Easy Ways To Save Money on Your Energy Bills

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The cost of living in Australia is at an all-time high and households are feeling the pinch more than ever. Gas and electricity bills have increased up to 18.3% in some states – coupled with soaring fuel and grocery costs, and many of us are scrambling to find ways to save money on electricity.

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Fortunately, some simple changes around the home can save you thousands of dollars each year in energy and water bills. Making your home more energy-efficient doesn’t have to be expensive, and is almost guaranteed to save you money in the short and long term. Your house doesn’t need to be new either – there are plenty of ways older homes can be made more energy-efficient.

Here are our top easy and practical ways to save money on electricity and reduce your household costs:

Save on electricity at any time

Caulk those draughts away

Caulk those draughts away

This could be the best $5-10 you’ve spent all year. Draughts around the house are one of the major reasons why many rooms can feel cold and uncomfortable – and your energy bills are sky-high. It will take a trip to the hardware store and a few hours of your time, but caulking around windows and doors that leak air is probably one the easiest ways to see a drastic change to your house’s energy efficiency, particularly when it comes to heating and cooling. The easiest way to check for air leaks is to light a candle around suspected windows and exterior doors. If the flame dances around, there is airflow and you have a leak.

Make sure you’re well-insulated

Make sure you’re well-insulated

Insulation creates a barrier to heat gain and loss. Ceilings, roofs, floors, and walls all benefit from insulation. It’s a money-saving and practical way to keep your home cooler in the winter and hotter in the summer. There are a lot of different types of insulation out there, so find one that suits your needs. There is everything from fibreglass batts and radiant barriers to spray foam and recycled paper products all designed for various locations in the home.

Fix water leaks

Fix water leaks

Household leaks waste millions of litres of water annually in Australia. We’ve all had that pesky dripping tap or leaking shower head that we’ve ignored, but you would be surprised to learn how much money this adds to your water bills. Make sure that any leaks around the house are fixed. Whether it’s a broken tap or a bad seal on your toilet cistern, getting these issues under control can save you an absolute tonne of money each year!

Switch to LED lights

Switch to LED lights​

LED lights are unquestionably worth the investment. LEDs use a staggering 75% less energy than halogen light bulbs and last 5 to 10 times longer, greatly reducing replacement costs and the number of light bulbs ending up in landfills. The up-front cost of LEDs generally has a payback time of less than 1 year. Many states, including Victoria and NSW, have government-subsidised LED replacement programs.

Set your thermostat between 18°C and 20°C

Set your thermostat between 18°C and 20°C

Try to keep the internal temperature of your heating set to between 18°C and 20°C. Every degree you increase your heating can add up to 10% to your energy use. Set your thermostat to warm your house for times you need it. Turn it off overnight and when you’re away from home.

Use a smart meter and load-shift your energy usage

Use a smart meter and load-shift your energy usage

It’s not just the amount of energy we use that impacts our bills but when we use it that can really make a difference. Electricity demand is highest during peak times when everyone’s home from school and work and using appliances like air conditioners, so you can avoid paying peak rates by load-shifting your energy usage to off-peak times. Many modern appliances like dishwashers and washing machines have timers that let you set them to run overnight or during the day when electricity is cheaper.

If you want an easy way to track and understand your consumption, consider installing a smart meter. While a smart meter can’t lower your energy bills, it allows households to monitor their usage and adjust their consumption habits to maximise savings. You can arrange a smart meter through your energy supplier.

Consider adding solar panels

Consider adding solar panels

Solar panels are a fantastic way to save money on your energy bills. They use the sun’s natural rays as an energy source and convert them into electricity for your home. Not only do they significantly reduce your energy bills and have a short payback period of under 6 years on average, but they also add value to your property

Don’t have the money for solar right now? Don’t let that stop you from making a great investment. Many solar installers in Melbourne now offer $0 upfront interest-free loans, with the option of paying off your system in small monthly instalments.

There are also federal and state government rebates and incentives that can knock thousands off your upfront costs.

Check your state’s latest solar offers: WA, NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, ACT, NT, TAS.

Install a solar hot water system

Install a solar hot water system

If you have the space and resources, consider installing a solar heating system for your hot water. Using solar energy to heat water is an effective way to use Australia’s abundant sunshine, save energy, save money and cut greenhouse gas emissions. On average, if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50%–80%.

Compare and switch energy providers

Even if you don’t do anything else on this list, we can’t stress enough how important it is to shop around for the best energy deal at least every 6 months. Remember, energy retailers capitalise on our inattention to quietly increase prices. Our free energy comparison tool is the fastest and easiest way to compare your energy deal with over 95% of Australian energy retailers.

Remember, every little bit counts! By implementing these simple tips and adopting energy-conscious habits, you can significantly save electricity, reduce your electric bill, and contribute to a more sustainable future for yourself and the planet. So, unleash your inner energy detective and start saving energy in Australia today!

Bonus tip: Check out government rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades in your state. These can further reduce the cost of saving and make your green journey even more rewarding.

Reduce electricity bills in summer

Beat the heat and keep your wallet happy this summer! Here are some simple ways to reduce your electricity bills:

Use fans instead of air conditioning

Swap air conditioning for ceiling fans or strategically placed pedestal fans to circulate cool air. Natural ventilation also helps – open windows and doors at night (when it’s cooler) to create cross-breezes but remember to close them during the hottest part of the day. Fans use significantly less energy than AC units, making a big difference in energy consumption.

Seal the Leaks

Check for gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and vents. These openings allow hot air to infiltrate your home, forcing your air conditioning to work harder and costing you more. Sealing these leaks with weather stripping or caulking keeps cool air and hot air out.

Zone control

“Zone” your home by closing doors to unused rooms. This prevents cool air from escaping to areas you’re not using, allowing your air conditioner to focus on keeping the important spaces comfortable.

Close curtains and blinds during the day

Close curtains and blinds on windows facing the sun during the hottest part of the day. This simple step helps keep your home cooler naturally, reducing reliance on air conditioning and keeping you cool without breaking the bank. Plant trees or climbing vines for natural shade.

Ways to save energy in winter

While staying cozy is important during the cooler months, keeping your energy bills down is too. Here are some simple tips to maximise warmth and minimise energy use:

By day, let natural light in

Open curtains and blinds during the day to take advantage of the sun’s natural heat, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and heating systems.

Close curtains and doors at night

Once the sun sets, close curtains and doors to trap warm air inside the room and prevent drafts from stealing heat.

'Zone' your home by warming the rooms you use the most

Instead of heating the entire house, focus on keeping the rooms you use the most comfortable, like the living room and bedroom. This targeted approach reduces overall energy consumption.

Use door snakes to stop draughts

Drafty doorways can be a major source of heat loss. Filling gaps under doors with door snakes creates a barrier, preventing cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.

Save electricity in the bathroom and laundry

Australians can make simple changes to their bathrooms and laundry rooms to reduce energy bills.  Consider these tips:

Choose water and energy-efficient appliances and fixtures

save electricity

If you’re replacing any of your home’s major appliances or fixtures, consider choosing ones with a high Energy Rating or regulated under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS). This can include fridges, washing machines, dishwasher showers, toilet suites, urinals, taps and flow controllers – all of which are responsible for a significant amount of energy and water consumption in the average Australian household annually. Repair or upgrade? Sometimes it may be worth repairing older appliances if they are still in good working condition, but it’s probably worth upgrading to a new, more efficient model when considering factors such as repair costs, warranty and long-term energy costs.

Short showers

Heating water is a major energy drain. Reduce shower time by a few minutes, or install a water-efficient showerhead that delivers a satisfying spray using less water.

Upgrade appliances

When replacing your washing machine and clothes dryer, look for the energy rating label. Opt for models with a high star rating, which indicates superior energy efficiency.

Wash clothes in cold water

Most laundry detergents work effectively in cold water, significantly reducing the energy needed to heat the water for washing.

Air dry clothes whenever possible

Skip the dryer and take advantage of Australia’s sunshine! Hang clothes on a line or drying rack to save the energy a dryer typically consumes.

Saving electricity In the kitchen

Australians looking to save on their electricity bills can make a big impact by tweaking their kitchen habits. Here are some key areas to focus on:

Fridge and freezer

Keep your cool! A well-maintained fridge is key. Check the door seals for proper closure and clean the coils at least once a year. Avoid opening the door frequently and let hot food cool before placing it inside. Consider defrosting your freezer regularly and positioning your fridge in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Dishwasher

Pack it strategically. Only run the dishwasher when it’s full, and avoid using the heat drying cycle – let the dishes air dry instead.

Using the stovetop

Match the pot size to the burner for optimal heat transfer. Consider using a microwave or electric frypan for smaller meals, as they’re generally more energy-efficient than the oven. If using the oven, preheat only when necessary, minimise peeking (use the oven light!), and turn it off a few minutes before your food is finished to utilise residual heat.

Ways to save electricity in living areas

Australians looking to reduce their electricity bills and environmental impact can take action in their living areas. Significant savings can be achieved by making small adjustments to daily habits and considering some upgrades. Here are some key tips:

Double-glaze your windows

Double-glaze your windows

If you haven’t already, consider double-glazing your windows. Not only will this reduce your heat loss or gain by up to 30% compared to single-glazed windows, but it can also help reduce noise from outside by up to 90%!

Use rugs and curtains

Use rugs and curtains

Heating your home in winter is a dreaded expense. While there are some cheaper methods to heat your home like using a reverse-cycle air conditioner on heating mode, your goal should be to reduce the need for using the heater at all. Covering your tiles and/or floorboards with rugs and using curtains can all help to keep the heat in and the cold out. 

Switch off electronics completely

Even in standby mode, TVs, stereos, and game consoles use energy. Turning them off completely at the wall eliminates this hidden electricity drain.

By following these easy steps, you can become a true Aussie energy-saving champion, living comfortably while keeping your wallet happy and contributing to a more sustainable future. Now go forth and conquer those bills!

Here at Energy Matters, we believe in a zero-carbon future. As an advocate for sustainable, affordable and greener energy solutions, we will always recommend that Australians make the switch from the grid to a solar PV system.

For more information on how you can save money with green energy, please contact our friendly team on 1800 EMATTERS. You can also receive up to 3 no-obligation-free solar quotes from trusted local solar installers – it’ll only take you a few minutes!