Like many Australians, you are likely spending a lot more time at home right now. And again, much like any Aussies, you are likely looking for different ways to ease the pressure on your household budget and cut back on costs. Ironically, while you’re trying to cut back costs and find ways to save money, you’re likely using far more power.

This is especially true when you’re working from home or studying. Even though you may have some more time on your hands, it can often be hard to know where to start when you’re trying to reduce your energy use.

The Main Problem

The main problem here is rising energy costs, this is obvious to say. Rising energy costs are ruining lives and making it harder for people to live comfortably. Luckily, there are some amazing ways for people to cut down on their energy costs while still remaining comfortable.

Let’s take a look.

The Solution

Start saving with these 5 excellent ways to reduce your power costs. Better yet, it won’t cost you a thing!

1. Climate Control

Heating and cooling are some of the biggest energy guzzlers around. In winter, you should try to set your heater to roughly 18°C to 20°C. Then, in summer, you should try to set it between 25°C to 27°C. Every extra degree that changes will increase your heating and cooling energy use between roughly 5-10%.

Make sure you close any internal doors and only cool/heat any rooms that you are using.

2. Hot Water

Hot water is one of the biggest sources of energy use within your home. To save energy and money, you should wash clothes in cold water and only start your washing machine when you have a full load. Make sure you only run your dishwasher only when it is full.

Also, try to find a low-flow showerhead and take shorter showers.

3. Window Watch

Did you know that around 40% of the heat within your home could be leaking out of your windows? In the winter, you should try to open your curtains to let the sun in and close them before it becomes dark at night. This will let you keep the heat in.

In summer, you can close the curtains during the day when it is hot and open them at night to enjoy the cool breeze.

4. Use Appliances Wisely

Appliances can often be responsible for up to 30% of your energy bill. You should turn off any additional freezers and fridges and then about getting rid of them if they are unneeded. Use lids on pots while you cook and also fill the kettle and pots with only the amount of water you need.

You should also pay attention to your pool filter and ensure it is only running for the minimum amount of time. As for drying your clothes, dry them on the line or in front of your fire. After all, it’s free!

The Bottom Line

If you are looking for more energy-efficient appliances to reduce your power bill, you should get them installed by an electrician. This way, you can ensure that you’re getting the very best out of your energy-saving efforts.