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Sustainable Home Advice Program
Keen to reduce your energy use at home but not sure where to start? It can be as easy as making a phone call.
ACT residents are able to contact the Actsmart Sustainable Home Advice line for general information on how to reduce the cost of electricity bills. Energy experts can also help compare the running costs of domestic appliances, and provide simple tips to save energy.
How do I contact the FREE advice line?
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
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
Experts on home energy efficiency occasionally conduct workshops at various venues around Canberra and attend public events to provide FREE information.
To register your attendance select the event your interested in from the events list.
Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme
The following EEIS-supported activities are currently being offered to households.
- Reverse Cycle Room Air Conditioning rebate upgrades non-ducted gas wall room heater to an efficient electric reverse cycle split systems. Priority households can receive up to $2,500 off the purchase price* and other households receive up to $2,000. For more information please contact ActewAGL Energy Shop on 6280 0994 or Climate Master on 6228 1126.
- Hot water heat pump rebate upgrades old, inefficient hot water heaters to an innovative Stiebel Eltron Hot Water Heat Pump. Priority households can receive up to $1,200 off the purchase price* and other households receive up to $750. For more information please contact ActewAGL Energy Shop on 6280 0994 or Solar Hub on 6140 4678.
- The Natural Gas Update rebate upgrades old, inefficient ducted gas systems to high efficiency systems. Priority households can receive up to $4,000 off the purchase price and other households receive up to $3,000. For more information please contact ActewAGL Energy Shop on 6280 0994 or Climate Master on 6228 1126.
- 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.
Eligibility will be based on the customer’s existing room heater.
* Learn who qualifies as priority households.
Top Tips for Households
Click on the links below to see some great tips to help save you money and make your home more comfortable.
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.
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.
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.
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.