11 Practical Energy Saving Tips from the Electricity Sector

How can we save power and money at home easily and efficiently? Here are 11 practical tips from the electricity sector for your consideration. If possible, please try them out.

1. Switch off lights and electrical appliances when not using them

• To save the most energy, switch off the power point rather than leave appliances on standby.
• Turn off your heater, cooling units and appliances when you go to bed or leave the house.
• Switch off your computer and equipment such as printers or Wi-Fi routers overnight or when you're away. Most computers have energy-saving settings that will turn the computer and screen off after a period of inactivity.

2. Switch to energy-saving LED light globes

Energy-efficient globes could save up to 80% off your lighting costs. This is because LED bulbs use less power and last longer. That means you spend less money and time replacing them.

3. Shut doors and close curtains

• Shut doors to areas you're not using, and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time.
• In cooler months, make sure your curtains or blinds seal your windows properly.
• Stop cool air leaking out by blocking draughts around doors and windows.
• In warmer months, keep your curtains closed during the day.
• External blinds or canvas awnings will also help keep your house cooler.

4. Save energy in how you wash and dry clothes

• Wait until your machine is full before starting a washing cycle.
• Washing clothes in cold water can save around $115 per year.
• You can also save by selecting the shortest appropriate washing cycle.
• Clothes dryers use lots of energy. Hang clothes outside to dry or use a fan to help dry them indoors.

5. Understand and improve your home's energy use

The Residential Efficiency Scorecard is available across Australia. In the same way as a fridge or washing machine has a star rating, a Scorecard rating shows how much energy is used throughout your home.

Whether selling or renovating, renting or just worried about high energy bills, a home energy assessment can help you save energy and money on bills by identifying your home's features that contribute to high energy bills and the improvements you can make.

6. Save energy in the kitchen

Fridge

Your fridge runs 24/7 and is one of your most expensive appliances.

• The ideal fridge temperature for your freezer is 4 or 5 degrees Celsius and -15 to -18 degrees.
• Ensure the fridge door seal is tight and that no gaps or cracks let cold air escape.
• If you have a second fridge or freezer, only turn it on when needed.

Cooking

• Put frozen food in your fridge in the morning to thaw out and reduce cooking time in the evening.
• When cooking, use the microwave when you can. Microwaves use much less energy than an electric oven.
• Using a stove, keep lids on pots to reduce cooking time.
• Plan to cook more and have leftover meals for the next day or the whole week. Keep leftover meals in the freezer.

Dishwasher

Use the economy cycle on your dishwasher, and only run it when it's full.

7. Manage your heating and cooling

Every degree above 20 degrees can add 10% to your heating bill. In winter, heating can account for over 30% of your bill.

In winter, set your thermostat to between 18 and 20 degrees. In summer, set your thermostat to 26 degrees or above.

Some ducted systems allow you to turn off the heating or cooling to unoccupied rooms.

Save money by switching to more energy-efficient heating. For example, switching from an electric fan heater to a split system can save the average home nearly $700 a year on bills. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program allows rebates to install more efficient heating in your home.

If you have gas heating and a modern reverse cycle air-conditioner, try using your reverse cycle system in heating mode. This will reduce your winter bills and improve heating efficiency.

8. Get the best energy deal

One of the easiest ways to reduce energy costs is to compare energy offers.

Victorian Energy Compare is the Victorian Government's free and independent energy price comparison tool. It compares offers from more than 20 energy retailers across gas, electricity and solar to help you find the best and cheapest energy offers.

You just need access to the internet, a recent bill, and some information about your household. Victorian Energy Compare does the rest.

The comparison only takes about 10 minutes, and users can typically save $330 a year on energy costs.

9. Insulate your roof

An insulated ceiling can make a big difference to your energy bills. Effective ceiling insulation can save you up to 20% on cooling and heating costs.

10. If possible, use solar energy as much as possible

Using solar electricity you generate can reduce the amount of energy you need to buy from your retailer. Solar hot water systems can also help you avoid gas charges using a gas-fired water heater.

So, if possible, please use solar energy as much as possible.

11. Save your power and money with DIGITAL WATT METER

Using digital watt meter to monitor the real-time power consumption of our home appliances is an easy and efficient way to help us know and save home daily power consumption and costs.

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