With the cost of electricity steadily rising in Australia, finding ways to decrease your home energy usage and power bills is a priority for many households. A few simple changes in how you use electricity can lead to considerable savings over time. Follow these practical tips to reduce your monthly electricity bill without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
Washing clothes in cold water rather than hot or warm can significantly reduce the electricity used per load. This is because heating the water accounts for approximately 90% of the energy consumed. By switching your washing machine to all cold cycles, you can save up to $100 per year.
Traditional electric hot water systems are energy guzzlers. Investing in a more efficient solar or heat pump hot water system reduces electricity usage for water heating by 50-70%. Although the upfront cost is higher, the long-term savings on your power bill make it worthwhile.
Careless refrigerator use can contribute to higher electricity bills. Keep the fridge door closed as much as possible, regularly clean the seals, and defrost the freezer to improve efficiency. The ideal temperature for fridges is 3-5°C and -15 to -18°C for freezers.
Chargers continue drawing power even when not charging devices. Get into the habit of unplugging phone, laptop and other chargers when not in use.
A dirty, clogged air conditioner filter forces your air con to work much harder to cool your home, using more energy. Cleaning the filter every 2-3 months improves efficiency and reduces electricity usage significantly.
Putting lids on pots and pans while cooking traps heat and steam for faster, more energy efficient cooking. Leaving pots uncovered requires more energy to heat up.
LED lights use at least 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer. Replacing all your home’s light bulbs with LEDs can reduce lighting electricity usage and costs.
Using ceiling fans allows you to raise the thermostat on your air conditioner by -15°C without any reduction in comfort. Fans cost just pennies per day to run but make a noticeable difference to your energy bills.
Sealing gaps around windows, doors and fittings and adding insulation helps keep cooled or heated air inside your home, reducing the energy required for heating and cooling.
Implementing these electricity-saving tips can help Australian households significantly reduce energy consumption and lower power bills without impacting day-to-day life.
Ready to take control of your electricity costs? Contact us at Watts Next Electrical for expert advice and electrical services. More than just electricians, we’re a team dedicated to safety, education, and delivering quality services in Sydney. Choose Watts Next Electrical for your next electrical project, and experience the difference.