How To Save On Energy Bills In Australia while Staying Safe at Home
The government of Australia is encouraging social distancing to help slow and eventually stop the spread of COVID-19’s, Its obvious that many of us will spend much more time in our homes than usual. And as our family members and we study,work and care for children at home, its normal that our houses will use more electricity than it usually does.
However, the last thing you need is a higher electricity bill right now.
So we have discussed here seven easy tips to save energy while keeping you and your family connected, comfortable, and entertained:
1. Less Usage of Hot Water
Even a relatively long 6-10 minute shower uses 65-150 litres less water than the average bath take Showers Instead of Baths.
Take 5-7 Minute Showers
By halving your shower time you can halve your shower costs . Set a timer for 5-7 minutes, and use some of these fun ideas to get your family with shorter showers on board .
Wash Laundry in Cold Water
As we know many delicate fabrics anyway need cold washes. Do the rest of your laundry with them and you will find that you can save up to 80% of the energy needed for a typical warm water load.
2. Heating
When everyone’s staying home during a chilly autumn day, many households find that heating is their biggest energy expense.
You can cut or reduce those costs while keeping warm with these energy-saving tips:
Heat With Your Home Air Conditioner
Most modern air conditioners uses the least expensive way to heat your home as they have a reverse cycle.
Set Your Heater To 17-20℃:
Your heater will notice but You’ll hardly notice a couple degrees warmer or cooler than this; as every degree higher can add up to 10% to its winter running costs.
Use Electric Blankets:
Sometimes you are alone in your room and want to take some rest so If you’re just relaxing on the bed or couch and don’t need to heat an entire room, cosy up under an electric blanket –they only cost three cents an hour to run and they’re deliciously snuggly.
3. Energy Bill Comparison
Now It’s the perfect time to see if a different energy plan can save you more
while you’re at home sitting in front of your computer,.
Compare your energy bills easily and quickly by visiting the federal government website Energy Made Easy.you could end up saving quite a bit, If you haven’t switched your plan for a while.
Victoria Residents: use Victorian Energy Compare and get $50 just for comparing.
4. Electronics
Our computers, game consoles,TVs, and sound systems are going to heavily use as we enjoy well-deserved home entertainment. Here are a few ways that help us to make sure they don’t make us pay for electricity we don’t use:
Turn Off “Energy Vampires”
Some electronics consume energy heavily and are called “energy vampires,” they keep charging even in standby mode, pushing your electricity bill higher for energy you don’t even use. To avoid standby power use, after use turn off these appliances at the powerpoint:
Surround sound systems,Computers and computer equipment,TVs,Cable and satellite TV boxes
Household items with a clock (i.e. DVD players, microwaves)
Use A Laptop Instead Of A Desktop Computer
Most of us have laptops that use up to 80% less energy than desktop computers so it can help us save on energy bills.
5. Window Curtains
Keep heat from escaping through your windows with some heavy curtains — or, in a pinch, bubble wrap.
6. Cooking
Now is a great time to serve up old favorites and experiment with new recipes . As you’re creating delicious meals, save energy.
Cool At the Right Temperature
Set your your freezer to -14° to -18° and refrigerator to 3°- 4°. These temperatures will preserve your food safely without wasting unnecessary electricity.
Use Smaller Appliances
Baking up an apple crisp? You can do that — and much more in a microwave instead of having to heat an entire oven. The smaller the kitchen appliance, the less energy it uses (and thus reducing the payment you have to make in energy bills).
7. Solar Research
It’s probably the perfect time to investigate your options for solar and battery storage as now you’re home during the day . Going solar/Photovoltaics will lower your energy bills permanently and with multiple financing options has a short payback period of 3-5 years. Start with our guide to choosing the best solar panels for your home in victoria.
Now that you’ve learned the tips that how you can save energy at home, remember to follow the government’s social distancing and hygiene recommendations to slow the spread of this viral disease.
We hope that you and your family stay healthy and safe throughout this time.