Moving house can offer more than a fresh start – it can also lead to substantial energy savings.
But when it comes to locking in a new locale, there are numerous factors to consider, from the size and type of property to the surrounding amenities and overall lifestyle fit.
Arcline by RACV spokesperson Greg Edye, General Manager Energy, says relocating can open doors to improved energy deals and savings.
“Energy-efficient homes, smart technology, and local incentives can make a big difference to both your wallet and the environment,” Greg says.
These are his top tips on how to make moving house your best energy-saving decision.
Relocating can significantly impact access to better energy deals.
“Certain areas have more energy providers, which could lead to a broader range of plans,” Greg says.
“Moving to such a locale can result in savings on your energy bills,” he adds.
“You might find plans with lower rates, flexible billing options, renewable energy options, and various incentives that could lead to significant savings on your energy bills.”
The size and type of property you move into can significantly influence potential energy savings.
Larger homes typically consume more energy, but newer, energy-efficient properties can offset this with advanced insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and smart home technologies.
“Opting for a well-insulated property can lead to substantial long-term savings on energy bills.”
Moving house can also open up access to renewable energy options or alternative sources.
Greg says some regions offer incentives for solar panel installations, wind energy and other cleaner energy sources.
“Relocating to an area with these benefits can reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy costs,” he explains.
Effectively researching and comparing energy deals in different areas is essential.
Online comparison tools, such as the Victorian Energy Compare website, local government resources, and consumer advocacy groups can provide valuable insights into the best energy plans available.
“Using online comparison sites such as the Victorian Energy Compare and reading customer reviews such as Google reviews, can not only help you identify the most cost-effective energy providers in your new area, but also those that customers are the most satisfied with,” Greg says.
Some retailers offer benefits to their existing customers for their loyalty.
“At Arcline by RACV, we provide a Refer a Friend service that sees both the referrer and referee receive a $50 sign up credit each, on their first bills,” Greg explains.
“This a great way to help with the current cost-of-living pressures.”
The energy efficiency of a home can significantly affect long-term savings on energy bills.
Homes with energy-efficient appliances, proper insulation and smart home technology can reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs.
Newer homes or those that have been recently renovated may feature the latest in energy-efficient technologies, such as better insulation, double-glazed windows, and energy-efficient appliances.
Moving into such a home can drastically reduce your energy consumption, Greg says.
There are several features the can add up to big savings in the long run, such as smart home systems that allow you to control lighting, efficient heating and cooling, or energy storage solutions like home batteries, which allow you to store energy during off-peak times and use it during peak hours.
“These systems can lead to significant energy savings by optimising energy use based on your habits and preferences,” he says.
Moving to a new home provides an excellent opportunity to conduct a home energy efficiency assessment.
“The Arcline by RACV home energy efficiency assessment identifies and highlights how addressing areas of energy inefficiency early on can lead to significant long-term savings,” Greg adds.
Based on the energy efficiency assessment , you can prioritise energy-efficient upgrades that are most impactful for your new home, such as improving insulation, installing solar or installing a programmable thermostat.
By choosing an energy-efficient home, leveraging local incentives, and taking advantage of competitive energy markets, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Presented by Arcline by RACV and published to realestate.com.au
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