Break the back of your energy bill and save

As we head into the cooler months, our power bills can start to escalate.

To help you keep your bills under control while reducing your carbon footprint, Council is running an online Energy Efficiency webinar on Thursday 29 April, 6.30pm.

In the meantime, here are some easy ways to save energy while keeping you and your family connected and comfortable*.

1. Heating

Heating is often the biggest energy expense, particularly during chilly winter days.

Heat with your home air conditioner - most modern air conditioners have a reverse cycle, which is the cheapest way to heat your home.Set your heater to 18-20℃ - you’ll hardly notice a couple of degrees warmer or cooler than this, but your heater will - every degree higher can add 10% to its winter running costs.Use an electric blanket - if you’re just relaxing on the couch or bed and don’t need to heat an entire room, cosy up under an electric blanket – they’re deliciously snuggly and only cost three cents an hour to run!

2. Hot Water

Take showers instead of a bath - even a relatively long 8-10 minute shower uses 75-150 litres less water than the average bath.Take 4-6 minute showers - you can halve your shower costs by halving your shower time; setting a timer will help.Wash laundry in cold water - many delicate fabrics need cold washes anyway. Do the rest of your laundry with them — you’ll save between 50 and 85% of the energy needed for a typical warm water load. 

3. Compare Energy Plans

Discover if a different energy plan can save you more. Check out the federal government website Energy Made Easy.

4.  Go Solar

With the payback period on solar becoming shorter, now approximately 3 to 5 years, it could be the perfect time to investigate your solar and battery storage options. Going solar could significantly lower your energy bills and there are multiple financing options now available. For more information visit our Simplifying Solar webpage.

5. Window Curtains

Using heavy curtains is a great way of avoiding heat escaping through your windows.

6. Turn off ‘Energy Vampires’

Some electronics keep charging even in standby mode, pushing your bills even higher. To save cash and energy, you can turn off appliances at the powerpoint after using them including computers, TVs, surround sound systems, cable and satellite TV boxes and items with clocks, such as microwaves.

7. Cooking

Cool at the right temperature - set your refrigerator between 3°and 5° and your freezer between -15° and -18°. These temperatures will preserve your food without wasting unnecessary electricity.Use smaller appliances – warming something up? Consider using the microwave instead of your oven. The smaller the kitchen appliance, the less energy use (and the smaller your bill).

Want to know more? Book now for our Energy Efficiency webinar.

*Source: Australian Energy Foundation