Efficient homes Archives

Small loads that add up

In our hyper-connected world, we rely on a range of devices that are always on, like internet modems and routers, and NBN boxes. But how much of a problem is that for energy usage?

Efficient homes

Unravelling home energy use across Australia

If asked what’s the biggest energy user in Australia, many people would likely say ‘air conditioning in summer’. But they’d be wrong. Paul Ryan and Alan Pears dig deeper into energy use averages and trends.

Efficient homes

Condensation management

It’s important to consider both ventilation and moisture control in order to avoid condensation problems. Jenny Edwards recommends a holistic approach.

Efficient homes

Energy efficiency upgrade: case study

One of six case studies in Renew 147 highlighting how householders have tackled energy efficiency in their homes around Australia.

Building materials

Energy-efficient stained glass

Vicky Grosser shows how it is possible to reuse old materials like stained glass in a new energy-efficient build.

Buyers guides

A draught sealing buyers guide

Draughts can make your home far less comfortable than it needs to be, particularly in winter. Sealing them up is one of the simplest things to do for an energy-efficient home. Find out where the gaps are and how to fix them in our first-ever draught sealing buyers guide.

Buyers guides

Cooling buyers guide: active cooling

Renew magazine's cooling buyers guide gives you all the info on effective shading, ventilation, fans and efficient air conditioning.

Solar & batteries

Desert Rose

An Aussie net-zero energy house takes on the competition in Dubai, bringing home an impressive second place overall in the 2018 Solar Decathlon.

Community

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.

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