Tips from an Electrification expert Zac Edgley on how to combat your high energy bills
Do you know what uses the most electricity in your home? At times, it can feel like there’s not much you can do about rising electricity costs, but identifying the most energy-hungry appliances in your home can help you prioritise energy-saving techniques and cut down your bills. Read on for simple tips to start saving today!
Heating and cooling, 40% of home energy use
Heating and cooling take the top spot, accounting for a massive 40% of the average Australian household’s energy use. But with a few small changes, you can keep your home comfortable and lower your energy bills.
How to improve your space’s heating and cooling
Draught-proof your home: Seal gaps around doors, windows, and chimneys to prevent heat loss in winter.
Invest in energy-efficient heating/cooling: Reverse cycle air conditioners are one of the most energy-efficient heaters and can switch to cooling in summer. If renting, look for energy-efficient portable heaters that match the room size. In summer, fans are the cheapest option, costing as little as 3 to 5 cents an hour to run.
Close off unused rooms: Shut doors and vents in rooms you’re not using and close curtains to prevent heat loss.
Optimise your thermostat: Set it between 18-20°C in winter and 25-27°C in summer. Every degree outside these ranges can increase energy use by 5-10%.
Make use of natural light: In winter, open curtains during the day to let in sunlight. In summer, open windows during cooler hours to naturally ventilate your home.
Use ceiling fans efficiently: Set them to circulate warm air in winter and cool air in summer, by switching the direction of the blades.
Hot water, 25% of home energy use
Hot water is the second-largest energy user in most homes, making up about 25% of your energy bill—often more in winter.
How to save up to 82% on your hot water bills
- Have shorter showers: 4 minutes or less should do it, and install a low-flow shower head.
- Upgrade to an Emerald heat pump hot water system: Engineered to be efficient they can save you up to 82% on hot water costs.
- Set the right temperature: For storage systems, set the water temperature to 60°C, and for instantaneous systems, no higher than 50°C.
- Wash clothes in cold water: Cold washes use up to ten times less energy than warm ones.
- Turn off your hot water system when away: If you’re on holiday for more than a week, switch off the storage system to save energy.
H1: Appliances (combined) 31% of home energy use
We have combined Electronics (14%) Fridge/freezer (8%) Cooker (5%) and Laundry (4%) Household appliances are the second biggest energy users, contributing to over 30% of your home’s energy consumption.
How to improve your appliance usage bills
- Set the temperature: Adjust your fridge to 3C and freezer to -18C for the best balance between coolness, food safety, and energy efficiency
- Track energy use: Use the Emerald App to see which appliances are the biggest energy users, especially if you have multiple options like heaters or fridges.
- Turn appliances off at the outlet: Many appliances use standby power even when not in use, so switching them off can save energy.
- Choose energy efficient appliances: When buying new appliances, consider both the upfront cost and the running costs. The Energy Rating website can help you compare the savings over time.
Lighting, 4+% of home energy use
Lighting is the final piece of the puzzle, but it’s one of the easiest and most affordable areas to make energy saving changes.
Simple changes to improve your lighting energy bills
- Switch to LED lighting: LEDs use around 80% less energy and last longer than older lightbulbs.
- Make the most of natural light: Keep windows and curtains open to brighten your home with sunlight.
- Use lighter colours indoors: Light-coloured furnishings and reflective surfaces can reduce the need for artificial lighting.
- Turn lights off: A simple habit of switching lights off when leaving a room or the house can make a big difference.
By making these small adjustments, you’ll be well on your way to reducing your energy use and saving on your bills!
