You can do many things to help keep your energy bills down. Here's our top 10 tips for saving energy year-round, and most won't cost you a cent.
Our top 10 energy saving tips
- To save the most energy, switch off the power point rather than leave appliances on standby.
- Turn off your heater, cooling units and appliances when you go to bed or leave the house.
- Switch off your computer and equipment such as printers or Wi-Fi routers overnight or when you're away. Most computers have energy-saving settings that will turn the computer and screen off after a period of inactivity.
Energy-efficient globes could save up to 80% off your lighting costs. This is because LED bulbs use less power and last longer. That means you spend less money and time replacing them.
- Shut doors to areas you're not using, and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time.
- In cooler months, make sure your curtains or blinds seal your windows properly.
- Stop cool air leaking out by blocking draughts around doors and windows.
- In warmer months, keep your curtains closed during the day.
- External blinds or canvas awnings will also help keep your house cooler.
- Wait until your machine is full before starting a washing cycle.
- Washing clothes in cold water can save around $115 per year.
- You can also save by selecting the shortest appropriate washing cycle.
- Clothes dryers use lots of energy. Hang clothes outside to dry or use a fan to help dry them indoors.
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard is available across Australia. In the same way as a fridge or washing machine has a star rating, a Scorecard rating shows how much energy is used throughout your home.
Whether selling or renovating, renting or just worried about high energy bills, a home energy assessment can help you save energy and money on bills by identifying your home's features that contribute to high energy bills and the improvements you can make.
Find a Scorecard assessor
Fridge
Your fridge runs 24/7 and is one of your most expensive appliances.
- The ideal fridge temperature for your freezer is 4 or 5 degrees Celsius and -15 to -18 degrees.
- Ensure the fridge door seal is tight and that no gaps or cracks let cold air escape.
- If you have a second fridge or freezer, only turn it on when needed.
Cooking
- Put frozen food in your fridge in the morning to thaw out and reduce cooking time in the evening.
- When cooking, use the microwave when you can. Microwaves use much less energy than an electric oven.
- Using a stove, keep lids on pots to reduce cooking time.
- Plan to cook more and have leftover meals for the next day or the whole week. Keep leftover meals in the freezer.
Dishwasher
- Use the economy cycle on your dishwasher, and only run it when it's full.
Every degree above 20 degrees can add 10% to your heating bill. In winter, heating can account for over 30% of your bill.
In winter, set your thermostat to between 18 and 20 degrees. In summer, set your thermostat to 26 degrees or above.
Some ducted systems allow you to turn off the heating or cooling to unoccupied rooms.
Save money by switching to more energy-efficient heating. For example, switching from an electric fan heater to a split system can save the average home nearly $700 a year on bills. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program allows rebates to install more efficient heating in your home.
If you have gas heating and a modern reverse cycle air-conditioner, try using your reverse cycle system in heating mode. This will reduce your winter bills and improve heating efficiency.
One of the easiest ways to reduce energy costs is to compare energy offers.
Victorian Energy Compare is the Victorian Government's free and independent energy price comparison tool. It compares offers from more than 20 energy retailers across gas, electricity and solar to help you find the best and cheapest energy offers.
You just need access to the internet, a recent bill, and some information about your household. Victorian Energy Compare does the rest.
The comparison only takes about 10 minutes, and users can typically save $330 a year on energy costs.
You can also try theenergy quiz on the website to learn more about your energy and bills.
An insulated ceiling can make a big difference to your energy bills. Effective ceiling insulation can save you up to 20% on cooling and heating costs.
Find information about insulation at Sustainability Victoria
Using solar electricity you generate can reduce the amount of energy you need to buy from your retailer. Solar hot water systems can also help you avoid gas charges using a gas-fired water heater.
Discover more about solar energy, including feed-in-tariffs, incentives, installation and energy companies.
Find out more about how small changes can make a difference to our environment and our future at reduce your carbon footprint.
Having trouble paying your energy bills? Find information about what support is available.
Summer energy saving tips
There are many easy and effective things you can do this summer to save energy and money at home.
Learn more
Page last updated: 17/11/23
FAQs
Other ways to save include using ceiling fans, energy star appliances, energy-efficient light bulbs and turning off home electronics when they aren't in use. You can set up your shower, faucets, and toilets to use less water, and can change or empty your furnace filters to keep the unit at its most efficient.
What are the top 10 ways to save energy? ›
Other ways to save include using ceiling fans, energy star appliances, energy-efficient light bulbs and turning off home electronics when they aren't in use. You can set up your shower, faucets, and toilets to use less water, and can change or empty your furnace filters to keep the unit at its most efficient.
What are five 5 easy steps you can take to start saving energy? ›
Here are 15 ways to start conserving energy:
- Adjust your day-to-day behaviors.
- Replace your light bulbs.
- Use smart power strips.
- Install a programmable thermostat.
- Use energy-efficient appliances.
- Reduce water heating expenses.
- Install energy-efficient windows.
- Upgrade your HVAC system.
LED light bulbs are the most energy-efficient option available, offering 40-80 lumens per watt and providing a long-term cost savings for homeowners.
How to lower electric bill in Florida? ›
Set your thermostat to 78° or the highest temperature where you can still be comfortable while you are home and 82° F when you're away. Each degree you raise your thermostat between 75° – 78° can save you 3-5% on your monthly cooling costs. That's a lot when cooling makes up approximately 60% of your bill!
What is the 10 source of energy? ›
The sun is the main source of energy on Earth. Other energy sources include coal, geothermal energy, wind energy, biomass, petrol, nuclear energy, and many more. Energy is classified into various types based on sustainability as renewable sources of energy and non-renewable sources of energy.
What saves more energy? ›
Always set your thermostat as low as feels comfortable, and wear warm clothes indoors. Use a programmable thermostat to set the temperature to 15°C while you sleep and 10°C when the house is unoccupied. This cuts up to 10% a year off heating bills. Try to only heat the room you're in or the rooms you use regularly.
What are 5 ways you use energy every day? ›
Heating and cooling our homes, lighting office buildings, driving cars and moving freight, and manufacturing the products we rely on in our daily lives are all functions that require energy.
How to decrease electricity usage? ›
Tips for Saving on Your Electric Bill
- Turn Down Your Thermostat. It's one of the most effective ways to cut your energy usage. ...
- Take Care of Your Furnace. ...
- Keep the Cold Out. ...
- Turn Down the Tank. ...
- Cook Smart. ...
- Think Before You Wash and Dry Clothes. ...
- Reduce Phantom Load.
A basic habit to develop and foster is to make sure that you always turn off the lights when leaving a room. Make a reminder to do so until you get into a habit of doing so subconsciously. You can save a good chunk of your monthly electricity costs by doing something as simple as this regularly.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs are the most energy efficient lighting option available, and can therefore save you the most money on your electricity bills.
How to get free LED light bulbs? ›
Are you Eligible for Free LED Lighting for your Home or Business?
- Check With Your Utility. For both business and residential customers, your electric company is the best place to start searching for deals on lighting. ...
- Look for State Incentives. ...
- Find Federal Programs. ...
- Save on LED Lighting Systems.
On average, a 10W LED light bulb used for 24 hours will cost about $0.10 to $0.20. This is significantly less than traditional incandescent bulbs, making LED bulbs a cost-effective and energy-efficient choice for both indoor and outdoor lighting.
What is a normal Florida electric bill? ›
Key takeaways
The average homeowner's electricity bill in Florida is $144 per month. Florida experiences more power outages than other areas of the U.S. due to the area's high volume of hurricanes and tropical storms.
How to lower refrigerator bill? ›
Keep the cooling coils clean, don't open the door unless absolutely necessary, keep it full of food to reduce cold loss when opening the door, raise the temp. setting to a warmer temp. Take Its Temperature. Check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer with a thermometer.
Why is my Florida electric bill so high? ›
The increased demand for air conditioning during extreme heat waves directly correlates with increased demand for electricity and its power source. With 38.9% of the U.S.'s power coming from natural gas, it can significantly impact Florida residents' power bills.
What are 7 ways that you can reduce your own personal consumption of energy? ›
Tips for Saving on Your Electric Bill
- Turn Down Your Thermostat. It's one of the most effective ways to cut your energy usage. ...
- Take Care of Your Furnace. ...
- Keep the Cold Out. ...
- Turn Down the Tank. ...
- Cook Smart. ...
- Think Before You Wash and Dry Clothes. ...
- Reduce Phantom Load.
Energy can be stored in a variety of ways, including:
- Pumped hydroelectric. Electricity is used to pump water up to a reservoir. ...
- Compressed air. Electricity is used to compress air at up to 1,000 pounds per square inch and store it, often in underground caverns. ...
- Flywheels. ...
- Batteries. ...
- Thermal energy storage.
How to Save Energy at Home?
- Turning off the lights when leaving a room. ...
- Use LED lights. ...
- Switching to efficient appliances. ...
- Unplug devices. ...
- Lessen water usage. ...
- Keep the thermostat at a lower temperature. ...
- Use smart automated devices. ...
- Use double glazing door.
11 Ways to Save Energy for Schools
- Upgrade your lighting to LED. ...
- Make sure to turn off all electronics at the end of the school day. ...
- Use energy-saving power strips. ...
- Take advantage of natural lighting. ...
- Invest in solar. ...
- Change your energy provider. ...
- Take advantage of sensors and timers for lights. ...
- Upgrade the cafeteria kitchen.
