Life seems to get more expensive by the day and many of us are feeling the pinch. We often take for granted just how much energy and water we use every day. However, it all adds up and we pay for it all. Thankfully, small changes to how we use our utilities can add up to save money
Whether you want to cut costs, reduce your impact on the planet or just make your home more energy efficient there are many practical ways to do it. So let’s take a look at 10 ways to lower your bills from small tweaks to bigger investments. Make a few smart choices and you’ll begin seeing the benefits both in your bills and your carbon footprint.
1. Conduct an Energy Audit
When trying to save valuable dollars on your bills, a good place to begin is with an energy audit.
This process involves assessing your home to see where you’re potentially wasting energy. It could be anything from poorly insulated windows to using old, inefficient appliances. You can hire a professional to do a full audit and get a report and recommendations. Or you can do a DIY audit using online tools or checklists. By identifying where the leaks are in your home, you can take targeted action. From sealing gaps to upgrading insulation, you’ll start seeing the savings over time.
2. Switch to Solar
Going solar is a great way to save big on your bills and become more sustainable doing it.
By installing solar panels on your roof you can generate your own electricity and minimise your reliance on the grid and energy costs. It’s also worth installing a solar hot water system to lower your energy consumption. Yes, the upfront cost can be big. However, the possible government incentives and long-term savings make it worthwhile. Over time solar will pay for itself and you’ll have the peace of mind of using clean sustainable energy for your home.
3. Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is an easy way to save on your bills, especially in Australia where energy efficiency ratings are clearly marked.
Look for appliances with a high star energy rating – six stars is the highest. In Australia, appliances with higher star ratings are more energy efficient. While you’ll likely pay more to purchase these appliances, everything from refrigerators to air conditioners, the savings on your energy bills over time will offset that upfront cost. It’s well worth the investment.
4. Insulate Your Home
Insulation is the key to having a comfortable home and keeping your bills under control.
Effective insulation throughout your home can stop heat from escaping in winter and keep it cool in summer. It means you can reduce the need for extra heating or air conditioning. Focus on the ceiling, walls and windows where you’ll most likely experience heat loss or gain. Investing in good quality insulation will save you big time in the long run.
5. Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a simple and effective way to manage the temperature of your home.
These devices learn your habits and adjust the temperature according to your schedule so you’re not heating or cooling an empty home. You can also control them from your smartphone, which allows you to make changes on the go.
Smart thermostats optimise energy use by reducing unnecessary heating or cooling. This saves you money and makes your home more sustainable. It’s a small change with a big impact on your comfort and wallet.
5. Switch to Solar
Going solar is a great way to save big on your bills and become more sustainable doing it.
By installing solar panels on your roof you can generate your own electricity and minimise your reliance on the grid and energy costs. It’s also worth installing a solar hot water system to lower your energy consumption. Yes, the upfront cost can be big. However, the possible government incentives and long-term savings make it worthwhile. Over time solar will pay for itself and you’ll have the peace of mind of using clean sustainable energy for your home.
6. Switch to LED Lighting Too!
While we’re converting to more energy-efficient options, switching to LED lighting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save on your bills.
LED bulbs use about 75% less energy than traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs, which makes them a cost-effective option for any home. They also last much longer – around 25000 hours – so require fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs over time.
By replacing your old bulbs with LEDs you’ll start saving on your electricity bill immediately. You’ll also enjoy more energy-efficient and long-lasting lighting.
7. Water Saving Tips
Putting water-saving measures in place is a great way to save on your water and energy bills.
- Start by installing low-flow showerheads and taps. These reduce your water usage without sacrificing pressure so you can easily conserve water.
- Fix any leaks quickly as even a slow drip can waste a lot of water over time.
- Consider upgrading to water-efficient appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
- Simple habits like taking shorter showers or turning off the tap while brushing your teeth also make a big difference.
These small changes add up; they can save you money and help you live a more sustainable lifestyle.
8. Cut Down On Standby Power
Reducing standby power is an easy and effective way to save on your bills.
Standby power is the energy devices and appliances use when you’ve turned them off but still have them plugged in. Phone chargers, TVs and kitchen appliances are common culprits. To reduce this wasted energy, unplug your devices when you’re not using them, or use power strips you can switch off completely. You might also consider smart plugs that can cut power to devices when inactive. Over time killing phantom power will save you noticeable amounts on your energy bills.
9. Get Programmable Power Boards
Getting programmable power boards or power strips is a smart way to better manage your energy use.
These power boards allow you to turn your plugged-in devices off or on at set specific times so you can cut down energy waste from devices using standby power. For example, you can set your TV or computer to turn off automatically when you’re not using them while you’re asleep or out of the house. It’s a great way to reduce energy consumption and adds convenience as you don’t have to remember to turn everything off manually.
10. Maintain Your Heating and Cooling Systems
Regular maintenance for your heater or air conditioner is key to keeping your home comfortable and your bills under control. Over time dust and debris can build up in your heating and cooling systems. This means they need to work harder and therefore they use more energy. Which you pay for.
Scheduling regular maintenance like cleaning or replacing filters and checking for leaks will help you keep your system running efficiently. This will not only extend the life of your heating and cooling but also prevent costly breakdowns. A well-maintained system runs efficiently, keeps your home at the right temperature, and saves you money in the long run.
Take the First Step Towards Lower Bills
Controlling your bills doesn’t have to be hard. Start with just a few of these tips and you’ll see real results. Whether you do an energy audit, switch to LED lighting or invest in solar power each step gets you closer to an energy-efficient and cost-effective home. Remember even small changes add up over time. Try these and you’ll save on your bills and help the planet.