Hide message
Cutting back on electricity around the house doesn’t have to mean making big sacrifices. With energy costs on the rise and more households becoming aware of their environmental impact, many people are seeking simple, practical ways to use less power on a daily basis.
If that sounds like you, here are some helpful ways to use less electricity at home.
Why reducing electricity use matters
Using less electricity at home isn’t just about lowering your energy bills. Making small changes to how you use power can also make a difference to your household and the environment.
For many households, the main motivation is to keep bills manageable without compromising on comfort or convenience.
There are also practical advantages within your home. Lowering overall demand on your household systems may help ease wear and tear, which in turn can support your appliances’ efficiency and extend their lifetime.
Quick and easy tips to save electricity at home
You don’t need major upgrades to reduce your energy usage. Often, it’s the small, everyday actions that make a noticeable difference.
Turn off unused appliances
Make a habit of switching off lights, fans, and devices when you leave a room. Standby power from appliances left plugged in can quickly add up. In fact, standby power is estimated to account for around 3% of an average household’s electricity bill.
Use energy-efficient lighting
Lighting is often overlooked, but making the switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs is a simple way to improve your energy efficiency. LEDs use approximately 75% less energy than halogen bulbs. Plus, they last five to ten times longer, helping to reduce your energy usage and replacement costs.
Optimise your heating and cooling
Depending on where you live, your household heating and cooling system could account for anywhere between 20% to 50% of your home’s energy usage. Rather than reaching for the air conditioner in summer, try using ceiling fans to cool your home first. Once you do switch the system on, be sure to close all doors and windows to maintain the temperature. It can also be worth sealing any potential gaps to stop the hot or cool air from escaping.
How are you using your appliances?
How you use your appliances has a big impact on your energy usage. A few simple tweaks can help you manage your energy costs.
Smart laundry practices
Reduce energy use in your laundry by:
- Washing your clothes in cold water
- Saving your dirty clothes until you have a full load of washing
- Hanging your clothes to dry on the line instead of using a dryer
Cook efficiently
Here are a few simple changes you can make in the kitchen to save on energy:
- Use lids on pots to help reduce cooking time
- Match pots and pans to the right burner size
- Swap to slow cookers or air fryers for more energy efficient cooking
Cool tips for fridges and freezers
With your refrigerator on 24/7, efficiency here is key:
- Keep your fridge seals tight to avoid leakage
- Maintain ideal fridge temperatures of 3°C to 4°C and keep your freezer between -15°C to -18°C
- Avoid overloading your fridge and restricting internal airflow
Other smart home swaps
Beyond changing habits, you can take extra steps to manage electricity use:
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: When it's time to replace your old appliances, opt for more energy-efficient models with high star ratings. Generally, the more stars, the higher the potential for long-term performance.
- Invest in smart energy management: Try using smart plugs and timers to control power usage remotely and automatically switch off devices during low-use times. You can also monitor your energy usage in real-time using apps that track usage and highlight potential opportunities to better manage your power.
- Make the most of natural resources: Make the most of natural light by opening the blinds during the day to reduce lighting use. Rather than using fans or the AC, open windows to allow for natural airflow, especially during cool mornings and evenings.
How small changes can help you manage your energy usage
When it comes to reducing power around your home, easy, everyday actions can make a difference. Learning how to save electricity at home starts with small habits that eventually grow into smart choices. From turning devices off at the wall to upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and installing solar panels, every little change adds up.
And while energy-saving habits are a great start, choosing an electricity plan that suits your household can also make a difference. Explore EnergyAustralia’s range of electricity plans to find the right plan for you.
