Energy Saving Tips

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Energy Saving Tips

Small changes to your daily routines can reduce your energy consumption and help you save on your energy bills.

We've collated tips on how you can manage your electricity usage, costs and comfort. You can also read Energy Consumer Australia's Plug In guide on how energy monitoring systems can help you reduce your energy usage. If you're needing assistance in times of financial uncertainty, there are a collection of resources to assist you here.

Where does your energy go?

This chart shows how we typically use electricity around the home. While hot water makes up 25%, heating and cooling is responsible for 40% of your total consumption.

Average household usage

Energy Saving Tips Household Useage Graph

Let's have a look at some common myths

Is it true that running bigger appliances use more energy? Why shouldn't I leave the fan on in Summer? Ausgrid experts Amro and Boaz break down how timing your energy use can make a real difference and bust some common myths about peak and off-peak usage.

Easy ways to save

Switch off lights

Research shows 26% of people leave lights on all evening in unoccupied rooms.

Turn off appliances at the wall

Appliances on standby mode still use electricity. If you're not using them, turn them off at the power.

Wash clothes in cold water

Save on energy and help extend the life of your clothes!

Air dry clothes

Dryers use a significant amount of energy, so air dry outside or on a clothes rack.

Run appliances during off-peak hours

If you have time-based energy plan, use your big appliances during off-peak times.

Winter Energy Saving Tips

Heating

Dress warmly and layer up – it’s one of the easiest and cheapest ways to stay warm
Set your aircon between 18–21°C. Each degree higher can noticeably increase your energy bill
Let the sun in during the day by opening blinds on north-facing windows, then close them at night to retain warmth

Stop the draughts!

The best way to save money on home heating is to keep the cool air out. Draughts can increase heating costs by up to 25%. Close doors, cover windows and minimise draughts. Consider door snakes, draught stoppers, foam window sealing tape, blinds and curtains to reduce heat loss.

All-Year Energy Saving Tips

Hot Water

Install a water-efficient shower head to reduce both water and energy use.
Shorten your showers by a couple of minutes to save water and money.
Use cold water for tasks like laundry or rinsing when hot water isn’t necessary.
Fix dripping taps – even small leaks can waste a lot of hot water.
Upgrade to an efficient hot water system like gas, solar, or heat pump models to cut long-term costs.
Run dishwashers only when full and use energy-saving settings.

Fridge Use

Turn off your second fridge when it’s not needed, especially after summer entertaining
Choose energy-efficient models when replacing appliances – look for high star ratings

Summer Energy Saving Tips

Keeping cool

Set your air conditioner between 23–26°C for comfort and efficiency. Lower settings can significantly increase your energy use
Use fans where possible – they’re much cheaper to run than air conditioning
Take advantage of natural breezes by opening windows and doors on opposite sides of your home
Ventilate your roof space with spinning roof vents to reduce heat buildup
Let hot air escape from upper levels in two-storey homes during the evening

Block out the heat!

You can help reduce the temperature of the house by using external shading like awnings or adjustable louvres, especially on north and west-facing windows. Indoors, use light-coloured curtains or blinds and keep them shut while the sun is up.

Pool Efficiency

Pool pumps can use up to 18% of your power. Use a timer and run at the lowest recommended speed to save energy.
When it's time to upgrade your pump, consider a 5-star variable speed pump. It can cut energy use by up to 55%.
Run your pump during off-peak times. Use mornings, nights, or midday if you have solar.

Energy calculators

Understanding your energy usage is the first step to becoming more energy efficient.

Energy star ratings

Energy star rating labels are designed to help you make the right choice when shopping for large appliances, like refrigerators, clothes dryers, dishwashers and air-conditioners.

Screenshot of Talking to your retailer video

Ways to save

Understanding electricity charges can be complex. Our three-part series offers guidance on how electricity is billed and how you can reduce your electricity usage.

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