It’s amazing how a few small changes around your home can have an impact on your electricity bill and add up to big savings over time.
We’ve created a simple list of tips for you to implement at home today.
Energy saving tips
Cooling
- Use your ceiling fans instead of your aircon.
- Set your aircons to between 24°C to 27°C and use your ceiling fans at the same time.
- Keep your filters clean so your aircon works efficiently.
- Service your aircons regularly.
- Run your aircon on a timer to reduce how often it is used.
- Turn it off when you go out
- Only cool the rooms you’re in and shut the doors of the rooms you’re not using.
- To increase your protection against the outside heat, invest in white-backed blackout curtains for your largest windows.
Heating
- Set your heater to between 18°C and 20°C – every degree can save up to 10% on your energy use.
- Dress for the weather.
- Use a hot water bottle instead of the electric blanket.
- Only heat the room you are using.
- If you’re investing in a heater, choose a reverse-cycle aircon with heating and cooling capacity rather than small, stand-alone heaters. These small heaters are inefficient and a big energy drain.
Fridges/Freezers
- Get rid of your rarely used second fridge.
- Make sure your fridge and freezer door seals are in good condition.
- Keep the condenser clean to help the air flow.
- Keep your fridge out of the sun.
- Leave some space around the back of your fridge or freezer for air to circulate.
Dryers
- The dryer is one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home.
- Hanging your clothes on the washing line or on a frame under a ceiling fan, could save you on your electricity bill.
- Don’t overload your dryer as it will need more energy to dry your clothes.
- lean the lint filter after use.
- Set your dryer to ‘warm’ rather than ‘hot’.
Washing machines
- Wash your clothes on cold.
- Use an economical or shorter cycle.
- Always wash a full load.
Dishwasher
- Use a cold water connection.
- Let the dishes air dry instead of opting for the dry cycle.
- Use the economy cycle.
- Make sure it’s full before it runs.
- Don’t overlook the contribution your pool makes to your electricity bill.
- Reduce pool pump running time, a few less hours a day could save you up to $350 a year.
- Check in with your local pool shop to find out what is the most efficient running time for your pool.
- Purchase a pump with a high energy star rating.
- Clean the skimmer box and filters regularly.
- Replace high bay or fluorescent lights with LEDs.
- Remove unnecessary light fittings in your home.
- Use sensors and timers, especially for your outdoor lights.
- Set your hot water system thermostat between 60°C to 65°C.
- Try turning your hot water system off in summer.
Resources
- Read how to save energy in the Northern Territory in the energy efficiency guide.
- View quick wins to save energy on the Australian Government Energy website.
- Use the cost, payment and usage calculators.
- Complete the high bill checklist.