Energy saving tips

With many people spending more time at home it is likely that our energy consumption will go up. You can try these energy saving tips to reduce your energy consumption and help the environment at the same time.

Temperature control

• Adjust the thermostats on your heating/cooling (18-20°C in winter, 23-26°C in summer) and set your hot water system to 60°C
• Cleaning air filters on heaters and coolers to allow them to work more efficiently
• Open and close curtains to best use the sun’s energy and to keep heat in or out
• Install draft stoppers around doors and windows to prevent cold air from coming in
• Close doors in your house and only heat or cool the spaces being used.

Household tips

• A fridge works more efficiently when full, so add pantry items to take up space if you need to
• Turn off lights when not in use
• Only boil the amount of water in a kettle that you plan to use
• Turn off electrical equipment (including laptops and monitors) at the power point rather than leaving on standby
• Switch your computers energy-saving mode on (if possible), which lowers power consumption
• Be sure to fill your dishwasher and washing machine before running them
• Just like your dishwasher, use a cold water cycle for your laundry loads and the lowest temperature whenever you can
• Use a cold water cycle for your laundry loads and the lowest temperature on the dishwasher whenever you can
• Hang your clothes outside or in a warm place to avoid using a clothes dryer

Winter tips

• Set your household heating between 18 to 20 degrees, turn it off overnight, and consider using an electric blanket if you’re cold in bed
• Close doors of any rooms that aren’t being used, so you’re only heating the space you need
• Make sure you turn lights off when you leave a room, and when you go to bed
• Showers use the most hot water in a typical home. Try to limit shower time where possible so you don’t run out of hot water and keep your energy costs down
• Fridges, freezers, and washing machines are actually most efficient when they are full. If your fridge is only half full, consider adding other items from your pantry

Summer tips

It pays to be savvy with your energy use at home during the long, hot summer months - literally.

While you may be running your air-conditioning more often, and turning on that second fridge to keep your drinks cold and ready to go, we have some simple Summertime Tips to help you reduce your energy consumption at home, avoid an unexpected hit to your wallet when the summer electricity bill arrives, and help the environment at the same time.

Feeling the heat:

• Close the doors and curtains and blinds in your house, and only cool the spaces being used, to best use the sun’s energy and to keep heat out
• Try a fan first – they use less energy and are cheaper to run than an air-conditioner
• If you can’t go without the air-conditioner, adjust your thermostat on your cooling system to between 23°C and 26°C.

Power saving bonus

The Victorian Government has set up a Power Saving Bonus through a one-off $250 payment to eligible Victorian households who look for a better energy deal on the Victorian Energy Compare website.