Renters often have less control over their energy bills as many household features are in the landlord’s control. Use this as a guide of what to look for to make your home more energy efficient and help reduce your electricity bills, or use the template email to request an energy efficient upgrade in your home.
For general tips to reduce your electricity bill, visit - NSW Climate and Energy Action, Energy Efficiency tips
Spotting an Energy Efficient Home
During an inspection, you can use this checklist to determine the energy efficiency of the home you are inspecting. You may need to ask the agent some questions if you cannot see things listed in the checklist. The more things you tick off, the more energy efficient it will be, which should help reduce your electricity bills.
If you want to take this a step further, some councils or libraries have an energy assessment kit which can be hired. These kits may include an infrared thermometer to help identify draughts, a handheld power meter to measure energy usage of appliances or a thermometer you can use during the inspection.
Download the Energy Efficient Checklist
List of Energy Efficient Upgrades
This is a list of practical energy upgrades you may consider requesting. All of these upgrades will benefit the landlord by improving the energy efficiency of the property and increasing the property’s appeal and resale value, while making your home more comfortable and reducing your energy bill.
For a full list of energy efficient upgrades, visit energy.nsw.gov.au/households/upgrades
Solar and a battery
Installing rooftop solar and a home battery can significantly reduce a household's electricity bills and reliance on the grid. Solar panels generate clean electricity during the day, while a battery stores any excess energy for use at night or during peak demand periods. Renters can save approximately $1,900 a year on electricity bills from a solar and battery installation.
Appliances
When appliances reach their end of life, it is a great opportunity to request energy efficient models (you can see this by higher star ratings). Appliances make up an average of 40% of an average NSW energy bill, an energy efficient upgrade can help you save on your energy bill and make your home more comfortable.
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Appliances could include:
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Dishwashers
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Washing machine
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Dryer
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Fridge
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Induction cooktop
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See more here - energy.gov.au/households/appliances
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Heating and Cooling
Approximately 29% of a NSW energy bill is from heating and cooling. There are big and small changes which can be made to make your home thermally efficient, these include:
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Installing ceiling fans
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Installing flyscreens on all windows and doors
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Install bulk, reflective or composite insulation
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Replace windows with double glazed windows
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Sealing gaps in windows and doors to prevent drafts
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Add external shading of windows, thermal curtains or window film to improve insultation
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Replacing a gas heater or air conditioner with energy efficient models (particularly when they reach the end of life)
Hot Water
Improving hot water systems and lowering water usage is a great way to save on your energy bill. Upgrades could include:
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Installing energy efficient showerheads and taps
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Fixing leaking taps
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Landlords are required to do this if they are charging renters a water bill, see Repairs and maintenance Tenant’s Union of NSW for more information
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Replacing a hot water heater with an electric heat pump hot water system (particularly when they reach the end of life)
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See more here - energy.nsw.gov.au/households/upgrades/heat-pump
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Lighting
LED lighting through your home uses 80% less energy.
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Switching to LED lighting
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Check with your property manager whether they will cover this cost for you
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Asking Your Landlord about Energy Efficient Upgrades
Starting a conversation with your landlord or housing provider about energy-saving upgrades can feel daunting. Focusing on the benefits for both renters and property owners can help, including lower energy bills, a more comfortable home, improved energy efficiency, increased resale value and greater appeal to future tenants.
While energy efficient upgrades can make your home more comfortable and lower your energy bill, there is a chance of your landlord using these upgrades as a reason to increase your rent. Before you ask your landlord, think about the overall benefits the upgrade could provide and whether you'd be willing to take on any additional costs. We're part of a growing movement calling for stronger rental protections, so everyone can live in a home that is comfortable, safe and energy efficient without costs being unfairly transferred onto tenants.
To help you get started, we've created a template email you can send to your landlord or property manager and included an example upgrade request.
Download the template and example email here
This page was made using resources from the NSW Government and Tenants’ Union NSW. For further information, visit