Looking to save money on energy without a big upfront investment?
The good news is, you don't have to spend a lot now to reduce your energy bill later.
Here are our top energy efficiency tips, on a budget:
- Draught proof: Identify where your home might be leaking air and plug the gaps. Door snakes are a cheap and easy way to block the gaps under doors. Gappy floorboards and skirting boards can be sealed. Even open fireplaces can be blocked up when not in use. This will help keep your home at a more comfortable temperature year-round, without wasting energy on heating or cooling.
- Switch to efficient lightbulbs: Switching to LED bulbs is one of the easiest ways to reduce your electricity consumption. They use 80-90% less energy than traditional bulbs and can be used in most existing light fittings.
- Don't waste energy: Be mindful of your actions around the house. Keep your heater between 18 and 20°C in winter and your air conditioner between 23 and 25°C in summer. Each degree more can increase energy consumption by 5-10%. Remember to turn lights off when you leave a room and turn appliances off at the wall - even on standby, appliances usually use a bit of power. Close the blinds to keep the sun out on hot days and dry your clothes on the line rather than in the dryer. There are many small actions you can take that add up.
- Harness the sun: Unless you have a battery, solar households should run appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines during the day when their solar panels are generating electricity. On hot days, turn the air conditioner on early to pre-cool your home, so you can turn it down or switch it off in the evening when your panels are no longer producing electricity.
- Compare energy plans: Switching your energy plan is one of the best ways to save money on energy without making any behavioural or structural changes around the house. And the good news is, switching plans is easier than you think. For example, switching to Arcline by RACV can be done online in just a few minutes. So grab your latest bill and compare your rates - if you haven't switched in a while, there may be a better deal available.