How To Save On Electricity In These 5 Areas

It’s now 2023, and Australian households are feeling the pinch of rapidly rising electricity bills. The price hikes have been driven by high inflation, the switch to renewables, and global conflict. For most families, this sort of increase in their power bills is simply unaffordable.

But before you despair about saving energy, there is good news. With some clever strategies and changes around your home, you can dramatically reduce your energy consumption and offset the rising cost of electricity. By using more energy-efficient appliances, being diligent about switching off lights and appliances not in use, and monitoring how much energy you use, most households can lower their bills by 20-30%.

This blog will provide you with practical, easy-to-follow tips to save energy in lighting, heating, cooling, cooking and more. We’ll show you how to pinpoint energy waste areas in your home and make the switch to efficient LED lighting. You’ll also learn about advanced power strips, energy-saving settings on appliances and other ways to cut your energy bills in 2023 and beyond. Taking control of your energy use, even with small daily changes, can give you back power over runaway electricity costs.

1. Your Heating And Cooling

Did you know staying warm in winter and cool in summer accounts for as much as 40% or more of your energy bill?

• Just a 1-degree C change on your thermostat can lower your air conditioner running costs by 10%
• Don’t set your thermostat for more than 21C in winter and 27C in summer
• Save on electricity by closing doors to unused rooms
• Use your system’s zoning features to turn off unused rooms
• In winter, let as much natural sun into your house during the day
• Close curtains and blinds at night
• In summer, cover windows and keep your home as dark as is practicable
• Go shopping for more energy-efficient systems
• Cover up cracks and gaps that allow air-conditioned air to escape

2. Your Hot Water Usage

Another 20-25% of your total power bill is simply heating water for those showers and baths.

• To save electricity, take fewer baths – as baths use considerably more hot water
• Limit showers to less than four minutes
• Install water-saving shower heads that can save 10 litres per minute
• Insulate copper water pipes to minimise heat loss
• Fix dripping taps, scorching ones
• Consider getting a more efficient hot water system installed.

3. Your Laundry, Kitchen & Entertainment

The third most energy-hungry areas of your home include your laundry (washing machine & dryers), kitchen (dishwasher, cooking appliances), and the other regions, including the lounge (TV), home office (computers) and entertainment areas.

• Use cold water washing machines & dishwashers.
• Don’t switch on the washing machine until there’s a whole load
• Hang your clothes out rather than use the dryer
• Turn entertainment appliances off rather than in standby mode, which can save you $250 a year
• Check all appliances for energy efficiency ratings
• Use a toaster rather than a grill
• Use the microwave rather than the oven
• Check oven door seals

4. Your Fridge/Freezer

Up to another 8% of your power bill can be your fridge and freezer alone, bearing in mind that it needs to keep working hard every minute of every day.

• Try setting your fridge at no more than 5C and your freezer at no colder than -15C.
• Reduce electricity bills by reconsidering running more than one fridge/freezer per home.
• Check the condition of fridge/freezer door seals
• Consider moving fridges from bright, sunny positions.

5. Your Lights

Although the technologies are becoming more and more efficient, 7% of your bill might still be accounted for solely by the switching on of lights.

• Turn lights off when you exit a room
• Open curtains/blinds during the day
• Replace old bulbs with energy-efficient ones, including halogen or LED lights.
• Add sensors to outdoor lights to turn off automatically when movement is no longer detected.

Passive Solar Design And Battery Storage

One effective long-term strategy is implementing passive solar design principles in your home. Along with installing solar panels on your roof, a passive solar design harnesses the power of direct sunlight to naturally heat and cool your living spaces. By strategically positioning windows, utilising thermal mass materials, and incorporating shading devices, you can optimise natural light and heat gain during the winter while minimising excessive heat in the summer. This reduces the need for artificial heating and cooling, leading to substantial energy savings over time.

Additionally, investing in energy storage systems, such as batteries, can help optimise energy usage and reduce reliance on the grid. These systems store excess electricity generated by renewable sources, such as solar panels, for use during peak demand periods or when sunlight is limited. By utilising stored energy during high-cost electricity periods, homeowners can avoid expensive peak rates charged by electricity and gas retailers. This not only reduces reliance on traditional energy sources but also provides greater control over electricity consumption, ultimately leading to significant cost savings.

Compare Energy Providers

To make the most of long-term energy-saving strategies, it’s essential to explore available incentives and offerings from energy companies and government programs. Many electricity and gas retailers provide discounts or financial incentives for adopting energy-efficient technologies and practices. Government programs may offer rebates or grants to support the installation of solar panels, energy storage systems, or other sustainable home upgrades. By taking advantage of these opportunities, homeowners can offset the initial investment costs and fast-track their journey to lower electricity bills.

Incorporating long-term energy-saving strategies into your home not only benefits your wallet but also reduces your environmental impact. By embracing passive solar design and investing in energy-efficient technologies, you can make a positive contribution to sustainability while enjoying the comfort of an energy-efficient home.

Did you know Your Electrical Expert can help drive down your electricity costs? From installing an efficient lighting solution, adding a ceiling fan so you can switch the air conditioner off more often, installing a modern air conditioner and providing a full raft of other electrical services or expert advice, we’re always waiting for your call. For fast, same-day service and fully guaranteed workmanship for life, Your Electrical Expert can visit you this week all across Brisbane, the Gold Coast & beyond. Call today!