As the cost of living continues to rise, many Australians are feeling the financial strain, particularly during the winter months when energy consumption spikes.
The need to heat homes to stay warm and comfortable can lead to significantly higher electricity bills, putting additional pressure on household budgets.
Finding effective ways to reduce electricity usage and lower energy bills becomes crucial. By adopting smart strategies and making small changes, Australians can not only manage their energy costs more efficiently but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Taking recommendations from industry experts in a recent article released through https://www.abc.net.au/ we’ve pulled the best practical tips and techniques to help you save on your electricity bills this winter, ensuring your home remains cosy without breaking the bank.
Heating/Cooling
Choice product category manager Chris Barnes recommends:
- Stop draughts and seal air leaks
- Clean your heating system regularly to help it run efficiently
- Use reverse-cycle aircons rather than gas heaters or portable electric heaters
Hot Water
- Have shorter showers [4 minutes or less], and install a low-flow shower head
- Use cold water for laundry loads
- Upgrade to higher energy efficient hot water systems
Electronics
- Canstar Blue estimates, appliances on stand-by mode could cost you up to 10 per cent of your electricity bill each. That’s more than $100 annually.
- Get in the habit of turning your device off at the wall when not in use.
Fridge/Freezers
Ensure your fridge has high star efficiency rating for maximum energy savings and try these other recommendations by Choice product category manager Chris Barnes in this recent article released by abcnews.com.au:
- Check the temperature: Adjust your fridge to 3C and freezer to -18C for the best balance between coolness, food safety, and energy efficiency
- Check the placement: Fridges placed in warm areas use more energy to stay cool. Make sure it’s in a well-ventilated space and that there are sufficient gaps around the unit
- Maintenance: Is food going off faster than it used to? Is it noisy? It could be worth checking the door seals are clean and brushing off any dusty coils on the back of the fridge
- Contents: A full fridge is a happy fridge because the thermal mass of its contents help maintain temperature and reduce running costs
Cooking Appliances
There’s a reason we’re wanting everyone to get off gas, as well as being terrible for the environment it also has a high impact on your energy bill.
Here’s the hourly running rate of gas appliances:
- Oven — $0.48
- Cooktop (per burner) — $0.48
- Griller — $0.24 – $0.48
Government initiatives can save you thousands on upgrades and energy costs.
MAC Trade Services are dedicated to helping both businesses and households access the best incentives offered by state and federal Governments. Contact us via https://mactradeservices.com.au/contact to learn what you can do to reduce your energy consumption and what may be available to your situation to make an impact today.
