Here are some simple things you can do to save on your electricity bill and reduce usage during times of high demand.
General advice
Save up to $30 a year by fitting draught seals to the openings of external windows and doors to stop warm air escaping.
Open curtains during the day to let in the sun and close them before it gets dark to keep heat in.
Use well-fitted curtains or blinds to trap cold air near the window.
Save up to $70 a year by installing underfloor insulation.
Save up to $260 a year by installing ceiling insulation to keep your house warm during winter and cooler during summer.
Appliances
Heating
Set your heater’s thermostat between 18°C and 20°C. Every degree higher can add 15% to your heating costs.
If you’ve got your ducted heating on, close doors and vents in rooms you’re not using.
Clean your heater’s filter regularly to help it run efficiently.
Replace older heaters with energy efficient ones. You may be able to get a rebate for installing reverse cycle air conditioners under the Victorian government’s Home Heating and Cooling Upgrades program.
Turn your heater off overnight or when you leave the house.
Use fans to circulate hot air. Ceiling fans help push hot air down and can increase the efficiency of your heater.
Cooling
Set your air conditioner between 24°C and 25°C degrees. Every degree higher can add 10% to your electricity bill.
Replace the air filters in your air conditioner to ensure it runs efficiently – clogged or dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce your air conditioner’s ability to absorb heat. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy usage by up to 15%.
Close your blinds or curtains (especially on north or west-facing windows) in the daytime to keep the house cool.
Fridge/freezer
Set your fridge to 3-5°C and your freezer to -15°C.
Clean your fridge and freezer seals, replace them if they are damaged.
Dishwasher and washing machine
Save around $40-$80 a year by using the ‘cold water’ setting on your washing machine.
Only run your dishwasher when it’s full.
Home entertainment
Turn your TV and entertainment appliances off at the wall – they’re still using power in standby mode.
Install a ‘standby-killer’ switch or a standby power controller (SPC) to disconnect power to appliances when they’re not being used.
Showers
Save up to $160 a year by replacing your old showerhead with an energy efficient one.
Take shorter showers.
Fix dripping taps, especially hot water taps.
Insulate hot water pipes from your hot water system into your house.
Cooking
When using a stovetop, keep lids on pots to reduce cooking time.
Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle.
Check that your oven door seal is in good condition and replace it if it’s damaged.
Use small appliances where possible, such as the toaster instead of the griller.
