Tips to Save On Your Electricity Bills All Year Long

Do you feel anxious each time your electricity bill arrives? Even if you have tried to be vigilant about your power usage, the total amount due can sometimes still be unexpected and a huge pain in your pocket.

With that, we prepared some simple ways that you can apply to reduce your electricity bill all year-round without having to sacrifice your comfort or lifestyle:

1. Make your home more energy-efficient 

In case you don’t know, appliances still use energy even if they are in ‘standby mode’? What you can do better is to switch them off at the plug each evening to make a saving. However, you might know that this isn’t always practical.

With that being said, another idea is to replace old appliances with new energy-efficient models. Old models may be cheaper and more affordable to purchase, but they could ultimately end up costing you more because they have higher energy usage.

Investing in solar is also something worthy of trying when reducing energy costs. Solar panels installed on your roof generate electricity captured by the sun. Then, any excess energy produced is fed back to the grid and you’ll find a credit on your next electricity bill. Besides, installing solar panels also adds value to your home. If you are interested, talk to your local Reval Estate Agents about whether going solar will attract buyers and tenants in your area.

2. Provide attention to your hot water

A long hot shower is maybe as delightful as it can be but in fact, this can be a costly indulgence. According to Origin Energy, hot water heating makes up almost 21 percent of every household’s electricity bill. And most of the hot water consumption is used by showering.

Nowadays, the average modern shower head uses around nine litres of water per minute, with hot water accounting for 40 percent of it. In an eight-minute shower, around 29 litres of hot water is being used, so one of the easiest ways to reduce your electricity bill is to simply take shorter showers. If you tend to shower for 15 minutes or longer, consider a bath instead.

In addition, make sure that your hot water taps are also not leaking if you don’t want to throw money down the drain.

3. Install insulation

Consider installing insulation batts with a higher rating in the rafters of your roof and wall cavities to have additional protection for your home throughout the entire year and, most importantly, to cut energy costs. Installing insulation may be a little costly at first but this will significantly reduce your energy consumption in the long run. Insulation batts will also keep your property cooler in summer and warmer in winter, and it can also help prevent damp air from entering your home.

Additional Note: The Building Code of Australia requires R4-rated insulation batts to be used in new homes as a minimum standard. The ‘R’ refers to the thermal resistance rating.

4. Be resourceful in adding more insulation

Another way to minimise your energy usage all year long is to add curtains to your windows. Not only are they cost-effective but they also stop cool air coming in during winter, and they also help to block the heat during summer.

While you’re at it, look for thermal-backed curtains which are even more effective; these have an acrylic coating adding to their insulation. Other than that, blockout curtains are also a great choice. They are typically made from thicker material, producing a similar result. Plus, they can even help you to sleep better.

Furthermore, there are other accessories like rugs and underfloor heating that can also serve as another layer of insulation. Rugs are cheap options, but they can make your living room look great and feel extra cosy, especially during the cooler months. On the one hand, underfloor heating, also an energy-efficient way of heating a home, creates a warmer environment from the floor upwards.

5. Seal any draughts 

Broken, cracked or misaligned doors and windows are often the culprit for letting in draughts. They can account for up to 20 percent of heat loss in your home, so make sure that any gaps or cracks in walls are sealed. You can also fix draughts by using sand-filled door snakes that you can find at your local hardware stores. 

Meanwhile, other appliances such as flueless gas should have proper ventilation. Make sure that their openings are not blocked for them to operate safely.

Lastly, upgrading to double-glazed windows is also another smart investment for those looking to reduce energy consumption. It works by preventing heat from transferring from one side of the glass to the other. This keeps hot weather out in summer and stops warm air from escaping in winter. This also reduces outside noise which is a great catch!

6. Resist your heating and cooling

Try to only turn on your heater in the morning and evening when the temperature dips. Also, if using an air-conditioner to warm the air, you can reduce your running costs by dropping the thermostat a degree or two. 

It is also important to seek professional advice from an expert if you’re looking to upgrade your heating systems. They will factor in the size and shape of your room, and they will recommend whether you should go with a gas, electricity or wood-burning fireplace.

Then, during summer, avoid turning your air-conditioner on overnight to reduce your electric bill. Use it only on very hot days. Besides, ceiling fans are also something you should invest in as they only cost a few cents to run per hour.  

7. Maximise the use of natural lighting

Utilising natural sunlight reduces the need to turn on lights during the daytime while also saving on heating. Natural lighting will also brighten up an interior and if installed properly, it won’t let warm air escape. Moreover, painting walls white also reflects light and will keep your interior brighter.

On another note, using natural sunlight to dry your laundry instead of piling them into the clothes dryer is a great way to avoid skyrocketing your energy consumption. Make the most of sunny days and peg your laundry out on the line for fresher clean clothes. This will also serve as your exercise. 

Ensure to also practice other energy-efficient habits throughout the year to save money on your electric bill. This includes turning off lights when leaving a room, washing clothes in cold water, etc.