10 Ways to Save on Electricity This Summer

Save your money this Summer by following our simple energy-saving tips.

1. Compare electricity providers 

The first thing you should do when trying to lower your electricity bill this Summer is checking your current provider’s deal against competitors. You may find that you are paying too much and there could be a better deal available.

2. Maintenance on your heat pump

Regular maintenance to your heat pump is important to maintain good performance and keep down unnecessary high energy use. You can do your own maintenance on split systems by vacuuming air vents regularly to remove any dust build up or have an electrician do a full service on your ducted system. 

3. Replace your air filter

Replacing the air filter in your heat pump is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to make sure that your cooling system runs smoothly and efficiently. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce your heat pump’s efficiency. 

4. Opt for LED light bulbs

Make the switch to LED lights for the most energy efficient lighting. Using 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs, LED lights last 25 times as longer and run much cooler.

5. Switch it off & unplug it

If you aren’t using it, switch it off and unplug it. Even if it’s switched off, just being plugged in generates a small amount of heat and electricity. By unplugging TVs, computers, microwaves and any other appliances that don’t need to be left on, you can save $20 to $25 this Summer. Fridges are one of the largest single contributors to household electricity bills. Most Aussie homeowners have a second fridge running and you should consider if it is necessary to have on all the time. 

6. Close your blinds

Create a greenhouse effect in your home by closing your blinds or curtains. Invest in good curtains for windows on Northern and Western facing windows to help take the brunt of the sun’s heat. You should keep windows, blinds and curtains closed through the hottest part of the day, but open them up to catch some of the evening breeze when it cools down.

7. Avoid using the clothes dryer

After a long year of La Nina, we are finally looking forward to a sunny Summer. Although, when the occasional Summer storm hits, opt for hanging out the clothes inside rather then putting a load through the clothes dryer. Reducing the use of your clothes dryer will see a noticeable impact on your power bill over Summer. 

8. Wash strategically 

Ensure when putting on a load of washing that it is full, otherwise you could end up spending a lot more than you need to. With just doing 2 loads of washing a week instead of 4 could save you up to $5 a week.

9. Avoid the oven

Try minimising the amount of time you use the oven. Not only does it quickly heat up the kitchen and other areas close by, with not using it, you will reduce your power bill significantly. 

10.  Monitor live energy usage

Live electricity usage monitoring helps you take control of your energy usage by providing real-time access to your home’s electricity usage. These monitors can provide insights into when you’re using electricity and even how much power certain appliances are sucking up. You can use this information to adjust your usage habits and potentially reduce your electric bill this Summer.