Energy saving tips
Tips and tricks to save on your energy bill.
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. 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
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
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
- However, fans cool you down but not the room, so switch them off when you are not in the room to reduce your bill
- 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
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.