Queensland has the third largest electricity market in Australia, with over 1.6 million residential households using power across the state. With electricity prices at an all-time high, every dollar counts! Here are some saving tips to reduce your household energy usage:
Say Goodbye to Standby
Switch off your TV, computer and other electrical appliances at the power point to reduce standby power use. Cost of appliances on standby can add over $100 to your electricity bill annually. You can also install Standby Power Controllers that switch appliances off when not in use.
Ditch the Clothes Dryer
Wash your clothes in cold water and dry them on a clothes line or rack instead of using a dryer. This can save you over $100 a year.
Get the Lights Right
Change any incandescent light bulbs in your home to energy efficient light bulbs. This can save you up to $19 per light bulb per year.
Cool It… But Not Too Much
Don’t overheat or excessively cool rooms. Setting your air conditioner a few degrees higher can save you up to $80 per year. Keeping your air conditioner at 24°C can reduce running costs by up to 10% per year.
One Fridge Too Many
Fridges run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Turning off that second fridge can save over $200 a year.
Insulation – Top Notch Creation
Install insulation in your roof and seal up any gaps around doors and windows using weather stripping and door snakes. Installing roof insulation can save you over $150 per year.
The final word – know your usage! Pay attention to your power bills each quarter and watch for seasonal differences. You will be surprised how much money there is to be saved with a few small changes throughout the year.
Sources: Clean Energy Council, 2105 and Queensland Council of Social Service, 2015