Can CSIRO help reduce your power bills?

CSIRO is calling for homeowners in Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne to take part in a study looking at how much energy is used to keep their homes warm or cool throughout the seasons.

A senior scientist with CSIRO’s Energy Transformed Flagship, Dr Peter Osman, is looking at how energy costs vary for different homes in different climates.

“By understanding energy use over the year, throughout different seasons, we’ll gain an accurate picture of how the energy efficiency of houses could be improved,” Dr Osman said.

“Taking part in the study has two fantastic benefits. Firstly, by understanding how energy is used we have no doubt that energy bills could be reduced. Secondly, we could help improve household comfort levels by suggesting the most cost effective ways to prevent energy loss.”

Those that take part in the study will have a unique opportunity to better understand how their homes use energy with each receiving a detailed report at the end of the survey.

Some participating households will be provided with an online monitoring device worth $1 500 that all the family can use to see where and how they are using electricity.

“Taking part is easy,” Dr Osman said.

“If your house is less than 10 years old and you live in Adelaide, Brisbane or Melbourne you can register to become one of the study households.

“Your home will be fitted with a couple of thermometers and some homes may be eligible to have the online energy monitoring device installed. You will also be asked to provide information, like your energy bills, so we know a little bit more about your household.”

The study has been funded by the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and will cover 500 homes in Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne.