We know Aussie households are facing cost-of-living pressures and are looking for ways to save on household budgets. When it comes to reducing your energy bills, even small tweaks to the way you use energy at home can have a positive impact on your bills. Here are ten easy ways you can reduce your electricity bill without compromising on comfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Appliances continue to draw power even when they\u2019re not in use \u2013 which is why standby power is often referred to as vampire power. Standby power could be costing you up to $100 per year<\/a>. Unplugging chargers, gaming consoles or even kitchen appliances when not in use can help reduce the amount of electricity you\u2019re using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs is an easy way to help reduce your energy usage<\/a>. This simple swap could\u202fsave you up to 75%<\/a>\u202fon your lighting costs (that\u2019s\u202fup to $16 per globe<\/a>\u202fper year). Also, remember to turn off lights when leaving a room to avoid unnecessary wastage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In summer<\/a>, when you run your air conditioner set it to\u202f24\u00b0C or higher<\/a>\u202f(each degree under uses 5% more energy). And in winter, when running your heater, ensure you set the temperature between 18 \u2013 20 degrees Celsius. Each degree over uses\u202fabout 10% more energy<\/a>.\u202f Taking shorter showers is simple way to reduce your energy usage. A\u202f2022 survey<\/a>\u202ffound that showers made up an\u202faverage of 31%<\/a>\u202fof a typical household\u2019s water use. By opting for four-minute showers, the average household can save\u202fup to $200 a year<\/a>\u202fon water and energy bills. So, put on your favourite song and challenge yourself \u2013 and the family \u2013 to four-minute showers<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many newer model appliances, like washing machines, dishwashers, and air conditioners, come with energy-saving settings. By choosing these modes when using them, you can reduce the amount of electricity consumed by these devices without compromising their functionality. For example, using the eco-mode or quick wash setting on your washing machine or the \u00bd load option on your dishwasher if it\u2019s not full. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Making the most of natural light during the day can help reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Keep curtains open and utilise reflective surfaces, such as mirrors, to bounce light around the room. Arranging furniture to avoid blocking windows will allow more sunlight to enter your home, brightening up the space and reducing energy use. On cold days, opening the curtains during the day will also help warm your space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pool pumps and water heaters can draw significant amounts of power. Consider using a timer, setting specific times for these appliances to run, to avoid unnecessary electricity usage. It may also be worthwhile looking into whether an off-peak tariff<\/a> might benefit you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re in the market for\u202fnew appliances<\/a>, make sure you pay attention to the\u202fEnergy Rating Label<\/a>\u202fand\u202fWater Rating Labels<\/a>. While some appliances may seem like a steal at first glance, they could end up costing you more in energy usage. That\u2019s where the Energy Rating Label \u2013 where more stars indicate energy efficiency, less indicates otherwise \u2013 comes in handy. The label allows you to easily see how much electricity an appliance will use compared to a range of models with similar features and capacities. Making sure a \u2018good deal\u2019 doesn\u2019t end up costing you more in the long run.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get rewarded, beyond bill savings, by gamifying your energy-saving habits with Origin Spike<\/a>. With Spike you\u2019ll be rewarded for meeting energy-saving goals during peak demand periods (we call these \u201cSpikeHours<\/a>\u201d). 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.\u202f\u202f\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n Set a reminder to check your energy bill every few months to ensure you\u2019re on the best\u202fenergy plan<\/a>\u202ffor your household. Taking the time to\u202fcheck your plan<\/a>\u202fcould result in significant savings. And, while you\u2019re doing life admin, check whether you\u2019re eligible for any\u202fconcessions or rebates<\/a>. If you need a helping hand with your energy bills, we have support available. We encourage anyone needing some extra assistance to reach out to us, so we can provide them with tailored support via our Power On Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Optimise your lighting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Set the right temperature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To get the most bang for buck out of your cooling and heating, keep the doors shut and curtains drawn \u2013 trapping the air. Repair any faulty door seals and opt for door snakes<\/a> and weather strips to block any gaps where air can escape.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Four-minute showers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5. Use energy-saving mode on appliances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
6. Take advantage of natural light<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
7. Use timers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
8. Invest in energy-efficient appliances<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
9. Gamify energy saving<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
10. Check your energy plan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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.\u202fFind out what this means for you<\/a>\u202fand your energy bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDo you need support with your energy bills?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n