DIY Home Energy Efficiency Kits
(For loan through Eastern Regional Libraries)
Summary
Three Councils, Knox, Maroondah and Yarra Ranges, are partnering on the development and delivery of energy efficiency kits for loan through the local library system, managed by the Eastern Regional Libraries. This service will begin with three kits (one from each Council), to assess popularity and usage of the kits, with review after twelve months.
As the initiating partner, Yarra Ranges Council is coordinating the project delivery with Knox, Maroondah and Eastern Regional Libraries, including the purchasing of equipment and an information booklet.
The project has been progressed in consultation with the Eastern Regional Library group and they are supportive of delivering the kits through their loan system.
Purpose
The kits are intended to provide residents with the information and tools needed to understand where they are using power, to measure it and identify how they might reduce their use. Through using the kits, it is hoped that residents will reduce energy bills and greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed kit components are outlined below.
- User guide on how to use the kit
- Electrical appliance monitor
- A thermal camera to test where heat is being lost or gained within a home
- Information on how to make your home more energy efficient or reduce water usage
Equipment Provided with the Kits
| Item | Image | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Thermal Imaging Camera |  | Thermal imaging can help identify where your building loses and gains heat. Locate draughts, missing insulation, waste heat, and more. |
| Power-Mate Power Meter |  | Appliance tester that shows power, cost and greenhouse gas emissions for the item plugged in |
| Stopwatch |  | To measure shower and tap flow rates |
| The Energy Freedom Home Book |  | Eight Easy steps for energy efficiency behaviour change |
| Crushproof Case |  | Indestructible/waterproof case with foam to house equipment |
| Thermometer |
Borrowing a Kit
Check your local library’s catalogue for availability (try search terms such as “kit” or “energy efficiency”). In addition to Eastern Regional Libraries, many other library networks in Victoria offer similar kits.