{"id":19412,"date":"2024-10-03T10:08:58","date_gmt":"2024-10-03T00:08:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/?p=19412"},"modified":"2024-11-07T19:04:12","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T09:04:12","slug":"how-to-save-energy-in-every-room","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/how-to-save-energy-in-every-room\/","title":{"rendered":"Here&#8217;s how you can save energy in every&nbsp;room"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"is-style-lead\">We know Aussie households are feeling the pinch when it comes to cost-of-living pressures \u2013 and that energy prices can be a significant contributor to household budgets. We\u2019ve pulled together a comprehensive guide of simple ways you can save energy in every room of the house.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The kitchen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of ways you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/13-tips-for-an-energy-efficient-home\/\">reduce energy<\/a> in the heart of the home without compromising on life\u2019s simple pleasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Appliances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Making a cuppa? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canstarblue.com.au\/electricity\/boiling-kettle-costs\/#reduce\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Only fill the kettle<\/a> with as much water as you\u2019ll need.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Opt for slow cookers, the microwave or air fryers instead of the oven or stove top. These appliances are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sa.gov.au\/topics\/energy-and-environment\/using-saving-energy\/using-and-buying-appliances\/fridges,-freezers-and-kitchen\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">more energy-efficient<\/a>. Slow cookers use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainability.vic.gov.au\/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions\/save-energy-in-the-home\/reduce-cooking-appliance-costs-at-home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">a little more energy<\/a> than a traditional light bulb.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you do have to use the oven, use the fan-forced setting. Fan-forced ovens circulate hot air evenly, which keeps the temperature constant and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainability.vic.gov.au\/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions\/save-energy-in-the-home\/reduce-cooking-appliance-costs-at-home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">cooks food quicker<\/a> than conventional ovens. Switch the oven off five minutes beforehand and let the residual heat finish doing the job.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Skip preheating your oven. This step is usually <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bonappetit.com\/story\/preheat-oven\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">only necessary<\/a> if the dish requires rising or leavening \u2013 like cakes, crusts and bread. For other dishes like casseroles, roasts or potato bakes you can get away with tacking the extra 20 minutes onto the recommended cook time.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re cooking with your oven <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/smart-ways-to-save-this-winter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in winter<\/a>, leave the door slightly ajar (ensuring no little hands can touch any hot surfaces) and let the residual heat warm up your space.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Regularly check your oven door seals and replace them when they show signs of wear to avoid wasting energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid running the dishwasher unless it\u2019s full. If you must run it, check whether your model offers an economy or \u00bd load program.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re in the market for new appliances, use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/how-to-choose-energy-efficient-appliances\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">energy rating labels<\/a> to compare models and lifetime running costs. The more stars the label has, the more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/13-tips-for-an-energy-efficient-home\/\">energy efficient<\/a> it is and the lower the running costs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fridge and freezer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make sure there\u2019s plenty of room around your appliances to ensure optimal air circulation. This reduces the chances of appliances overheating. A good general rule of thumb for refrigerators is 50mm for the sides and rear of the fridge and 100mm from the top of the fridge. Though this can vary depending on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.samsung.com\/au\/support\/home-appliances\/how-much-free-space-should-i-allow-around-my-refrigerator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">type of fridge<\/a> you have. Poor air circulation can increase energy use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yourhome.gov.au\/energy\/appliances\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">by 15% or more<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Position fridges and freezers out of direct sunlight and away from other sources of heat \u2013 like ovens and stoves.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set your fridge\u2019s temperature between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov.au\/households\/appliances#:~:text=If%20possible%2C%20position%20the%20fridge,needed%20will%20use%20more%20energy.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">3\u00b0C-4\u00b0C<\/a> and your freezer between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov.au\/households\/appliances#:~:text=If%20possible%2C%20position%20the%20fridge,needed%20will%20use%20more%20energy.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">-15\u00b0C and -18\u00b0C<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fill any large gaps within your freezer with ice packs or water bottles. By filling up the space, this ensures no extra hot air can get in. But don&#8217;t overfill your fridge or freezer, as this can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainability.vic.gov.au\/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions\/save-energy-in-the-home\/reduce-fridge-and-freezer-costs-at-home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">limit the circulation of cold air<\/a>. Aim for about 20% of free space.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid placing hot food in the fridge \u2013 this makes it work harder. Let it cool slightly first.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Got a spare fridge in the garage or shed? Running a fridge can cost anywhere from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canstarblue.com.au\/electricity\/how-much-electricity-does-refrigerator-use\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">$72 to $161 per year<\/a>, consider whether you need to pay double the running costs or if you could consolidate the two. If you do need the spare fridge occasionally, turn it off and only turn it back on when you need it (like over Christmas when the family are visiting).&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainability.vic.gov.au\/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions\/save-energy-in-the-home\/reduce-fridge-and-freezer-costs-at-home\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Check your seals regularly<\/a> and replace when necessary to ensure no cool air is escaping.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Give <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainability.vic.gov.au\/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions\/save-energy-in-the-home\/reduce-fridge-and-freezer-costs-at-home\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the coils at the back of the fridge<\/a> a thorough clean at least once a year.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Laundry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond using clothes racks and the sunshine to dry your washing, there are a few more energy-savvy hacks that can help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/helpful-tips-to-reduce-your-energy-bill\/\">reduce your energy bill<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wash in cold water.&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/coldwatersaves.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">About 90%\u202f<\/a>of the energy used by your washing machine goes towards heating the water \u2013 washing in cold water is also better at preventing clothes from shrinking or fading in the wash (excluding delicates or woollens) and minimises the chance of colours bleeding.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid putting overly wet clothes in the dryer. Run an extra spin cycle first to remove excess water.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t mix light and heavy clothes together in the dryer as they take different amounts of time to dry fully.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Perform drum cleans regularly to ensure your washing machine is working optimally.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be sure to clean the lint filter in your clothes dryer after every load. This also reduces the chance of a fire starting.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A fashion and energy-efficient tip \u2013 avoid washing your jeans after each wear. Instead, if they\u2019re not passing the sniff test, fold them up and put them in the freezer overnight instead. Not only will this save on water and energy it\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/life-style\/fashion\/levi-s-ceo-explains-why-you-should-never-wash-your-jeans-a6881031.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">better for your jeans too<\/a>!&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider investing in a heated drying rack for those cold rainy days instead of using the dryer.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bathroom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Hot water accounts for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov.au\/households\/hot-water-systems\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">around 21%<\/a> of household energy usage. So, when it comes to saving energy in the bathroom, reducing your hot water usage can have a big impact.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Keep showers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yourhome.gov.au\/water\/reducing-water-use\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">between 4-5 minutes<\/a> \u2013 throw on your favourite song as a timer.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Install an energy-efficient shower head, this will reduce the amount of water you\u2019re using and help you save on hot water too.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Switch appliances like hairdryers, chargers and straighteners off at the wall when you\u2019re done.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Living room<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For many households this is where we spend the majority of our time. Here&#8217;s how you can be energy-savvy without giving up creature comforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Heating and cooling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Instead of running the heater in winter, cosy up on the couch with a heated throw. These are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choice.com.au\/home-and-living\/bedroom\/electric-blankets\/articles\/things-we-love-about-electric-blankets#:~:text=Our%20calculations%20show%20that%20even,more%20to%20your%20power%20bill.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">cheaper to run<\/a> than space heaters or split systems.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When running your heater, be sure to set the temperature between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.vic.gov.au\/for-households\/save-energy-and-money\/top-10-energy-saving-tips\/winter-energy-saving-tips#:~:text=By%20setting%20your%20heater%20to,15%25%20to%20your%20gas%20bill.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">18\u00b0C &#8211; 20\u00b0C<\/a> and close curtains and blinds when the sun goes down to trap in warmth.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flick ceiling fans over to \u2018winter mode\u2019 to push hot air down.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep draughts at bay by using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/how-to-beat-winter-draughts\/\">a door snake<\/a>. This energy hack works in both summer (where as much as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov.au\/households\/household-guides\/seasonal-advice\/summer-guide#:~:text=As%20much%20as%2050%25%20of,especially%20north%20and%20west%20facing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">a startling 50%<\/a>\u00a0of the energy used to cool your home can be wasted by hot air sneaking) and in winter when draughts can steal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sustainability.vic.gov.au\/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions\/building-or-renovating\/key-principles-of-energy-efficient-design\/planning-and-design\/insulation\/draught-proofing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">up to 25% of your heat<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In summer, when running your air conditioner set it to\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.canstarblue.com.au\/electricity\/air-con-temperature-costing\/#:~:text=Get%20Quotes%20Now-,What%20temperature%20should%20you%20set%20your%20air%20conditioner%3F,energy%20efficiency%20from%20your%20unit.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">24\u00b0C or higher<\/a> and draw curtains and blinds during the day to keep heat out.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Appliances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Position your TV away from particularly bright areas. Glare can cause the auto-brightness to increase, drawing more power.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do you leave the TV on for your pets? opt for a radio or Bluetooth speaker instead.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Switch off game consoles and other appliances off at the wall when you\u2019re not using them. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/understanding-standby-power\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Standby power<\/a> can cost the average household up to <a href=\"https:\/\/carbontrack.com.au\/blog\/standby-power\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">$<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canstarblue.com.au\/appliances\/cost-leaving-appliances-standby\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">100 per year<\/a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invest in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/smart-devices-reduce-energy-use\/\">smart plugs<\/a> and schedule timers to switch off appliances at the wall automatically. You can also schedule them to align with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/spike-gets-a-makeover\/\">SpikeHours<\/a> to maximise your energy savings.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;Switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs is an easy way to help&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/helpful-tips-to-reduce-your-energy-bill\/\">reduce your energy usage<\/a>. This simple swap could\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.gov.au\/households\/lighting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">save you up to 75%<\/a>\u202fon your lighting costs (that\u2019s\u202f<a href=\"https:\/\/www.energy.vic.gov.au\/for-households\/victorian-energy-upgrades-for-households\/lighting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">up to $16 per globe<\/a>\u202fper year). Also, remember to turn off lights when leaving a room to avoid unnecessary wastage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bedroom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might spend most of your time sleeping in this room but that doesn&#8217;t mean there aren&#8217;t energy savings to be had. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Switch appliances off at the wall once you&#8217;re finished using them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use your curtains and blinds. When it&#8217;s hot during the summer, pull them shut to reap the full benefits of your AC. In winter, open them during the day and let the sunshine warm your space. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you have tiled or wooden floors, invest in a rug to help keep your space warm during winter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When there&#8217;s a cold snap opt for a set of flannelette sheets over the heater.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Study<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With many of us <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/how-to-balance-your-work-week\/\">working from home<\/a> more often, small tweaks in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/8-ways-to-save-energy-while-working-from-home\/\">home office<\/a> can quickly add up to savings on your bill.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plug your devices into an energy-saving power board.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set your PC to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/article\/1989611\/to-increase-the-energy-efficiency-of-your-pc.html#:~:text=To%20do%20this%2C%20adjust%20the,system%20performance%20and%20power%20consumption.\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> energy-saving mode<\/a> to reduce the amount of power it\u2019s drawing.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/understanding-standby-power\/\">Switch off appliances at the wall<\/a> when you\u2019re finished for the day or invest in smart plugs and set timers to do this for you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re in the market for a new PC consider whether a laptop might suit your needs.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check your plan and entitlements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Set a reminder to check your energy bill every six months or so to ensure you\u2019re on the best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/electricity-gas\/plans.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">energy plan<\/a> for your household. Taking the time to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/choosing-the-best-origin-energy-plan\/\">check your plan<\/a> could result in significant savings. And while you\u2019re doing life admin, check whether you\u2019re eligible for any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/pricing\/concessions-rebates\/\">concessions or rebates<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Australian government is also partnering with state and territory governments to provide up to $3 billion in electricity bill relief for eligible households and small businesses. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/help-support\/financial-assistance-and-concessions\/concessions-and-grants\/national-energy-bill-relief-package-2023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find out what this means for you<\/a> and your energy bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/electricity-gas\/plans.html\">Compare energy plans in minutes<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:22px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Here&#8217;s how you can save energy in every room of your&nbsp;house.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":19450,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[105],"tags":[47],"oe_author":[],"class_list":["post-19412","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-at-home","tag-energy-efficiency"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19412","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19412"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19412\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19450"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19412"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19412"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19412"},{"taxonomy":"oe_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.originenergy.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/oe_author?post=19412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}