It’s well-known that the energy market can be a trap for misinformed energy consumers. Unexpected energy costs are an unwanted surprise that can be stressful, so here we explore practical ways to adapt your power usage and avoid the shock of a big bill in the future.
Why is my energy bill higher than expected?
Unless energy prices have increased, a higher energy bill usually means you’ve used more energy than usual. Home heating and cooling is seasonal, resulting in more (or less) electricity, gas, and hot water being used in your home. Energy costs will be higher if you have purchased new appliances, gadgets, and chargers, while hosting guests short or long-term will definitely result in a household energy usage spike.
Keeping gas and electricity costs down is important, and there are a range of cost-saving strategies worth considering. Here is a handy top 9 checklist to help you get started.
1. Review your energy plan annually
When you sign up to an energy plan, pay attention to the benefit period. Competitive Australian energy retailers offer a range of incentives during the benefit period which can vary from 12 months to the lifetime of the account. If you are not on top of your account, you will notice a spike in your energy bill once the benefit period is over.
GoSwitch CEO Clint Robinson said, “Fortunately, there is one simple trick to avoid this. By comparing electricity and gas deals with GoSwitch we not only help you find a competitive energy deal, but we also help you keep on top of your energy account each and every year it comes up for renewal”.
Customers are informed of new energy offers on the market, allowing them to compare providers and switch to a better deal for maximum savings. If you want to update your energy plan with GoSwitch, simply enter your postcode to begin.
2. Monitor your household’s energy usage
Monitoring power consumption is an effective strategy to trim your power bill. This is easily achieved by having a smart meter installed. While meter reading is only done every few months, a smart meter gives you an immediate in-home display of your current power consumption, allowing you to monitor, record, and analyse your power usage on a smartphone or computer. A smart meter will help you establish cost-effective household energy habits and allow you to switch to alternative time-of-use tariffs (or other tariffs) with confidence. You could find substantial savings on your energy bills.
3. Keep an eye on energy-hungry appliances
Once you have streamlined your home energy use, you can focus your attention on individual appliances. An in-line power-usage meter (available from your hardware store) can be used to get real-time information about energy consumption and identify household energy waste culprits. Common offenders include electric kettles, fridges, stoves, and tumble dryers. Economical strategies include only boiling the amount of water you intend to use, investing in a toaster oven for heating smaller meals, and keeping the clothes dryer well-ventilated.
4. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and gadgets
New home appliances display energy star ratings. If your major appliances are getting old, cumbersome, and sluggish, it’s time for an upgrade to newer equipment with better energy ratings. The up-front cost of new appliances will be counteracted over time with lower power bills. Modern Australian homes can also include dozens of connected gadgets that all need power, so it’s worth considering smart technology energy-efficient gadgets such as those that can be powered by solar energy.
5. Adapt your energy usage
Less energy used results in lower power bills, and small changes can significantly reduce your energy consumption. Simple strategies such as blocking draughts, washing with cold water, adjusting the air conditioner or thermostat slightly, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and shutting doors to rooms you aren’t using will all help to lower your electricity bill.
6. Look for patterns to plan ahead
Check your past bills from previous years or months to find trends in your energy use. You can then plan ahead by reserving extra cash for peak usage times (like the summer holidays) or consider ways to cut down your energy consumption during these periods. Understanding your bill will help you lower your costs.
7. Flick the switch at the wall
Switching off lights and appliances at the wall could save you hundreds of dollars per year. The usual culprits include appliances that remain on standby mode when not in use. Leaving unused appliances, gadgets, and devices on standby mode can make up 10% of a regular Australian household’s electricity use. Get in the habit of flicking the switch off at the wall and start saving straight away.
8. Run appliances at cheaper energy price times
If your energy retailer plan includes the option for time-of-use tariffs, consider running your dishwasher, washing machine and other appliances at cheaper off-peak times. On the flip side, if you have solar panels, it can be cheaper to run your appliances during peak power production times when the sun is strongest. Explore solar retailers.
9. Switch your energy retailer for a better plan
The GoSwitch energy price comparison service can locate the best plans from leading electricity retailers and gas providers that service your postcode. Whether you are looking for the cheapest energy plan or a specific plan tailored for your household or small business energy needs, GoSwitch can make it happen. For those who move often, we can transfer your energy account to your new address. Why spend days in a confusing search when we can do the math for you in minutes. Better still, the GoSwitch service is 100% free, and the savings are all yours to keep.
The lowdown
GoSwitch can locate better energy deals and reduce your risk of bill shock in a few easy steps. Energy savings are available, and we can show you how to maximise your advantage. Switching energy providers (retailers) takes only minutes, and we look after the paperwork for you. Instead of bill shock, your next energy bill could be a nice surprise. Enter your postcode to get your energy retailer price comparison search started.
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