Energy prices in Australia have steadily increased over the years, and for many households, this means higher electricity and gas bills that stretch the family budget. Whether you’re trying to make ends meet or simply want to reduce your carbon footprint, trimming down your energy usage at home is a practical and effective move.
Fortunately, cutting down your energy bills doesn’t always require a complete lifestyle overhaul or major investment. With a few changes and mindful habits, you can make a noticeable difference. Here are seven practical ways to reduce your household energy costs—and yes, they’re doable even if you’re renting.
1. Use Heating and Cooling Wisely
Australians spend a significant chunk of their energy bills on heating in winter and cooling in summer. To reduce the sting, consider:
- Setting your thermostat between 18–20°C in winter and 24–26°C in summer. Every degree you adjust can cut your energy use by up to 10%.
- Using ceiling fans to assist airflow and reduce reliance on heaters or aircon.
- Closing doors to unused rooms and using door snakes or draught stoppers to prevent heat loss.
It’s also worth checking if your heater or air conditioner is due for maintenance. For gas heaters in particular, regular servicing your gas heater improves efficiency and keeps your family safe.
2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you’re still using that old fridge from the early 2000s or a top-loader washing machine that guzzles water and electricity, now might be the time to think about an upgrade. Appliances are one of the biggest contributors to household energy consumption. When replacing old models, look for appliances with high star ratings under the Energy Rating Label system.
- A 4-star air conditioner can use up to 45% less energy than a 2-star unit.
- A 5-star fridge could save you hundreds over its lifespan compared to a 1-star model.
Yes, energy-efficient appliances can be more expensive upfront, but they pay off in long-term savings—and in some cases, you may be eligible for government rebates.
3. Go Solar or Optimize What You Have
Australia is blessed with sunshine, and many households are taking advantage of solar panels to reduce reliance on the grid. If you’re a homeowner, investing in rooftop solar panels is a smart long-term decision. Even if you can’t afford battery storage yet, feeding energy back into the grid helps lower your bills.
If you already have solar panels installed, you can optimize their use by:
- Running dishwashers, washing machines and pool pumps during the day.
- Using timers to schedule high-energy appliances when the sun is shining.
Renting? You might not be able to install panels, but you can take advantage of solar hot water systems or even community solar programs where available.
4. Replace Inefficient Lighting
Lighting is one of the quickest and easiest areas to improve. Swapping out old incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED lights can dramatically reduce energy consumption—up to 80% less in some cases.
Plus, LEDs last longer, which means fewer trips to the hardware store. Choose warm white options to create a soft, inviting ambience in your home, and take advantage of natural daylight where possible.
Also, make it a habit to turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used. A simple behaviour shift can make a surprisingly big difference over time.
5. Seal and Insulate Your Home
Many Aussie homes, especially older ones, are not well insulated. Gaps around windows, doors and underfloor areas allow heat to escape in winter and enter during summer. That means your heater or aircon has to work harder—and your bills go up.
Here’s what you can do:
- Install weather seals around doors and windows.
- Use heavy curtains with pelmets to trap heat.
- Consider roof insulation if it’s within budget—this alone can reduce heating and cooling needs by up to 45%.
Even small fixes like adding a rug to floorboards or sealing up unused chimneys can make your home more energy efficient.
6. Rethink How You Do Laundry
Your laundry routine can have a bigger impact on your bills than you think. Here are some ways to save:
- Wash with cold water. Modern detergents work just as well in cold washes, and you’ll use less electricity.
- Air dry clothes whenever possible instead of using the dryer.
- Wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine or dishwasher.
If you must use a dryer, clean the lint filter after each use and consider investing in a heat pump dryer, which uses less energy than traditional models.
7. Monitor and Manage Your Energy Use
Lastly, knowledge is power—literally. Being aware of how and when you use electricity can help you identify patterns and opportunities for savings. Tools and apps like the Energy Made Easy website (run by the Australian Government) allow you to compare energy providers and plans based on your actual usage.
Consider using:
- Smart meters or in-home energy monitors to track usage in real time.
- Timers or smart plugs to turn off appliances overnight or during peak times.
- Energy audits (some are offered free by your provider) to pinpoint energy leaks.
Some providers offer off-peak tariffs or “time-of-use” pricing, so shifting your usage to cheaper periods can make a real difference.
Simple Steps Today, Big Savings Tomorrow
Reducing your energy bills doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or making dramatic changes to your lifestyle. With a few smart moves—like upgrading appliances, sealing up drafts, or simply changing how you use your heater—you can make a real impact on both your wallet and the planet.
Whether you own your home or rent, live in a city apartment or a regional house, these strategies are accessible, practical, and designed for Australian living conditions. Give a few of them a try, and your next power bill might just surprise you—in a good way.
