ENERGY BILL

How preserving energy is helping locals save hundreds each year.

Inefficient homes and appliances cause energy loss, resulting in higher energy bills. We are all responsible for the power we use in our homes, so conserving as much energy as possible makes sense.

These are a few inspirational examples of what local households are doing to make their homes more energy efficient. Follow suit, and you can expect to make meaningful savings.

Preventing heat escaping
Insulation can help keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling and saving energy costs. According to the government's Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, improving insulation in a home can reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 45%.

Sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings can help reduce the loss of wanted warm or cool air. In doing so, you could reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 25%. This translates to lower energy bills and a more comfortable living environment by reducing drafts and improving indoor air quality.

Taking advantage of sustainable home technology
LEDs use 75% less energy than halogen bulbs, even when emitting the same level of light. So, by upgrading your home to LED lights, you will save money. What’s more, halogen lighting wastes 90% of its energy emitting heat, compared to LEDs, which only use 5%. As LED lighting is much cooler, you could also reduce your air conditioning costs in summer!

If you don’t already have one, install a smart air conditioner controller to help regulate the temperature in your home, reducing the need for heating and cooling and saving on energy costs. You can save up to an extra 10% off your bill just by switching it down one degree.

Being vigilant and conservative
Whether it’s turning lights off every time you leave a room or ensuring all your electronics are unplugged at the end of the day, you will eliminate wasted energy by creating habits of leaving nothing left on. Even in standby mode, your TV or games console will still use energy.

Be conservative when it comes to your water and energy usage. In terms of showering, a low-flow showerhead will reduce consumption and heating bills – as will cutting down your showering time by half. When doing rounds of dishes or clothes washing, put your appliances on eco mode so less water and power are used. Ensure the washer is always run on a full load rather than half empty!

Summary

• Improving insulation in a home can reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to an incredible 45%.

• Sealing air leaks could reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 25%.

• LEDs use 75% less energy than halogen bulbs, even when emitting the same level of light.

• Create new habits of unplugging unused electronics and turning lights off when leaving a room.

• Use a low-flow showerhead, take shorter showers, and use your appliance’s eco modes when full to save water and energy.

ActewAGL's energy saving tips are designed to help you take control of your energy use, while reducing your bills and environmental impact. Save with great value energy plans backed by our sustainability promise, supported by 100% local, award-winning service - so you can LIVE A Good Life now and into the future.

For more information about how you can transition to an energy-efficient home visit the SolarHub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub today.

Sources

https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/ABS@.nsf/2f762f95845417aeca25706c00834efa/0FE2CFD2F9C2F863CA25750E001089CB?opendocument
https://research.qut.edu.au/social-marketing-research-group/wp-content/uploads/sites/331/2022/06/Cooling.pdf
https://www.energy.gov.au/households/lighting
https://www.energy.gov/

Disclaimer: These Energy Savings tips and articles are for information purposes only. Please ensure you are aware of any safety precautions before operating appliances or products.