Whether you’re wanting to save money or reduce your impact on the environment, there are many simple things you can do around the home to cut down your electricity consumption. Some strategies require an initial investment to get big results. Others are free and simple lifestyle changes that you can implement today.
Your appliances may be draining power or working inefficiently without you realising. Even small things like leaving your computer on standby overnight or setting your fridge temperature too cold could be driving your electricity bill up. Understanding how to be energy smart in your home is the first step.
Check out these 10 power saving strategies to help you save on your electricity bill:
1. Adjust the thermostat
Heating and cooling is one of the biggest contributors to household energy use. Simply adjusting your thermostat a few degrees higher in summer and a few degrees lower in winter can actually make a big difference.
Try using passive heating and cooling techniques as well as adjusting your thermostat. For example, in summer it’s a smart idea to close up the curtains during the hottest part of the day to keep the sun out. In the evenings, open the windows when there is a cool breeze blowing.
2. Service your air conditioner
A well maintained air conditioner is more energy efficient and more effective at cooling your home. There are things you can do yourself to maintain your air conditioner, such as cleaning or replacing the air filters every few months.
It’s also important to get a professional air conditioning service every year. Your service technician will check all the components, including the coils, grilles, remotes, ductwork, motor and drainage system. They’ll perform any repairs or maintenance that’s required to keep your AC in top working order.
3. Install energy efficient lighting
Switching your light globes to energy efficient options is a great way to cut down your power usage immediately. Go for LED lighting with high energy ratings over incandescent options. Also consider using timers and sensors to switch your lights off when not in use.
4. Wash clothes with cold water
Hot water cycles take more energy than cold water cycles. So to save money, wash your loads with cold water, unless you need to kill harmful bacterias (for example if you are washing cloth nappies).
You can also save by running your washing machine only when you need to and using a shorter cycle when possible. When the weather is sunny, drip dry your clothes on a clothesline instead of using the dryer.
5. Plan ahead with cooking
Take frozen foods out of the freezer in the morning to allow them time to defrost. This will reduce cooking time and energy consumption. For stovetop cooking, put a lid on your pot to cut down cooking times. Try making extra food and eating leftovers the next day to cut back on the amount of cooking you need to do.
Make sure your fridge’s temperature is 4-5 degrees celsius, not colder. Also, check the seals on your fridge and freezer to make sure the cold air isn’t leaking out. Keeping your fridge in good working order will reduce how much electricity it consumes day to day.
6. Turn of appliances at the wall
Leaving your appliances on standby can actually drain energy, even when you’re not using them. Instead, turn them off at the wall when they’re not in use.
Switch your computers and printers off overnight rather than leaving them on sleep mode. You can also change your computer settings to power saving settings, for example going to sleep mode after a certain period of time.
7. Manage your hot water use
Hot water can be a big contributor to your energy bills if you’ve got an electric hot water system. Start by checking that the thermostat is set to 60 degrees celsius and consider using a timer to lower the temperature at certain times of the day.
Clean your dirty dishes all at once, rather than bit by bit. Set a 5 minute timer when you have a shower and install a water saving showerhead. Insulate your hot water system and get it serviced regularly to ensure it’s working optimally.
8. Choose energy efficient appliances
If you’ve got an appliance that needs replacing, opt for an energy efficient option when you buy your new one. Appliances with higher energy ratings tend to cost more upfront, but they are much cheaper to run, leading to long term savings.
9. Insulate your home
Insulation helps prevent heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Homes that are properly insulated are far more energy efficient than homes that have no insulation or old insulation.
If you are building or renovating, consider insulating every area of your house, including the ceiling, walls and floors. Also, seal up any air cracks around your doors and windows to prevent unwanted heat loss and gain.
10. Invest in solar power
Solar power is clean, free energy from the sun and could save you more money on your electricity bill than any of the other tactics in this article. Installing solar panels on the roof of your home and installing a solar hot water system will significantly cut down your reliance on the grid – sometimes reduce your reliance altogether.
Solar panel installation requires an initial investment, but over time it can lead to significant long term savings. Simple lifestyle habits such as running your appliances during daylight hours can help you get more out of your solar investment.
Cutting back on your household’s energy consumption might be easier than you think. Whether you make simple changes like switching your light bulbs to LEDs or major changes to your home like insulating your roof or installing solar panels, you’ll see the rewards in your next electricity bills.
