Since their energy survey in September 2008, the Hill family of five have reduced their electricity consumption by over 30%. It is a family effort and has been achieved by:
- Installing a solar hot water system in place of their electric unit
- Having good shading around the home and painting the roof white
- Using fans to keep cool
- Not using the air-conditioner unless it is really hot (the Hills only used it 4 times this summer)
- Installing energy efficient light bulbs
They have also installed a 2kW rooftop solar power system that produces 97% of their needs. As a result, their power bill is normally in credit (with the credit going towards their water bill), and they are saving over 3.3 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year
