{"id":18006,"date":"2022-04-01T11:13:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-01T01:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/?p=18006"},"modified":"2024-03-19T14:38:43","modified_gmt":"2024-03-19T04:38:43","slug":"5-ways-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/5-ways-to-make-your-home-more-energy-efficient\/","title":{"rendered":"5 ways to make your home more energy efficient"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our energy experts and consultants offer their top tips on simple, household energy solutions that cost little but can save you a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While energy\u2019s becoming smarter and cleaner, quite rapidly, there\u2019s still plenty of ways consumers can reduce the amount of energy they use at home. Adding up to lower energy bills and more eco-friendly habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Origin\u2019s 2021 Future Energy Report<\/a> reveals some uncomfortable truths around energy wastage, particularly amongst younger people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to having showers longer than five minutes, for example, 53% of those 18 to 34 and 21% of those aged 55+ said they were guilty \u2013 and 38% of respondents said they left appliances switched on at the plug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We also couldn\u2019t help but admire the bond between humans and animals when 13% of those aged 18 to 34 said they leave the TV on as company for their pets. So, with all that in mind, what are the big-ticket behavioural changes people can make to use less energy? Here\u2019s what the experts had to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Turn down the heat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen you look at the things that contribute significantly to an energy bill, it\u2019s mainly related to heating and cooling,\u201d says Jan Prichard, General Manager Customer Care at Origin. \u201cAdjust the heater temperature down and opt for a jumper and some socks.\u201d Independent energy consultant working with St Vincent de Paul Society, Anne Armansin, agrees. \u201cCheap heaters can use up to five times more energy as a reverse cycle air conditioner\u201d she says.

\u201cInstead, go for an electric throw rug that uses a maximum of 150 watts, compared to an electric heater that will start at 500 watts and go up to 2.4 kilowatts,\u201d Armansin recommends.

Set your reverse cycle AC (heating) temp between 18\u00b0C and 20\u00b0C in winter to save up to 10% on usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Avoid dual fuel when you can<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your household has a gas supply only for the cooktop, consider switching to electric-only when you next upgrade the cooker. \u201cWith electricity and gas you\u2019re facing two separate supply charges, no matter how much or how little you use,\u201d Armansin says. \u201cIf you just use gas for a cook-top, the supply charge can make up around 80% of your bill.\u201d
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3. Research new purchases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re buying a new product for your home, look at the label to understand its power consumption and take into consideration its energy star rating. \u201cKnow the ongoing impact a product will have on your wallet,\u201d Prichard says. \u201cDon\u2019t just look at the purchase price.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Unplug devices when they’re not in use<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A long time ago, when you switched off a device you really did switch off a device. These days, you\u2019re simply switching it into sleep mode. In that mode it\u2019s still keeping the time, staying connected to WiFi, powering the red \u2018off\u2019 light, downloading updates, etc. These are all the same things that cause your smartphone\u2019s battery to run down overnight. \u201cInstead of allowing this constant drain on your system, switch devices off at the wall when you\u2019re not using them\u201d Prichard says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Get familiar with your energy usage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Explore apps offered by your provider, and other opportunities such as Origin Spike to become more familiar with your energy usage behaviours. And get everybody in the house involved. \u201cMost find that by making small behavioural changes, they can significantly reduce their bills\u201d Prichard says. But without knowing your patterns in the first place, it\u2019s difficult to figure out what you\u2019re doing right and wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Become an Origin Spike member<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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