We’re sharing our top tips to cut out expensive energy use while leaving you to enjoy the comfort of your home.
There’s so much advice out there about how to save energy, and it’s usually around not using your toaster, kettle or phone charger.
We call these things the ‘small stuff’. They’re cheap to run and, frankly, nothing to worry about.
Focus on the big-ticket items like heating and cooling, and learn how to use them every day without costing you a fortune.
Check out how video on how not to sweat the small stuff. And save on the big stuff instead.
Heating and cooling are a big part of your overall bill. The good news is you can save without compromising on comfort.
1. Use your split system air-conditioner as a heater
Modern splt system air-conditoners are a great option to heat your home, costing less than electric plug in heaters and gas options.
Just don’t forget to clean the filters to keep the split system air-conditioner in tip top shape – a good clean once per month should do the trick.
2. Don’t pay for heat or aircon you don’t need
Every degree counts. You pay for every degree of heating or cooling. This means if your room gets too hot, and you’re sitting in a T-shirt in the middle of winter, you could probably turn the heater down or even off.
It’s way more cost-effective to maintain a comfortable temperature – most folks find 20ºC about right, when wearing a jumper.
In summer, an aircon temperature of 26ºC will keep you comfortable.
3. Fix those leaks
You’ve worked hard to pay for that heating and cooling. Don’t let it escape.
Here’s how:
- seal any gaps around windows
- check for any open unused chimneys and have them blocked up
- in the evening, close the curtains and blinds to stop cold windows cooling down any warm air
- use draft excluders around closed doors.
4. Get cosy and shrink the area you’re heating or cooling
By closing doors to any rooms you’re not using, you’re shrinking the area you need to heat or cool. Smaller space = lower costs. After all, there’s no point paying for something you’re not using.
5. Switch off when it’s time for you to switch off
Running heating or cooling overnight is expensive. And, let’s face it, you’re asleep for most of it.
If you do feel the cold at night, then heating your bed with an electric blanket before you sleep is a much cheaper option – it only costs about 10 cents a night.
In the middle of summer, use the aircon when it’s too hot to manage. When it’s not too hot, fans are a very cheap alternative – you can use 20 fans for the same price as one aircon, which is quite a saving.
Up next: Payment Difficulties
Back to: Cheaper Energy Plans