal performance for homeowner Anna Cumming.

Energy monitoring

Knowledge is power: energy monitoring guide

Need help getting the upper hand on your electricity bills or checking that your solar system is working?

Buyers guides

Windows that perform: A window and film buyers guide

Poorly performing windows can drag down the thermal performance of your home. Lance Turner looks at some solutions.

Efficient homes

Gas versus electricity: Your hip pocket guide

The results of ATA’s latest study on the economics of switching to electricity from gas for heating, hot water and cooking, for both solar and non-solar homes.

Building materials

Strength, stability and performance: The right floor for your build

When building, you may put a lot of thought into the floor coverings, but what about the sub-floor structure? Both are important to ensure a sustainable result. Lance Turner surveys the options.

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