Pull the plug on vampire power
Switch any unused appliances off at the wall. Appliances in standby mode are still using power – standby could be costing you up to $100 per year. You can even purchase smart plugs that will switch off hard-to-reach appliances for you at the click of a button.
Heat the hub
Beat the winter chill, without heating up your energy bill, by heating your main living spaces – rather than individual rooms. When running your heater ensure you set the temperature between 18 – 20 degrees Celsius. Each degree over uses about 10% more energy. Importantly, keep heat trapped by shutting your curtains and use draught stoppers to keep cool air from creeping in. Door seals, draught-proofing strips and door snakes can reduce your heating costs by up to 25%.
Consider whether you need to switch the heater on and off
When heating your home it may also be beneficial to keep your heating on all day. That’s right, if you have reverse cycle air-conditioning it’s efficiency will vary throughout the day.
Reverse cycle air-conditioners work by sucking heat from the air outside. So, theoretically if you set the temperature to 24 degrees when it’s 24 degrees outside, it would cost very little. As the majority of air conditioners have a sensor within them that regulates the temperature, it will work to heat your home to whichever temperature you set.
With this in mind, it’s best not to turn reverse cycle air-conditioning on and off. If you heat your home for a while, only to switch the heating back on when it gets cold again, your aircon is going to have to work hard to get back to that desired temperature.
Whereas if it’s on the same low temperature between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius – hopefully not too different from the outside temperature – it’s going to run much more efficiently.
If you’re relying on portable electric heaters or gas systems, flicking them on and off isn’t going to make much of a difference as these appliances don’t have the sensor functionality like reverse cycle air-conditioners do.
Cool clever
In summer, when you run your air conditioner set it to 24°C or higher (each degree under uses 5% more energy). To get the most bang for buck out of your cooling and heating, keep the doors shut and curtains drawn – trapping the air. Repair any faulty door seals and opt for door snakes and weather strips to block any gaps where air can escape.
Filter your filters
Keep your split system/air conditioner’s filters clean. This habit won’t just improve the air quality at home, it will also help ensure your unit is running as efficiently as possible – resulting in lower running costs. The more clogged the dust filters and interior of the system are, the harder it has to work (and the more energy it uses) to cool or heat your space.
Take advantage of nature’s dryer
On sunny days, peg your washing up instead of using the clothes dryer. This simple swap could help you save around $80 per year* off your energy bill.
Cold power
About 90% of the energy used by your washing machine goes towards heating the water. So, washing in cold water is a simple way to minimise energy usage – all in one spin cycle. As an added bonus, cold-water washing is better at preventing clothes from shrinking or fading in the wash (always check the care tag when it comes to delicates or woollens) and it prevents colours from bleeding.
Choose energy-efficient appliances
If you’re in the market for new appliances, make sure you pay attention to the Energy Rating Label and Water Rating Labels. These labels will help make sure a ‘good deal’ doesn’t end up costing you more in the long run.
Shorter showers
Taking shorter showers is simple way to reduce your energy usage. A 2022 survey found that showers made up an average of 31% of a typical household’s water use. By opting for four-minute shower, the average household can save up to $200 a year on water and energy bills. So, pop on your favourite song and challenge yourself to take a shorter shower.
Change with the seasons
Seasons are ever-changing, and so are our energy habits. Keep track of your usage during throughout the year with our tracking tool in My account. And check out our winter and summer energy-efficiency tips.
Ditch the second fridge
Chilled beer is one thing, but guzzling appliances are another. Did you know an extra 400L fridge can cost you up to $114 a year to run? So, if that bar fridge is looking bare, consider selling it or simply switching it off to save.
A bright idea
Switch your bulbs over to LEDs. This simple swap could save you up to 80% on your lighting costs (that’s up to $16 per globe per year).
Get rewarded for saving energy
Join our energy-saving rewards program, Spike. With Spike, you’ll be rewarded for meeting energy-saving goals during peak demand periods (we call these “SpikeHours”). Every watt of power you save in a Spike event turns into currency you can redeem at the Rewards Marketplace for things like PayPal cash, gift cards, and discounted devices.
Invest in smart devices
These handy gadgets can control a range of things – from light bulbs and appliances, to controlling your air conditioner remotely. Our new AutoSpike events also allow connected smart plugs and devices to be automatically powered down to start saving energy, meaning you can earn Watts without needing to lift a finger.
*Based on a standard electric dryer with a 1.5 star energy rating used 3 times per week
