Reduce Energy Usage: Save Money and the Environment
Use the tips in this guide to reduce your energy consumption, and keep a copy of your electricity, gas and water bills to check that your usage is tracking downwards. Even better, download your power providers phone app to easily monitor usage. With a few little changes you will be able to reduce your family’s carbon footprint and add a LOT back to your wallet.
Why Reduce Energy Usage?
Save Money
This year, the average household in Victoria is likely to spend upwards of $1,500 on electricity, $1,500 on gas and about $1,000 on water. That’s $4,000 per year just on three bills! Reducing your electricity, gas and water usage can really help your budget!
Help the Environment
The average Australian has a carbon footprint of about 15 tonnes of CO2 per year, compared to the world average of 4.6 tonnes per year. One way to reduce this number significantly is to use less electricity, gas and water in our homes.
Save on Heating and Cooling
1
Shut Doors
Close doors to unused areas to heat or cool only the rooms you're using.
2
Optimal Temperatures
In winter, set your heating to 20°C and wear warm pants, jumpers and slippers. Open your curtains to let the suns warmth and light in during the day and close them before it gets dark and cold. If you’re sitting on the couch, use a blanket and turn the heater off or down low.
3
Cool at 25 degrees
In summer, set your cooling to 25°C and wear shorts and singlets in the house. Close your curtains during the hottest part of the day so the heat doesn’t come through the windows, then open the windows and doors in the evening when it cools down.
4
Use Fans
Fans are very cheap to run – much cheaper than air conditioning. If it’s not too hot a day, a fan may be all you need.
5
Clean your air filters
Clean the air filters in your air conditioner and they will use much less energy and do a better job too!
6
Use ECO mode
If your air conditioner and heater have ECO modes then turn the setting on.
Save on Hot Water & Lighting
1
Double your savings
Any hot water saving is a double saving –because you are saving both the water and the electricity or gas required to heat it!
2
Have a quick shower
Limit time in the shower – 5 minutes is recommended. If you need something more luxurious then run a bath and stay in as long as you want.
3
Fill your dishwasher
When possible, run the dishwasher and clothes washer when they are full.
4
Use the cold setting
Run the clothes washer on the cold setting.
5
Open the curtains
Use natural light when possible – open up the curtains and let the light in
6
Switch off the lights
Switch lights off when you leave the room.
Save on Appliances
1
Buy energy efficient
Buy energy-efficient appliances when you can. The savings on an energy efficient television, fridge, freezer or washing machine can add up over the life of the appliance to more than the cost of the item itself.
2
Limit your screens
Limit the number of screens and consoles on at the same time – and if no one is actually watching the television or using the computer then turn them off. If you need the background noise, then at least use the smallest TV in the house.
3
Air dry your clothes
Air-dry your clothes whenever possible instead of using a clothes dryer. Clothes dryers use a lot of electricity.
4
Turn off appliances
Turn off any appliances that you are not using and only use them when you need to.
Utility Relief Grant
If you've tried all our tips but the power, gas and water bills are still getting on top of you, you may be eligible for the utility relief grant. Check your eligibility and find information HERE.
If you are struggling financially and you are unsure what to do, reach out to a free and confidential financial counsellor for tailored assistance.
Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for assistance or to find a financial counselor close to you.