Energy from the sun

One of the major things we've done since we've been here is install a photovoltaic system and a solar hot water system.

Both of these have contributed significantly to reducing costs in our home.

The PV system is 1.2kWh. Our daily use is around 5kWh during winter and 6kWh during summer.

The difference is because in summer we need to use the ceiling fans more to circulate air - a problem that will be solved when we install opening windows on the southern side of the house to allow for cross-ventilation (north to south).

The solar hot water system has been a god-send. It's wonderful to know that your water is being heated by the sun.

Our PV system is grid-connected so we feed energy into the system at a higher price than what we 'withdraw' it from the system for. We offset any difference in energy use by buying 100% green energy. That means our house energy use is carbon neutral - zero carbon emissions - which is great.

We also save money firstly by reducing our energy use, then by using alternative systems (the PV system for example) and finally by off-setting the difference. This is a great recipe for reducing costs generally.

Now all we need to do is ensure the roof space doesn't get too shaded by nearby vegetation!

A welcoming front door

One of the first things we did when we got here was replace the existing front door.

There used to be an internal grade door there - not good on the southern side of the house where it bears the brunt of the wet weather we get here, and it was starting to de-laminate and deteriorate. So we bought an untreated solid timber door and had the glass panel inserted (in frosted glass) by a local glazier. We bought some solid matt black door furniture and the raw timber was sealed with an outdoor quality sealant.

I just love the sound of a solid timber door closing - and with the outdoor sealant its standing up very well to the weather. It just needs a wipe down now and then to keep it looking good.

We added a flyscreen door too. Before we didn't have one at all - which made the house very hot in summer with no chance of any cross-ventilation. And without a flyscreen it was open season on us for the mozzies, flies and midges. We also ran the risk of having a snake or goanna wander in.  So now we have a flyscreen door we can leave the front door open during summer - providing plenty of airflow and cross-ventilation. 

 

Spring has sprung

We're well into spring cleaning mode here - that slight warming in the air, the change in the light... it all adds up to flinging open the doors and windows and scrubbing everything to within an inch of its life.

Its also been a great time to declutter - space by space we're working our way through, removing all the things we no longer need - letting go of the past and moving onto a more streamlined, pared down future.

Things are either being binned outright, recycled, freecycled or readied to be sold at the next local market.

It feels good and one good day of cleaning is enough inspiration to get you motivated for the next day. Very rewarding at the end of it all to see clean spaces, brighter looking furniture and tidy corners.

Welcome

Welcome to Cedar Cottage, a blog about our little home in the foothills of the Blackall Range on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.

This blog is our record of the work we're doing here to create a cosy, comfortable, eco-friendly cottage in the bush.

We're aiming to create a peaceful sanctuary for us that has minimal imprint on the planet and hopefully puts something back - a regenerative home that gives more than it takes.