The easiest ways to cut your energy bill – without leaving the house

Most of us are keenly aware we could be saving on electricity and gas. But it’s all too easy to let this knowledge fall by the wayside and put it off to another day.

Today, we’d like to encourage you to take the simple steps – right here and now – that can cut your energy costs considerably in the long run.

Your choice of electricity retailer could also be making a big difference to your final bill. Click here to find out if you’re getting the best deal.

1. Switch your appliances off at the wall

Most appliances, or devices – even your phone or tablet charger – will use up unnecessary power when not in use. Switching them off at the wall can make a very real difference moving forward.

2. Adjust your air conditioning

We all know air conditioning can be expensive to run, but when summer rolls around, it’s natural to put personal comfort ahead of cost. Thankfully, you can still reduce expenses without compromising. And while you may not need it today, adjusting your settings now will set you up to save later in the year.

If your air conditioner is currently set to “cool”, try switching to “dry”. This mode uses a fundamentally different method (removing the humidity) to cool a room. Not only is it significantly cheaper; you might even find it more comfortable.

It also pays to experiment with temperature. Cooler temperatures can mean much higher energy use, but the practical difference between 18°C and 23°C is minimal at best.

3. Change your laundry habits

In most households, hot water accounts for nearly a third of the total electricity use, which makes it a great place to save.

Simply switching your laundry from hot water to cold can make a noticeable difference. Avoid using the dryer when hanging your clothes will suffice.

4. Use your dishwasher to its full potential

There is a common misconception that dishwashers use more hot water than traditional “soap and suds” washing in the sink. This is not necessarily the case – if you use your dishwasher economically.

Ensure your dishwasher is full before putting it to use. Experiment with faster durations to find the best balance between water use and efficiency.

5. Shop around and save

If you have a choice of energy provider, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal. This now is easier than ever before. Click here to compare the energy retailers available to you and find out if you could be doing better.

For more ways to reduce your energy bill (from pensioner rebates to the hidden costs you can avoid) the Queensland Government has compiled all the information you’ll need into a single handy source. Click here to get started!