Saving energy doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your creature comforts. New tech makes it easy to conserve electricity, shrink utility bills, and reduce your carbon footprint. But first, you need to find an electricity or gas deal that ticks all the right boxes for reducing energy use in your home.
Modern Smart Home Energy Savings
Power companies and electricity retailers have evolved to meet the needs of Australian homeowners. Smart Meters are catching on, solar panels are popular, and sustainable energy solutions are growing. In addition, modern homes include new appliances with energy-saving star ratings that result in less electricity consumption. Some power companies offer bundle deals for electricity, gas, solar, and more so consumers can take full advantage of savings opportunities.
Sustainable Energy Saving Tips
When it comes to saving energy, small changes count. For example, shorter showers and water-saving shower heads offer immediate savings. The savings increase even more if showers are taken at off-peak energy times. Ditching your old cylinder and upgrading your hot water system is another way to reduce ongoing power bills. One of the best money-saving strategies is to switch to a new energy retail plan that offers the best of all worlds. We can help with that also, but first, let’s look at 11 sustainable energy-saving tips.
1. Replace your light bulbs
Traditional light bulbs consume excessive electricity and don’t last as long as energy-efficient LED bulb alternatives. Look for Energy Star-certified LED light bulbs for better energy efficiency.
2. Turn off devices not in use
Electronics left on standby mode account for 5 to 10 percent of residential energy use. Turn off electronics at the switch or use smart power strips that turn off devices when not in use or at assigned times.
3. Install a smart thermostat
Smart thermostat (air conditioner) heating systems can automatically turn off or adjust heating and cooling to reduce household energy use. A smart thermostat could help lower heating and cooling bills by up to 8 percent in some Australian regions.
4. Purchase energy-efficient appliances
Although energy-efficient appliances with high energy ratings might have higher upfront purchase prices, they use much less energy, and you pay less on monthly energy bills. When purchasing an energy-efficient appliance, look for the Energy Star label.
5. Improve hot water efficiency
There are several ways to reduce water heating expenses. Here are a few:
- Use less hot water
- Turn down the thermostat on your water heater
- Insulate your water heater’s hot and cold water pipes to avoid heat loss
- Consider gas hot water or a heat pump.
6. Install energy-efficient windows
Heat gain and loss through windows can account for 25 to 30 percent of a home’s heating and cooling energy. Consider the year-round climate of your home when choosing shades, shutters, screens, or double-pane windows.
7. Insulate your home
Insulation lowers utility bills by retaining heat in the home during the winter and keeping heat out during the summer. Consider draught-proofing by adding insulation in ceilings, walls, crawlspaces, and underneath floor coverings.
8. Wash clothes in cold water
Heating water is responsible for the large amount of energy used to operate washing machines. Washing clothes in cold water and hanging clothes instead of using a clothes dryer will save a lot of money and increase the lifespan of your clothes. Save more money by washing full loads whenever practical.
9. Use small appliances efficiently
Toaster ovens, rice cookers, microwaves, and other small appliances can be the most energy-efficient ways to cook and heat food for smaller households.
10. Use natural light and shade
Using light from the sun is a natural way to reduce energy consumption. Create cool summer spaces where trees and gardens shade your home.
11. Go Solar
Many Australian energy retailers include the option for solar panel and solar battery installation, along with solar energy feed-in tariffs for selling excess electricity back to the grid. Energy savings and lower bills are guaranteed.
The GoSwitch Energy Retail Price Comparison Search Tool
Now, the easy part. Did you know you can find energy deals tailored to your specific needs in seconds, and switch to a better plan in minutes? GoSwitch compares the plans of highly regarded Australian electricity and gas retailers in real-time. This personalised service allows you to adapt energy options and save. Here are some tariffs you might consider during your search.
Daily Supply Tariff – A fixed daily user charge.
Residential Tariff – Flexible charges to suit household power usage.
Time-Of-Use Tariff – Take advantage of off-peak energy prices.
Demand Tariff – Minimise demand during busy peak electricity hours.
Solar Feed-In Tariff – Sell electricity back to the grid.
Greenpower Tariff – Use 100% green energy for a carbon neutral lifestyle.
Economy Tariff – A special rate for hot water cylinders.
Fine-tuning home energy usage
You can save hundreds of dollars annually on energy costs without affecting your lifestyle by fine-tuning your home energy usage. Upgrade to a new energy plan that can adapt to your needs, with features such as:
- Flexible energy (fixed price, time-of-use, off-peak, controlled load)
- Bundle deals for combining electricity and gas bills
- Sign-up incentives and special offers
- No lock-in contracts; No exit fees
- Smart Meters for a personalised electricity plan
- Low-emission renewable energy carbon offsets and solar feed-in tariffs
- Direct debit credit card and other monthly billing options
- Rebates and discounts on electricity bills
Switching energy retailers with GoSwitch
GoSwitch compares the latest deals from leading electricity providers and gas retailers. The GoSwitch energy retailer price comparison search engine does the math for you, and you can switch energy retailers from the comfort of your home. The entire process can be completed in minutes in three simple steps and obligation-free:
- Get started – Create an energy usage profile using your postcode.
- Compare energy deals – Use the GoSwitch energy retailer price comparison search tool.
- Set up and save – You can discuss the best money-saving deals with a GoSwitch energy expert. Best of all, the GoSwitch service is 100% free and the savings are all yours!
It really is that easy to change energy retailers and reduce energy usage at home, so if you are looking for a better deal, make the switch with GoSwitch today!
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