Are you tired of facing exorbitant energy bills month after month and wish there was a way to lower them? As a resident of Sydney, it’s understandable if you feel that way, given the average quarterly electricity bill in NSW is $419.80.
However, the good news is that you can lower your energy consumption and reduce your bills. You can make a significant difference with a few simple adjustments to your lifestyle and home. If you’re unsure where to begin, we have some tips that can help.
Reader's Roadmap
Replace Your Lightbulbs
Are you looking to reduce your energy bills while also helping the environment? One easy and effective solution is to switch from regular light bulbs to energy-efficient LED bulbs.
They consume 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, making them a worthwhile investment.
If you replace ten incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs in your Sydney home, you could save an average of $650 over the next ten years. Think of all the other fun things you could do with that extra money!
When shopping for LED bulbs, remember that they come in two primary colours: warm white and cool white. Warm white is a popular choice because of its inviting and cosy feel. But keep your aesthetics in mind when making a selection.
Although changing bulbs is an easy DIY job, fuses, and short circuits can be dangerous. If you’re in a fix and looking for an emergency electrician Sydney offers a lot of options.
Upgrade Your Appliances
Are you using a rusty old fridge and oven that’s been around since your grandmother’s time? Chances are, these appliances consume much more energy than the modern ones available today. Investing in energy-efficient models can save up to 75% on your monthly bills.
Look for appliances with energy star labels, which indicate that they meet strict energy efficiency standards.
Similarly, make sure to use energy-efficient settings on your appliances. For instance, set the temperature to cold when you’re doing laundry. If you’re using your oven, try turning it off a few minutes before the scheduled time. It will help you save energy without compromising on your cleanliness or hygiene.
You can also look for solar-powered appliances and products, such as washing machines and garden lights. They are becoming increasingly popular in Sydney since they start paying for themselves in just a few months.
Consider a Home Energy Audit
Do you ever feel like your energy bills are sky-high, but you’re unsure where to start making changes? If so, you’re not alone! Without knowing where your home is losing energy, it’s challenging to make an impactful difference.
In Sydney, heating and cooling account for around 40% of the average household’s energy bill. So, if you’re looking to start somewhere, that’s a great place to focus.
One effective solution is to schedule a home energy audit. By doing so, you can identify areas to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
During the audit, a professional inspector will use the latest technology to measure airtightness, insulation, and energy losses through windows and doors.
The best part? You could save hundreds of dollars annually on your electricity bill by making the recommended changes!
And not only that, but reducing your energy usage will also have a positive impact on the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. And let’s face it, we all could use a little help in that department!
Install Solar Panels
Solar energy is the new buzzword in the market, and Sydney is no exception. According to studies by Roy Morgan, about 3.2 million households nationwide use solar panels.
You can also benefit from the power of the sun. Installing solar panels on your roof will create clean and renewable energy. You’ll also reduce your reliance on the electricity grid, cutting your energy bills by up to 50%.
Plus, with all the solar rebates and grants available in Sydney, you may be eligible to take advantage of them. For instance, the Solar Homes Program offers interest-free loans of up to $14,000 for solar and battery systems. You can even get up to a 50% rebate on the installation cost.
You can also add a battery storage system to your solar panels. It will store excess energy generated during the day and use it at night. That way, you’ll reduce your reliance on the grid even further.
Unplug Unused Appliances
Is your laptop always plugged into the socket but rarely used? What about your TV and washing machine? If you forget to (or purposefully don’t), unplug these appliances when not in use, chances are you’re racking up a hefty electricity bill.
These devices have a reputation of that as vampires. They suck energy, even when they are not in use. So, take a few extra minutes to unplug them when they’re not needed.
You might not know, but standby energy costs you an extra $100 to $200 annually. That’s enough money to buy a couple of tickets to your favourite concert!
To make unplugging easier, consider investing in an energy strip. It lets you turn off all the appliances connected to it with just one switch. You can even set up a timer for when you want the strip to be automatically shut down.
Insulate Your Home
Sydney’s weather inflates our energy bills, especially in summer and winter. If you want to keep your house warm in winter but cool in summer without relying too much on the electricity grid, there’s one solution: insulation.
Inadequate insulation is one of the leading causes of energy loss in homes. So, make sure yours is up to scratch!
You can start by checking for any gaps in the walls or ceilings where hot air might be escaping. Make sure your door and window frames are tightly fitted. And if possible, install double glazing to save even more energy.
Your attic, crawl spaces, and basement are also important. Make sure those areas are adequately insulated too.
Finally, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. It automatically adjusts the temperature to ensure your house stays comfortable without wasting energy.
By insulating your home, you’ll keep the temperature stable all year round and reduce your energy bills by up to 45%.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, making your home more energy-efficient helps you save money on your energy bills and contributes to a sustainable future.
By implementing the tips, we’ve discussed, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment.
With Sydney’s hot summers and cold winters, energy efficiency is more important than ever. So, start making sustainable changes today!