American statesman Benjamin Franklin once wrote that death and taxes were the only two certainties in life. If he were still with us, he'd probably add a third – electricity bills. We can't help with the first two, but you can save energy and money with these 20 tips.
Words: Andrew Rasch
1. Switch off unused appliances at the wall. They're secretly using energy, even in standby mode, so unplug appliances such as TVs, microwaves and gaming consoles when they're not being used.
2. If your electricity contract has a time-of-use tariff, use energy outside peak times. It's typically cheaper to run appliances, like your washing machine or dishwasher, during the shoulder (10am to 4pm) and off-peak (12am to 6am) periods.
3. Use your curtains and blinds to keep heat out, or in. In summer, up to 30 per cent of unwanted heat can enter through windows, so your air-conditioner will have to work harder to keep the house cool.
4. Heating and cooling contribute about 40 per cent to your electricity bill. In summer, set the thermostat between 23C and 26C and in winter between 18C and 20C. Each degree either way can increase your bill by about 15 per cent.
5. When buying a new appliance, choose one with the highest number of stars on its Energy Rating Label. The more stars an appliance has, the more energy efficient it is compared to similar products.
6. Drying your clothes in the open air is free (and quick in summer), so avoid overusing your dryer. Try to limit the dryer to items you need quickly or that take longer to dry, such as bedding and towels.
7. When it's cold, reach for a jumper instead of the heater's on switch. Dress warmer inside and you can turn the heating down or off. At night, use thicker bedding instead of having the heater on while you sleep.
8. Ceiling and pedestal fans can cost peanuts to run and may be enough to cool you down. You can also use them with your air-conditioner to make it work more efficiently.
9. Run your dishwasher with a full load. See if eco-mode will wash the dishes to your satisfaction or let them air dry with the door slightly ajar.
10. Insulation in your roof and walls helps keep in the heat in winter and out in summer and generally has a 15 to 20-year life span. Have someone inspect your insulation thoroughly and replace any that's wet, dirty, dusty or compressed.
11. Hot water is a big energy hog, so try to limit your showers to four minutes and install low-flow shower heads. With some models, you wouldn't even know they're low flow.
12. Most laundry detergents work just as well – if not better – in cold water. Wash your clothes on the cold setting where possible; as a bonus, you're less likely to shrink them or dull their colours.
13. Buy a suitably sized fridge for your space and needs. For maximum efficiency, it needs a gap around the sides, back and top of between 5cm and 8cm and should be about 80 per cent full. Ditch the drinks fridge if you don't need it – it's probably costing you a small fortune to run.
14. Don't assume your current energy contract is the best you'll find. In 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) found that 79 per cent of residential customers could be paying less for their electricity. So, jump online or pick up the phone to shop around.
15. If you have a pool, upgrade to a more energy-efficient pump, particularly if it's getting a bit old. Look for one with dual, multi or variable speeds and run it outside of peak hours if possible.
16. Keep the hot air out in summer and the warm air inside in winter by stopping draughts. Seal gaps around doors, skirting boards, floors and windows and use door snakes where you can.
17. Avoid using the oven where possible, especially if you're cooking something small. Microwaves, air fryers and slow cookers are a considerably more energy-efficient way to cook or reheat your meal.
18. Install light emitting diode (LED) bulbs or downlights. They use about 75 per cent less energy than halogen light bulbs and last much longer.
19. If your bills are soaring, consider whether a rooftop solar system (with or without battery) is right for your circumstances. RAA provides free quotes and members can save 10 per cent.
20. Don't overfill the kettle before you boil water. Only add the amount you need; and if you're making a nice cuppa for one, don't fill the kettle past the minimum level indicator.
IMAGE: Getty.
