Performance and price have greatly improved since our last test of CFLs.
4 Aug 2010 |
We test 15 "warm white" CFL bulbs of about 15W, including screw and bayonet fittings in a variety of shapes.
Prices are rising, but can switching electricity suppliers save you money?
11 Apr 2010 |
We make sense of the confusing contracts and tariffs of electricity providers and outline a switching action plan.
Whether its climate change or expense, standby energy affects you.
17 Sep 2009 |
Standby energy costs eat into your bank account in small bites and the total cost across the country can amount to tonnes of CO² and other greenhouse gases being emitted.
Use our guide to ensure that going green doesn’t cost the earth.
24 Apr 2009 |
With climate change in mind, more Australians are installing power- and water-saving equipment. As this can mean significant upfront costs, governments are offering a range of rebates.
Carbon pollution reduction scheme needs to ensure reduced emissions.
8 Mar 2009 |
If a new bill becomes law, nearly one million households could be paying for renewable energy that does nothing to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
CHOICE investigates why consumers switch electricity retailers.
26 Feb 2009 |
With the increased cost of power generation, household bills are set to rise nationally over the next few years and consumers will be on the look-out for cheaper energy prices.
Check the label - your choice can influence your energy bill for years.
8 Jan 2008 |
Choosing an energy-efficient model will save you money. And because most electricity generation produces greenhouse gases, it’s better for the environment too.
If you're looking for ways to save energy around the home, it helps to know which appliances are sucking the most power.
29 Dec 2007 |
Power meters measure energy use of household appliances. This helps you lower your power bill and reduce carbon emissions.
In Australia, electricity consumption, powered mainly by coal, is high.
1 May 2007 |
Switching to accredited GreenPower would significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions your household is responsible for, and it’s now available to all Australian households.
Help the environment by choosing more energy efficient products and changing your behaviour
28 Mar 2007 |
This guide covers enegry efficent appliances, transport options, water usage and more.
What are your options when your hot water system gives up?
2 Jul 2010 |
If you'd already thought about how much you spend on heating water and had researched the options, you could be on the road to saving money.
It’s time we stopped wasting precious drinking water on the garden and for toilet-flushing.
1 Jul 2008 |
Australia is the driest inhabited continent and predictions are that the future is likely to get hotter and drier.
Save water and money by choosing water efficient products.
15 Mar 2008 |
The water efficiency label allows consumers to compare the water efficiency of different products.
We take you through greywater options, from simple diversion to 'Class A' treatment systems.
2 Jan 2008 |
Recycling greywater is one way of saving water: after all, you don’t need drinking-quality water to water the garden or flush the toilet.
To get best use out of your rainwater tank, you need a good pump.
19 Oct 2007 |
There's a wide range of brands and types of pumps available. Which ones deliver the best water flow?
Making your home water-efficient needn’t cost a fortune. You can do a lot with a few dollars, and even more with a few hundred.
17 Sep 2007 |
Most major cities in Australia have water restrictions in place, ranging from limits on garden watering to a complete ban on outdoor water use.
Saving water is important, but re-using waste water will help too.
20 Mar 2007 |
Greywater is the waste water from showers, baths, hand-basins, laundry tubs, washing machines, dishwashers and kitchen sinks. Using greywater on your garden could help save hundreds of litres of water a day.
You can save water and money, but can you get a decent shower?
2 Mar 2007 |
Sixteen trialists each tested all 15 showerheads; they weren’t told the showerheads were water-efficient.
We crunched the numbers and found the 'payback times' for a small solar panel system can range from five to 45 years, depending on the government incentives you get.
8 Jun 2010 |
They're not cheap to install, but new incentives have reduced the payback times for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Everything you need to know about making the right purchase decision.
4 Jun 2010 |
Installing a system that produces carbon-free energy and insulates you from rising coal-fired electricity prices has both environmental and financial attractions.
As energy prices soar, solar electricity should be a smart investment – but are the incentives strong enough?
3 Aug 2009 |
Changes to the federal government’s rebate for solar panels are likely to increase the cost of installing a solar PV system.
CHOICE takes the confusion out of purchasing solar and heat pump hot-water systems.
13 Aug 2008 |
Solar hot water is now big business. There are dozens of manufacturers and hundreds of retail suppliers, all keen to get your custom.