Here are nine ways to save energy and reduce your bills:
1. Compare electricity providers
One of the easiest ways to potentially slash your bills is by simply comparing electricity providers. If you have been with the same energy provider for years, then you may be able to save by shopping around for a better deal. Energy companies are always changing their products and prices – while you may have received a good deal when you signed up, it might be a different story one year down the line.
Canstar Blue compares electricity prices throughout the market and compares customer satisfaction among leading energy brands. Start comparing today and see how much you can save.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3911kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4613kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
2. Install energy efficient lighting
Light bulbs can contribute a surprising amount to your power bill, especially if you have old incandescent or halogen light bulbs. Consider installing energy efficient light globes. Not only do they use less electricity, but they last longer, too. LED light bulbs are generally considered to be one of the more energy-efficient globes, but tend to have a higher upfront price tag than other types of light bulbs.
3. Adjust the thermostat
Heating and cooling can be expensive if you’re not smart about it. When heating, set your thermostat to between 18 and 22 degrees – each degree above can add up to 10 per cent to its running costs.
In summer, set the temperature to 25 or 26 degrees. Once again, every degree below 25 can add around 10 per cent to its running costs. Also, remember there are other ways to stay cool in summer without using electricity, and conversely, ways to keep your power bills down in winter.
Some cheap and cheerful energy saving tips include using a portable battery-powered fan during the warmer months, and chucking an extra coat on once the mercury drops.
4. Wash clothes with cold water
There’s no mistaking that warm washes usually do a better job than cold washes, but sometimes it’s just not necessary. Hot water is a real power guzzler, so try to stick to the cold wash setting for day to day laundry if possible. On the note of washing machine running costs, take advantage of any eco settings and make sure to set your machine to the correct load size – and wait until your machine is full before running a load!
On a related note, opt to hang your clothes out on the line (when and where possible) instead of chucking in the clothes dryer, which is another power-guzzling appliance when used frequently.
5. Switch off appliances at the wall
Appliances like televisions, microwaves, dishwashers and even phone chargers consume electricity when they’re not being used, meaning you’re essentially paying for nothing. If you keep forgetting to switch off at the wall, consider buying a smart power board to stop standby electricity for you.
How much is standby power costing you on your power bills? Find out in Canstar Blue’s standby power cost analysis.
6. Close doors and curtains
The harder an air conditioner or heater has to work, the more power it will use and the higher your bills will be. When running your air conditioner, be sure to close your windows, doors and curtains. Also try block draughts around the house to trap air inside. This is a cheap energy saving tip that doesn’t take much effort to follow.
7. Insulate your home
Insulation is a cost-effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency, helping reduce your heating and cooling costs. Insulation helps your home maintain a comfortable natural temperature. It acts like an esky to keep the cool in during summer, while acting like a thermo in winter to retain heat.
8. Get energy monitoring
Tracking your electricity usage with an energy monitor means you can see how and when you’re using power, helping you identify opportunities to save electricity and reduce your bill. Electricity monitoring is available to most smart meter customers, but other meter types will require a meter attachment to access energy monitoring.
9. Check appliance settings
Adjusting the settings of certain appliances can have a huge impact on your power bill. For example, you can check the fridge isn’t running too cold – the ideal temperature is 4 or degrees for the fridge itself, and -15 to -18 degrees for your freezer.
Also make sure to use any eco settings on dishwashers, clothes dryers, washing machines and air conditioners whenever possible. Saving energy by simply checking a few appliance settings shouldn’t be too much of a deal breaker for most households.
Bonus tip: Consider solar energy
It’s probably the biggest commitment on this list, and one that requires some upfront investment. But installing solar panels can pay off long-term, by reducing your reliance on the grid, thereby saving you money.
There’s a lot to consider if you do want to go solar, including choosing a home solar power system and size, finding a solar panel installer, and signing up to the best electricity plan for solar owners. If you’re interested in solar, finding out the costs involved is a great place to start.
Advertisement
Share this article