Using energy more wisely will help you reduce your energy bills, as well as reducing the impact you have on the environment.

Here you’ll find a few energy-saving tips for around the home.

Water heating tips

  • Fix leaking taps. A leaking tap can waste hundreds of litres of water every month
  • Fit a low flow showerhead
  • Connect appliances such as the dishwasher and washing machine to cold water only
  • Connect your storage hot water system to controlled load supply to take advantage of the cheaper tariff
  • A leaking pressure relief valve (on the side of the hot water tank) can waste hundreds of litres of hot water. Check it regularly
  • Keep your system well maintained by fixing leaks and insulating tanks and pipes

Compare hot water systems and tariffs with our cost calculator

Washing and drying clothes

  • Use cold water in the laundry whenever possible
  • Front loading automatic washing machines use less water than top loading machines
  • Wash with a full load
  • If it's a sunny day, don't use the dryer and hang your washing outside on the clothesline instead
  • Spin dry the clothes before placing in the dryer
  • Clean the dryer’s lint filter regularly to maintain full air flow, maximise the drying efficiency and minimise fire risk
  • Don’t over or under-load dryers

Lighting tips

  • Replace halogen downlights with compact fluorescent or LED downlights
  • Use energy efficient compact fluorescent or LED light globes. They use around 75 per cent less power
  • The simplest way to save on lighting is to switch it off in rooms that aren’t being used
  • Use motion sensors or timers for outdoor security lights rather than running them continuously
  • Make the most of natural lighting, particularly from north facing windows

Pool tips

  • Use a pool cover to reduce pool-heating costs
  • Consider installing an energy efficient pool pump
  • You may be able to save money with a different tariff for your pool pump

Pool pump cost calculator

Plug-in appliances (TVs, DVD players, stereos, game consoles, computer equipment)

  • Don’t leave plug-in appliances on standby power mode - turn them off at the power point. Many plug-in appliances are consuming power while performing no function most of the time
  • For appliances with a remote control, such as TVs, switch them off at the power point rather than with the remote
  • Consider purchasing a special purpose power board that will eliminate standby power consumption for several appliances with a single switch. These are well suited for home office appliances and entertainment units
  • A typical household uses 10% of its total energy use on standby power

Check the stars before you buy a new appliance

Energy Rating Labels indicate how efficient appliances are by the number of stars they have. The more stars the better. Find out more at the government energy rating website: www.energyrating.gov.au