Top 7 Spring Energy Saving Tips

With the energy price rise in full effect, Australian households are feeling the financial strain of high power bills and increased living costs. However, by making some changes in your daily habits this spring, you could cut down on your energy usage and put some money back into your pocket. 

The good news is there are many simple, low-cost things you can do right now. By trying some of these ideas and making a few adjustments to your everyday habits, you could save money and be more environmentally friendly without sacrificing comfort. Make your home more energy-efficient and affordable by incorporating our top spring energy saving tips below.

If you think you’re paying more for electricity, it’s possible you are. One of the easiest ways you can lower your bill is to compare energy plans and switch to a more competitive rate. Most retailers offer a benefit period that ends after a specified period (i.e. 12 months). Once this promotional period ends, you may be paying more than you have to. At Electricity Monster, we can help you potentially lower your bill by comparing rates and finding you a fair deal from our network of partnered retailers. We may also be able to apply energy concessions to your energy account at no cost to you. Click on the link below to get our best deal and a $50 voucher.

As the weather starts to get warmer, you may be tempted to reach for your air conditioner remote. But before you do, it’s recommended to clean or replace the filter to keep the cooling system at its most efficient. This helps prevent the air conditioner from working harder than it should to blow cool air through dust and debris. The harder the unit works, the longer it will take to cool down the room, subsequently forcing you to leave it on for longer intervals. You can also check the air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which generally needs a thorough cleaning at least once a year. If you haven’t serviced your air conditioner in a while, consider booking an appointment to get your unit checked.

While an air conditioner can rapidly cool down your home, it can also be expensive. Instead, try to use fans or other cross-ventilation elements to keep your home thermally comfortable if possible. You can even open your windows in certain rooms to let the hot air escape. 

In some cases, the heat of the day will be too overwhelming for a simple fan. But instead of leaving your AC unit on for hours on end, try and incorporate the strategies below to maximise your energy efficiency:

• Cool smaller spaces instead of your entire home
• Close off rooms that are most populated to keep them cool
• Set the thermostat between 22 to 24°C on hotter days
• Draw the curtains when the sun is highest
• Set a timer in the evening

Older light bulbs tend to produce more heat and more energy than modern efficient bulbs like LEDs, or light-emitting diodes. By replacing your incandescent bulbs with a more energy-efficient alternative, you can expect to see better lighting efficiency with less energy usage. LED bulbs use 70 to 90 percent less energy and will last at least 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Hot water can account for around a quarter of your household power bill, so consider lowering the temperature and length of your showers. Try washing your clothes in cold water as well Unless the manufacturer’s instructions specifically state that you must wash the article of clothing in warm water, it’s not a necessity.

Renewable energy sources like solar are trending in popularity because of their environmental benefits and long-term financial benefits. While it is true that a solar system can be a big investment, with costs ranging in the thousands for a decent system, an appropriately sized quality solar PV system can save you a significant amount of money by lowering your energy bills in the long run.

If you feel like you’re overpaying for electricity, there’s a chance you are. In some cases, this has nothing to do with your energy consumption but rather the current energy plan you are on. For example, your current plan may not feature low usage rates or discounts that could lower your overall energy bill. Or, your benefit period may have ended, which can result in losing your original discount that was applied when you first signed up for the plan. Simply put, comparing your options through a service like Electricity Monster can help you get on a better plan. Give us a call today and our energy experts will find you the best deal we have available.