Change with the seasons
Changing how you use energy during the seasons is an easy way to take control of your usage. In winter, only heating the rooms you’re using can have a big impact. If the family, or your housemates, are spending majority of the day in the living room make sure the heating is off in the other rooms and ensure the doors are shut – this will trap in the heat. When using the heater, the most energy-efficient temperature to set it to is between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. Each degree above that uses roughly 10% more energy.
In summer, we know that the fan won’t always cut it and the air conditioner is sometimes a must. To make sure your air conditioner is working efficiently and not using more energy that it needs, it’s a good idea to give the filters a good clean or replace them regularly.
The temp you set your air conditioner can also make a big difference to your bill. Even on those super-hot days, it’s best to set it to 24°C or higher – each degree under that uses 5-10% more energy. And for even bigger savings, only flick it on when it’s over 30°C outside.
Give standby power the flick
Standby power, also known as vampire power, refers to the energy drawn down by an appliance when it’s not in use. An easy way to avoid this energy drainer, which can cost the average Aussie household up to $100 per year, is to flick appliances off at the power point when they’re not in use.
Switch up your usage habits
Sometimes it’s our routines, or the time we do our tasks, that are costing us. With some small switches in thinking we can reduce our usage. Instead of doing half-loads of washing, only wash when you have a full load. And opt for a cold water cycle instead – about 90% of the energy used by your washing machine goes towards heating the water.
Considering when you put the washing machine, or the dishwasher on, could also help you save. With our energy-saving rewards program, Spike, you get “Watts” for hitting your energy-saving goals (forecasts) during peak times (SpikeHours). You can then redeem your Watts for PayPal cash and gift cards. So, by delaying turning on your dishwasher by an hour, you could hit your SpikeHour target and be rewarded!
Take advantage of the tools
Take advantage of our Origin app or online portal My Account. These tools can help you remove the guesswork when it comes to tracking your energy usage, comparing our energy plans and staying on top of your bills.
Whether it’s making slight adjustments to your daily routine or downloading apps to help you make that good energy switch, we’ve got you covered.
