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Sustainable Home Advice Program
Keen to reduce your energy use at home but not sure where to start? ACT residents can contact the Actsmart Sustainable Home Advice line for general information on how to reduce the cost of their electricity bills. Energy experts can also help compare the running costs of domestic appliances, and provide simple tips to save energy.
What can I do?
- Contact our energy expert by phone or email
- Attend one of our FREE workshops for more guidance- currently being run online
- Book in a FREE home energy assessment with our energy expert - currently available by voice or virtual phone call. In-home assessments available depending on situation.
How do I access these FREE services?
All you have to do is call 1300 141 777 to speak with an experienced energy expert on how you can take steps to reduce your energy use. You can also email ActsmartAdvice@act.gov.au.
The Actsmart Sustainable Home Advice line is available weekdays 9 am to 5 pm (excluding public holidays).
Privacy
Any personal information you provide will be treated in accordance with the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD) Information Privacy Policy and the Territory Privacy Principles. Information about the privacy policy and principles, including how to access any personal data that we hold, is available from the
EPSDD website.
After talking to the experts, I had a blower door test done on my house. I've now fixed many leaks, have the heater on a lot less and am saving quite a bit of money.
Canberra resident
Are you renting?
Visit our Renters’ Home Energy Assessments page.
Didn’t find what you are looking for? Check out more of the Actsmart programs and resources by clicking here
FREE service
Our FREE experienced energy expert can help you save greenhouse gas emissions and save money by advising you either over the phone or by email on:
- free or inexpensive ways to reduce energy use for heating, cooling, appliances, hot water, lighting and cooking
- retro-fitting to increase energy efficiency, including with insulation and window treatments
- comparing costs of space and water heating systems, air-conditioning, built-in cooking appliances, and light fixtures
- comparing costs of running domestic appliances
- energy-efficient home design, and suitability of house blocks
- where to borrow a Home Energy Action Kit, which you can use to self-audit your home.
Workshops & Events
Actsmart hosts a range of free workshops that will teach you how to save energy and money while staying comfortable.
Due to the current public health emergency declared in the ACT in relation to COVID-19, Actsmart Sustainable Home Advice workshops are being run online rather than face-to-face at present.
To register your attendance select the event your interested in from the events list.
In the meantime, you can still access Actsmart’s FREE Sustainable Home Advice Service through phone 1300 141 777, email and other resources available here.
Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme
The following EEIS-supported activities are currently being offered to households.
- Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning: Looking for an energy efficient way to heat and cool your home? If you own a gas heater, ActewAGL is offering between $2000 and $5000 off a replacement electric reverse cycle air conditioner.
- Hot water heat pump: Hot water heat pumps run on electricity. They use the heat from the air to heat water meaning they are significantly more energy efficient than conventional electric water heaters.
- Fridge Buyback scheme is where ActewAGL will take away your old fridge or freezer, dispose of it responsibly and give eligible customers a $30 rebate on their next electricity bill. For more information please contact ActewAGL on 1300 136 008
Find out more information about ActewAGL's energy saving solutions.
The ACT Government is supporting upgrades of old, inefficient hot water heaters to a high efficiency hot water heat pump. ActewAGL is offering Rebates of up to $1200 are available for eligible concession card holders. Other households can get up to $750 off the new heat pump.
Learn more about heat pump ActewAGL’s energy saving solutions.
Top tips
Click on the links below to see some great tips to help save you money and make your home more comfortable.
Tips for keeping your house cool
While the average Canberra home does not spend a lot on cooling, having a hot home in summer can be really uncomfortable.
Tips for keeping your house warm
Heating makes up the majority of an average energy bill in Canberra. Reducing your heating use while keeping your house warm, should be a priority when looking at reducing energy costs.
Tips for choosing a heating system
Having an efficient heating system is one of the best ways to minimise your bills while staying warm in winter.
Draught proofing tips
Up to 25% of heat loss in a house comes from air leaks and draughts. By identifying and fixing draughts you will help keep your home warm in winter, cool in summer and save money on energy bills. In fact, draught proofing is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to improve the comfort of your home.
Top 5 No-Cost / Low-cost ways to reduce your bills
Reducing your energy bills doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Here are some of the easiest (and cheapest) things you can do to cut down your energy bills.
Tips for hot water systems
Hot water accounts for around 25% of a typical energy bill, but savings aren’t limited to upgrading your system.
Tips for lighting
A variety of energy efficient lights are readily available, that makes saving money on lighting an easy and cost effective option. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights are the most efficient and typically last longer than other alternatives.
Maintaining your split system reverse cycle air conditioner
Cleaning your air conditioner will maximise its performance and save you money on your energy bills.
DIY Videos
These DIY videos will provide you with step by step guides and quick tips to help you save money and reduce the energy consumption in your home.