1. Lighting

• Switch to LED lightbulbs. These are far more energy efficient and have a longer lifetime than incandescent bulbs. You can reduce your lightings energy usage by up to 50% in your home by switching!
• Take advantage of all the natural lighting Australia has to offer. Open those blinds and shutters and let in as much sun light as you can, so you don’t have to switch on your lights.
• Turn off all your lights when you leave the house or if you’re leaving a room. (We’re all guilty of leaving them on, I know, but it does make a difference!) Remind your children about this!

2. Heating and cooling

• Turn the temp of your air conditioner to 24 degrees, as opposed to having it at a cooler temputure such as 21 degrees.
• Use fans when you can, they are much more cost effective than air conditioning.
• Ensure your home is insulated so that no cold or warm air can escape during the summer and winter months. Try out draught stoppers and make sure your windows and doors are tightly sealed.
• Only heat and cool rooms that are in use, otherwise it’s a waste of your energy usage and money.
• Switch off your heater at night and try using a heavier doona or blanket to keep you warm during winter months.
• If you have heated towel rails, consider switching them off in Summer or when you go away.

3. Appliances

• Switch off all appliances that are not in use or that are left on standby. All appliances still use power, unless they are switched off from the wall. Examples include your electric kettle, toaster, coffee machine and clothes dryer.
• Purchase appliances with a high Energy Star Rating. These appliances tend to have a lower running cost in the long run and end up saving you money.
• Ensure your fridge is sealed tightly. Refrigerators are one of the costliest appliances in the home. Make sure the coils are clean for more efficient use. If you have a second fridge and it’s not in use, switch it off!

4. Washing

• Small loads of washing may use less water but still use the same amount of energy as a full load of washing. Try and hold out until the end of the week to do a full load.
• Wash your clothes on a cooler temputure, on full loads, to save energy. Hot water washes are what uses the most amount of energy when washing our clothes.
• Switch off the washing machine when not in use.
• If you can, dry your clothes outside in the sunlight or on a rack in a sunny room (if you don’t have access to a yard). Dryers are big energy guzzlers, so the less you use them, the better!

5. Water

• It’s no secret that longer showers use more water and energy. So why not use a timer, or play your favourite song while in the shower, and when that’s up, you know it’s time to hop out.
• If you use a dishwasher, consider not rinsing the dishes beforehand.

6. Switching providers

• In order to save on your bills, it may be a good idea to switch energy providers to find a plan that best suits you. Here at Nectr, we have different plans – 100% carbon neutral plans or 100% Greenpower plans – as a standard, to suit different needs. Get a personalised quote today.

Most homeowners and renters will agree that energy saving is well worth the effort. It’s the little things that make a difference on your electricity bill, while also being kinder to the environment.

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