Tips to save on energy

Tips to reduce your energy use

• Don't spend energy on appliances you aren't using

  You can reduce your appliance costs by turning off your lights, heating and cooling when you're not in the room.

  In addition, many appliances keep using energy even when in stand-by mode. Turning them off at the wall when not in use, or using an energy saving power board, will lower your running costs.

• Heat and cool more efficiently

  Heating and cooling are big energy users, making up around 40% of the average Australian household's energy bill.

  Fans are a low-energy and effective way to stay cool, and natural ventilation can cool down your home for free.

  If you're using air-con or heating, set the temperature as high as is comfortable in summer and as low as comfortable in winter — each extra degree of heating in winter and cooling in summer increases energy used by about 5–10%.

• Lower your lighting costs

  To reduce your lighting bill, you can take advantage of natural light through the day and use lamps in the evening.

  For hardwired lighting, consider changing your lights to LED bulbs. A good quality LED can use about 75% less energy than a halogen light bulb and last much longer.

• Keep your heating and cooling indoors

  If your warm air is escaping from your home in winter and hot air is entering in summer, your home will be less comfortable and you'll need to use more energy to control the temperature.

  Stop draughts by sealing gaps around doors, floors, windows and skirting boards, and using curtains.

• Save on water heating

  Did you know that about 25% of the average Australian energy bill is for water heating?

  You can reduce your hot water costs by only running the dishwasher and clothes washer when full, using cold wash, having shorter showers, and using a low-flow showerhead.

• Check for financial assistance

  Check energy.gov.au/rebates to see if you qualify for any financial assistance, such as electricity concessions, rebates or no-interest loans for energy efficient appliances.