Strategies for Reducing Your Electricity Costs in Summer Heatwave
Hot Weather Hacks: Slash Your Energy Bills and Stay Cool This Summer
Beat the heat and keep your wallet full this summer without breaking a sweat. Here are some easy hacks to lower your energy consumption, save cash, and stay nice and cool.
Easy Tips to Shrink Your Summer Energy Bill
1. Home Energy Assessment
Upgrade to an energy-efficient dwelling that uses less energy to heat and cool, saving you money and helping the environment. Schedule a professional Home Energy Audit to identify where you're wasting energy and learn practical tips tailored to your property.
2. Adjust Your Thermostat
Approximately 40% of domestic energy consumption goes to heating and cooling appliances, so embrace the heat by tweaking your thermostat for summer. Energy Victoria suggests keeping it between 23°C and 26°C for living areas, and remember to turn off your AC when you're out.
3. Shop Around for Energy Providers
Low-cost plans that are easy on your wallet and the planet are just a search away. Whether you're a homeowner or renter looking for energy savings, consider changing your energy supplier to find a better deal. Choose simple and budget-friendly plans with 100% carbon-offset electricity and feed-in tariffs for solar owners.
4. Identify and Eliminate Energy Waste
From hidden energy hogs to standby power, track down and stop unnecessary energy wastage in your home. Focus on major sources like heating, cooling, hot water, appliances, pools, and lighting to save money and cut your environmental impact.
5. Regular Air Conditioner Service
Keeping a cool home is essential, but it can be energy-intensive and expensive. Keep your AC running smoothly by getting regular tune-ups for maximum efficiency, which will help you save on energy bills and prolong the life of your unit.
6. Embrace LED Lighting
Efficient LED bulbs are a sensible investment compared to halogen bulbs, trimming approximately 25% of your annual energy bill. Replace outdated light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives for instant savings on both energy costs and light bulb replacements.
7. Smart Home Devices
Smart home gadgets, such as smart thermostats, power strips, light globes, and sprinklers, let you manage your energy use more effectively. Adjust energy-saving settings and schedules to reduce energy consumption and slash your bills.
8. Wash Clothes in Cold Water
A major contributor to your energy bill is hot water usage, which can consume up to 25% of your household energy budget. Opt for a cold wash in an energy-efficient washing machine for immediate savings on your energy expenses and a longer lifespan for your appliances.
9. Air-Dry Your Clothes
Clothes dryers consume a significant amount of energy, making air-drying a more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative. When using a dryer, be sure to remove excess moisture before drying and fill the drum halfway for maximum efficiency.
10. Utilize Off-Peak Periods
Off-peak hours see lower electricity consumption, typically during the night or weekends. Some energy providers offer reduced energy rates during off-peak periods for appliances like washing machines and dryers.
11. Appliance Upgrades and Settings
Switch out old appliances for energy-efficient models with better energy ratings to save money in the long run. Additionally, adjust your appliance settings, such as refrigerator temperature from 3°C to 5°C and freezer to -18°C, to decrease energy consumption and costs.
12. Energy Monitoring
Keep tabs on your energy consumption with an energy monitor and find opportunities to save on energy costs. Check if you're eligible for rebates via the Victorian Energy Upgrades program to obtain an energy monitor for your home.
13. Shading
Stop direct sunlight from heating your home by utilizing external shading options like canvas awnings or moveable panels on north and west-facing windows. Low emissivity film can also be applied to windows to reduce heating and cooling expenses.
14. Alternative Cooling
Save energy by foregoing air conditioning during moderate temperatures and exploring alternative cooling methods such as fans, opening windows, or staying cool during non-peak sun hours.
15. Affordable Energy Plans
- Use Online Comparison Tools: Compare electricity plans from various providers based on your location and consumption with sites like Utility Market, Finder, and Energy Made Easy.
- Focus on Plans with Fixed Rates and Discounts: Opt for plans with fixed daily rates or kWh charges, and discounts of 10-25% or more compared to default market offers for significant savings.
- Consider Local Cheapest Providers: In some states, certain providers may offer the cheapest plans, such as Tango Energy in Victoria or Momentum Energy, GloBird Energy, and OVO Energy in South Australia.
- Switch Providers to Save: Research shows that switching from default offers to cheaper plans can save between $367-$584 annually, making it worthwhile to review your current plan.
Take control of your energy bills this summer by employing these simple hacks to reduce energy consumption, enhance energy efficiency, and find affordable energy plans that work for you.
During hot summer days, consider using fans as an alternative to air conditioning to save energy and lower your energy bills. Additionally, scheduling a Home Energy Audit can help identify areas where you're wasting energy in your home, offering practical tips tailored to your property for increased energy efficiency.
