The rising cost of household utilities is of concern to many Australians. As a result, you may be interested in what can be done to lower each electricity invoice.
Firstly, your monthly energy usage comes from a variety of different sources, so there isn’t a quick fix. However, there are two areas you can focus on: 40-50% of your energy invoice is related to heating and cooling, and 10% is often from standby power. This means that any efforts to reduce heating and cooling usage and remembering to turn appliances off at the power plug make a difference. We have 7 main tips for you:
| 1. Peak v Off Peak v Shoulder |
| 2. Turn off when you leave |
| 3. Turn it down (or up) a little Try using a different setting on your heating or air conditioning. A little cooler in winter or a little warmer in summer can make a big difference. Keep doors and windows closed and covered when you can to keep the temperature even. |
| 4. Stand by for Appliances |
| 5. Shine a light on your invoice |
| 6. Clean up in the laundry Using cold water to wash can save a lot as can washing only when you have a full load and air drying rather than tumble drying. Running appliances during Off-Peak times will also help. |
| 7. What’s cooking in the kitchen? |
Now, each of these seems small, but just a few changes can make a difference to your invoice. Try a few of these, and we’re sure you’ll see a difference.
Winter: what’s different here?
Winter is a different time though: you may note during the colder months you have higher invoices, and this is almost always due to home heating.
The type of heater that you use can have a dramatic effect on how much electricity you consume, especially if it is not an energy-efficient heater. You can find out online how energy efficient your heater is and how it may contribute to your electricity invoice going forward.
We’ve compiled a list of other ways to stay warm this winter:
- Electric Blankets and Heated Throws - These can be used on the couch or over your bed to warm you up without running the heating. You can move them around and they are relatively cheaper to run (depending on their wattage. You can check this on the brand packaging)
- Wool Blankets and Throws - For curling up on the sofa, wrapping yourself in while studying or on top of your bed, wool blends will keep you warm even on the chilliest nights. A wool blend blanket helps to lock in warmth or try a fluffy sherpa throw if wool is too scratchy for you.
- Knitted Socks and Slippers - The quickest way to warm up is to keep your feet warm and knitted socks (especially anything made from wool) are the best solution. Thermal socks can also lock in heat better than a cotton alternative. Slippers also keep feet warm, comfortable, and cosy.
- Blankets with Sleeves - These are designed so that you can move around and stay warm. They are essentially giant hoodies/jumpers with a large pocket at the front. They are the best for studying or working from home.
- Hot Water Bottle - This provides long-lasting warmth with the only energy used to boil the water! Most also come with a fluffy cover so that you can hug them to your body while studying. Get a few and pop one in your bed before bedtime to pre-warm up your bed - at the bottom end keeps your toes warm all night long!
- Close your curtains - Most heat loss escapes through windows, door drafts, and non-carpeted flooring. Keep your curtains/blinds open during the day to allow maximum sunlight into the home but close them as soon as it starts to get dark to trap in the warmth.
- Move around - Get warm by getting the blood pumping. If you are working from home or studying, make sure you get up and move around at least every one to two hours. Doing a virtual workout or cleaning the house will help get your blood pumping!
- Halogen Heaters - These are inexpensive electric heaters, however, still only provide instant heat at close quarters. They are good for bursts of heat in small areas as have a lower power output, (check the energy efficiency rating and wattage before purchasing to ensure it is lower than what you may already have!). They will not heat up your whole home and should not be left on for long periods.
- Temperature control - If you have a thermostat heater, the most energy-efficient setting is between 18 and 20 degrees Celsius. This will take the chill off the winter cold, and warm up the inside quickly without the system having to constantly run the fan. Make sure when you turn on this type of heating, you have blocked your under-door drafts and closed your curtains to keep the warmth in.
Did you know that eating spicy foods can warm you up? Capsaicin, found in chilli and peppers, induces thermogenesis which is the process by which body cells convert energy into heat!