Warmer weather, longer days, what’s not to love about summer in Sydney? After days of running the air conditioner, having the kids at home for the school holidays or hosting the extended family for Christmas and New Year, an unwelcome surprise may be in store for many when it comes time to pay their electricity bill.
Saving money on your electricity bill during summer can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Reducing your energy usage is excellent for your budget and can also have environmental benefits. Read on to discover our energy-saving hacks to save on your next electricity bill.
3 Steps to Start Saving on Your Energy Bills
According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, there are three main steps you need to do to start saving on your energy bills: get informed, get organised and get moving. Their website gives you easy-to-follow information to start understanding your energy bills and home and lifestyle factors that influence them.
Reduce Your Energy Costs with the Easy 7
We’ve put together seven easy ways to save money on your electricity bill today.
1. Use energy-efficient lighting.
Not only can lights contribute heat to your home, but they can also substantially add to your energy bill. If you live in an older home or are interested in upgrading your home lighting, consider engaging a trusted electrician to install energy-efficient lighting such as LED light bulbs. Using lamps instead of overhead lighting can also help reduce energy costs, and don’t forget to turn off the lights if they’re not in use or you’re not home.
2. Wash your clothes in cold water.
If your next load of washing isn’t heavily soiled or full of clothes with grease stains, consider switching on a cold wash instead of warm or hot water. Cold water is the ideal temperature for everyday loads of washing and will save you money by removing the additional cost of heating the water.
3. Shop around.
Many people stay with their electricity provider for years without even thinking of checking out the competition. Brand loyalty may be comfortable, but you’re likely missing out on special deals from other energy providers. Routinely check if you can reduce energy costs with another retailer using the free Australian Government site Energy Made Easy, which allows you to search electricity and gas providers.
4. Open and close.
Don’t just rely on the air conditioner to keep your home cool in summer. Open the doors and windows when the cool change sweeps through at night or get up early and air your house before the temperature climbs into the 30s. When the heat hits, close it up! Close doors and windows and use block-out blinds and curtains to keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
5. Temperature matters.
When the sun is piercing through the windows and it’s topping 40 degrees outside, it’s tempting to crank up the air conditioner and attempt to turn your home into an igloo. Aim to set your air conditioner to between 25°C and 27°C depending on the outside temperature. Remember that the lower you set the temperature, the harder the air conditioner needs to work and the higher your energy usage will be. Use fans instead of the air conditioner as another way to lower your energy bills.
6. Preparation is key.
A little preparation ahead of summer can go a long way to saving money on your electricity bill. Book a professional air conditioner service in spring to ensure the filters are clean or replaced and the unit runs efficiently. Check your appliances, including the washing machine and dishwasher, and consider replacing them with energy-efficient models if they’re at the end of their life. Inspect your home’s insulation; does it need upgrading? Are your window coverings adequate or could you invest in black-out blinds or window tinting to help minimise the summer heat?
7. Unplug and head outside.
Besides the occasional heat wave, summer is the best time to turn off the TV, unplug the computer and head outdoors to enjoy all Sydney offers. Head to the beach for a cool dip in the ocean or pack a picnic and meet some friends under the shade of a tree in the park. While you can make small changes around the home to reduce your energy costs, nothing works better than simply not being at home sometimes.
It is possible to reduce your electricity costs and keep your home cool and comfortable all season long. Get in touch with Matty James Electrical today to discuss upgrading your lighting or wiring to lower your energy bills and on another note just like your car, you will notice that after a good service and clean, your air conditioning will run a lot more efficiently! Air conditioning service is a well worth investment, it will keep you cooler, save on energy bills and your air con system will last longer.
Article by Leading marketing agency for Tradies in Australia.
