Home Energy Audit Toolkit

Each HEAT kit contains:

• Power-Mate appliance meter (to measure appliance energy use and running costs)

• Infrared thermometer and spirit thermometer (to measure temperatures in rooms, fridges and freezers)

• Stopwatch (useful for checking shower flow rate)

• Compass (to check sun direction and window orientation)

• Instruction sheets, audit guide and worksheets (so you can record what you find and what to do next)

The worksheet and tip sheets guide you through the biggest energy users in most homes, including:

• Heating and cooling (insulation, draughts, thermostat settings, curtains and shading)

• Hot water (shower length, showerhead flow, pipe insulation, dripping taps)

• Fridges and freezers (temperature, ventilation, seals, second fridges)

• Lighting (switching habits, using natural light, upgrading to efficient globes, sensor lighting)

• Stand-by power (what’s still using power when “off”, and how to reduce it)

• Cooking and kitchen habits (oven use, lids on pots, matching pot size to element)

• Other large appliances (washing machines, dishwashers and choosing efficient models)

1. Book or request the kit through Council.

2. Collect the kit (Council will confirm the pick-up point and times).

3. Use it for up to one week to complete your home audit.

4. Return the kit with all items in good condition to receive your $20 bond refund.

Borrowing conditions (important)

• The toolkit is for use by adult borrowers.

• Children must not have unsupervised access to the kit.

• Do not direct the infrared thermometer’s laser toward any person (eye injury risk).

• If items are missing or damaged, replacement costs may apply (reasonable wear and tear excluded).

If you’re short on time, start here:

• Measure stand-by power for your TV, modem, game console and microwave clock.

• Check fridge temperature (aim for safe food storage, without running colder than needed).

• Time your shower flow and note opportunities to reduce hot water use.

• Walk around doors and windows to feel for draughts and note where sealing would help.

• Pick three actions you can do this week (one no-cost habit, one low-cost fix, one longer-term upgrade).