Being energy efficient doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or lifestyle. It means ensuring choosing the right appliances and using them in the most efficient manner.

The amount of energy used in a home is dependant on 3 main factors:

• the type of building – i.e. the way its designed and constructed;
• the type of appliances you have – i.e. how energy efficient they are; and
• the manner in which the appliances are used – i.e. how efficient you are!

The following graph shows the breakdown of electricity consumption in the average Alice Springs house (assumes electric hot water).

In addition to using solar hot water for water heating the key areas to focus your energy efficiency efforts are in relation to:

• Heating and cooling
• Insulation
• Lighting
• Appliances