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Yes, that's correct. The Victorian Energy Efficiency Target (VEET) scheme is a Victorian Government initiative promoted as the Energy Saver Incentive.
The purpose of the VEET scheme is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, encourage the efficient use of electricity and gas, and to encourage investment, employment and technology development in industries that supply goods and services which reduce the use of electricity and gas by consumers.
Around 30 Prescribed Activities are currently included in the scheme, ranging from the installation of high efficiency hot water systems, air heater/coolers, lighting, draught proofing and window treatments through to the purchase of high efficiency appliances like refrigerators and televisions.
To view a full list of these activities, as well as contact details for the registered participants (suppliers), take a look at the VEET website participants page.
To read more about how the scheme works, take a look at the VEET website.
There is a rebate for the replacement of a peak (day-rate) electric water heater with a capacity of 160 litres or less, or a water heater fuelled by wood. Take a look at the Gas hot water rebate page for more information.
However, most electric hot water systems are on an off-peak tariff. If you have this type of system then you could be eligible for assistance through the Energy Saver Incentive. Please take a look at the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target scheme website for more information.
A national recycling program is planned for tvs, until this starts your options to dispose of e-waste can be sourced through the PlanetArk website, please visit the Recycling Near You website.
Around half of household electricity use goes towards heating, but a lot of this heat is quickly lost through the ceiling and windows.
If you can arrange to have insulation installed then that will help with reducing heat loss and gain. If not, the below tips will also help keep your home more comfortable:
Reduce heat loss by up to 40% with window dressing
Maximise heat retention with close-fitting lined curtains and blinds as well as pelmets.
Avoid loose woven fabrics and vertical blinds.
Draught-proof to save up to 25% on heating costs
Fit draught seals to the base of doors and weather strips to door jambs.
Seal windows, walls, ceiling, architraves and floorboards. Products that fix gaps and leaks can be found at your hardware store.
Use dampeners on open fire places when not in use.
Seal old style wall vents unless you're using unflued gas heaters.
Fit covers on exhaust fans which vent straight into the roof. These open when the fan is in use but stop draughts at other times.
For more information please see www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/for_households_1877.html
There are rebates for replacing an existing gas hot water service with a gas-boosted solar hot water system, for details of suppliers, costs and potential savings please see our website at
http://www.resourcesmart.vic.gov.au/for_households/rebates.html
There is no national recycling program for tyres at the moment, for your best options please Search PlanetArk recyclingnearyou
Consider buying an efficient air conditioner with at least 4.5 stars. A list of star rated models can be found on the government energyrating website. The supplier should be able to give you professional advice on the right output capacity for your home.
There are plans to introduce what is known as "mandatory disclosure" for Victorian homes which are sold, but there will be extensive public consultation before then.
If the helmet is in good condition you could offer it to a fellow cyclist. However, if it is damaged you could try your council transfer station. Although, because the helmet is comprised of composite materials it may have to go to landfill.
As appliances can account for about 40% of energy use in the home it is important to compare things like efficiency and the amount of energy they use. For more information on how to help you choose the most energy efficient appliance, please see:
www.energyrating.gov.au/appsearch/
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