Sophia — Save Energy, Make Money

Sophia built herself a comfy, healthy climate-friendly home that MAKES HER MONEY!

In her late 40s, as a single mum, renting, with no savings, Sophia dreamt of an affordable sustainable home for her and her son.

With clever research Sophia is now living her zero-energy-bills dream.

How she got there:

- She built north facing to get free heat and light from the sun (reducing her energy demand);

- She Insulated;

- She steered clear of gas;

- She plugged all the gaps (google and get a ‘blower door test’ Sophia says);

- She used wine bottle walls for thermal mass (thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb, store and release heat);

Energy efficient homes, like Sophia’s, save on energy bills AND health bills.

In the UK, the NHS prescribes insulation for healthier people.

An Australian trial shows households upgrading insulation, draught-sealing and using reverse-cycle heating enjoy greater mental and physical health as well as saving $887 per person on health bills.

Where are you on your journey? Download the TICK OFF TEN, stick it to your fridge and get started:

1. Switch to a green renewable energy company. Is yours green or ‘greenwashing’?

2. Turn aircon to ‘heat’ mode in winter (split system/heat pumps/ reverse cycle air-con is cheapest way to heat + cool).

3. Keep weather out. (Keeping hot air out in summer, cold air out in winter means more money in your pocket).

4. Join My Efficient Electric Home on Facebook. Crowdsource info from others on the efficient-electric-home journey.

5. Insulate floors, walls and ceilings (More insulation means less energy to heat + cool our homes).

6. Get off gas. Use portable induction cooktop instead of your gas stove. Get ready to retire gas cookers, hot water + cars.

7. Secondary or double glazing. (Keeps heat out in summer. Cold out in winter).

8. Book an expert home energy assessment + map out your efficient-electric-home blueprint.

9. Done the above? Ready for solar? Research solar rebates + green loans.

10. Forward this to a mate and get them on board.