Energy bills don’t need to be expensive. We’re all about making the cost of energy and everyday living more affordable for Australian families. Installing solar panels on your roof can be a great way to do just that, while also reducing your impact on the environment.

Here we’ll look at some of the other ways you can save money on your bills – and they’re all simple things you can do every day around your home.

Tips for Saving Money and Energy

There are all sorts of ways you save money on your power bills. These may seem small, but when added together they can really make a huge difference in what you spend. Here are a few of our helpful tips to get you started.

Make the Switch to LEDs

Make your home more efficient with LED lighting. LEDs use less electricity while lasting up to 26 times longer, saving up to 80 per cent on your bills.

Turn Off Your Appliances

Turn off appliances and electronic devices, such as your TV, computer, laptop and tablet, whenever you’re not using them. It’s also smart to do this when you leave the house or go to sleep. Make sure to turn them off at the wall, rather than leaving them in standby mode – as this can save even more power. Some devices will also have a power-saving mode that you can activate.

Heating and Cooling

When you use your heater, keep the thermostat at 18 to 20 degrees. Similarly, when you turn on the air conditioning, don’t go past 22 degrees. These settings will provide an optimum temperature and airflow without being too excessive – as every extra degree past those temperatures can add up to 10 per cent to your bill.

We also recommend closing the doors to rooms you’re not using so you can keep the heating and cooling isolated to the rooms you’re using. Make sure your systems are regularly serviced and efficient so they don’t use more power than they absolutely need to.

Proper Insulation

Make sure your doors and windows are properly insulated, with no gaps where a draft could get in or energy could escape. This keeps your home warmer during the winter and cooler during the summer months. Keeping your curtains closed during the summer will also reduce your need for air conditioning.

It’s also important to properly insulate your roof and ceiling to make sure nothing is escaping that way. This can save up to 20 per cent on your heating and cooling bills, so it’s always worth the initial investment.

Solar Panels

Speaking of sunshine, installing solar panels in Sydney is a great way to make your home more efficient and sustainable by making use of the free energy provided by the sun. Solar power can reduce your carbon footprint and impact on the environment, while saving you money in the long run.

Washing Up

Wait until you have a full load for your dishwasher or washing machine before your turn them on so you can get the most use out of them. These appliances also tend to have an eco-friendly setting you can choose. It’s also important to wash with cold water and choose the shortest cycle where you can – as hot water requires energy to heat it.

Avoid using clothes dryers and hang your washing outside where you can. Might as well make use of that Aussie sunshine!