10 Energy Saving Tips Every Australian Household Should Try
- 1. Understand and Assess Your Energy Bill
- 2. Switch Off Appliances When Not in Use
- 3. Use Saver Mode While Working From Home
- 4. Use Appliances in the Kitchen Efficiently
- 5. Optimize Heating and Cooling Systems
- 6. Seal Gaps and Insulate Your Home
- 7. Avoid the Energy Peak Time
- 8. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
- 9. Compare and Switch to a Better Energy Plan
- 10. Use a Portable Power Station for Reliable Backup Power
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Saving energy at home helps lower your bills and supports a more sustainable lifestyle. Australian homes, with unique climate challenges, can benefit significantly from tailored strategies that promote energy efficiency. Implementing these tips not only contributes to energy saving but also leads to noticeable savings on your energy bills. To help you get started, we have compiled 10 practical and easy-to-follow energy saving tips you can integrate into your daily routine to make your home more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
1. Understand and Assess Your Energy Bill
Understanding your energy bill is a powerful way to start saving. By reviewing all the components and usage patterns, you gain a clearer picture of where and how energy is being consumed in your household.
One of the most useful electrical energy saving tips is to conduct a home energy assessment with a Scorecard assessor. This program is available across Australia and works similarly to appliance star ratings that give your home a rating based on its energy use. The assessment highlights which features of your home are increasing your energy usage and provides guidance on how to make improvements.
2. Switch Off Appliances When Not in Use
Turn off appliances completely when they are not in use. Many devices such as TVs and consoles continue to draw power even when in standby mode. Computers and printers often have built-in energy-saving settings, but turning them off entirely provides the most savings.
3. Use Saver Mode While Working From Home
When working from home, one of the simplest electrical energy saving tips is to activate your computer’s power-saver mode or eco-saver power setting. Most PCs and laptops come with this feature, which reduces energy usage by dimming the screen and putting your device to sleep after a short period of inactivity.
4. Use Appliances in the Kitchen Efficiently
Every appliance in your kitchen plays a role in energy usage. Here is how you can use each one more efficiently:
Refrigerators
Keep your fridge away from heat sources like ovens to avoid overworking the compressor, and check the door seal regularly to ensure cold air isn’t escaping.
Laundry & Dryers
Choose front-loaders over top-loaders machines, which are generally more energy-efficient. When doing laundry, run full loads and wash with cold water to reduce electricity bills. When finished, avoid using the dryer when possible. Instead, hang clothes outside to dry in the sun.
Dishwashers
Only run the dishwasher when it’s full and use the economy cycle. After using it, don’t forget to clean the filter. It will help to operate more efficiently. If you are using solar panels at home, try running your dishwasher during the day when solar energy production is at its peak.
For more tips on maximizing solar efficiency, refer to the Australian Government’s solar consumer guide.
Microwaves & Pots
Cook and heat using a microwave or pots with lids instead of using an oven. It consumes less energy. When boiling water, use a kettle with the amount of water needed to avoid wasting energy.
5. Optimize Heating and Cooling Systems
Heating and cooling are often the largest contributors to energy use in Australian homes. To reduce energy consumption, set your thermostat between 18°C and 20°C during winter, and 26°C or higher in summer. In addition, use thicker bedding to stay warm on winter nights without relying on overnight heating. In summer, consider using a ceiling fan instead of an air conditioner to save energy and money.
6. Seal Gaps and Insulate Your Home
Sealing gaps around doors and windows is a simple yet effective way to reduce energy loss. Use door and window seals to block out draughts and prevent heat from escaping during winter. Ensure that curtains or blinds fully cover your windows to add an extra layer of insulation. Installing ceiling insulation can further improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
7. Avoid the Energy Peak Time
Under certain energy contracts, using electricity outside of peak hours, which are typically between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., can significantly reduce your electricity costs. This is particularly beneficial for hot water usage, which accounts for around 25% of household energy consumption. By switching to an off-peak storage hot water system, you can heat water during cheaper times.
8. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
Upgrading appliances with high energy efficiency ratings is one of the most effective ways to lower household electricity use. When shopping for new devices, check the Energy Rating Label using the official Energy Rating Website orEnergy Rating Calculator to compare and choose higher-rated models. It applies to everything from refrigerators to dishwashers, and even lighting. For example, switching out old incandescent bulbs with LED options can cut lighting energy use by up to 80%.
9. Compare and Switch to a Better Energy Plan
One of the most overlooked electrical energy saving tips is reviewing your current energy provider and switching to a better deal. The Victorian Energy Compare tool, developed by the Victorian Government, offers a free and independent way to compare electricity, gas, and solar offers from over 20 retailers. All you need is an internet connection, your latest energy bill, and some basic household details.
10. Use a Portable Power Station for Reliable Backup Power
Replacing grid dependence with a portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station helps cut peak-hour heating costs and ensures uninterrupted warmth. With a 4 kWh base capacity (expandable to 12 kWh), a powerful 4,000 W continuous (7,200 W surge) AC output, and the ability to recharge to 80 % in just 50 minutes via AC, vehicle, or generator, it can handle space heaters, electric blankets, and more during high-tariff periods. Its quiet operation (as low as 30 dB under 2,000 W) and IP65-rated battery pack also make it a durable, low-maintenance solution for Australian winters.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station
Conclusion
Applying these energy saving tips can help you significantly reduce your electricity bills while creating a more sustainable lifestyle. From simple daily habits like switching off appliances to larger investments such as solar generators and insulation, each action contributes to long-term savings and environmental impact. The key is consistency. By making these tips part of your routine, you will not only lower your energy bills but also contribute to a more sustainable future for Australia.
FAQ
What wastes the most energy in a house?
Heating and cooling systems typically consume the most energy in a household, especially if they're inefficient or used excessively.
How to save energy at home in Australia?
Utilize energy-efficient appliances, seal the gaps, use LED lighting, and consider renewable energy sources like solar panels to reduce energy consumption.
Does turning the kettle off at the wall save electricity?
Yes, turning off the kettle at the wall prevents standby power usage, which can contribute to unnecessary energy consumption.