Practical ways to save on energy bills and cut household costs

As the cost of living continues to rise, families are seeking clever and practical ways to save on energy bills and cut household costs, without compromising comfort. Australia’s living expenses now rank higher than those in 87% of countries globally, according to Upmove. This places Australia as the 10th most expensive country (out of 68.) This financial impact has many families rethinking their spending habits and exploring effective strategies to manage costs, stay on top of bills, and cut down on everyday expenses.

Save on utility bills by adjusting daily habits

Your utility bills, like electricity, water, and gas, often make up a large chunk of your monthly expenses.  Making small adjustments to your daily habits can make a big difference.

• Unplug appliances not in use: Many appliances draw power even when they’re on standby. Thiss can add up to 10% of your electricity use. So unplug chargers, computers, Alexa and other electronics when not in use.
• Raise the thermostat or your air conditioning: Try lowering your thermostat a few degrees in the winter and raising it in the summer. Setting it to an optimal level can make a huge difference in heating and cooling costs. As an approximate guide, a standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set to 23-25 degrees for summer cooling. In winter, set the temperature to around 19-20 degrees. According to Finder, every degree you increase the thermostat could shave 10% off your bill.
• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs: LEDs use about 75% less energy than halogen light bulbs and last 5 to 10 times longer, greatly reducing replacement costs and the number of light bulbs ending up in landfill. Though they may be pricier upfront, they’ll pay off in energy savings over time.

Save on energy and maximise efficiency with your home appliances

Appliances consume a large share of household energy, so optimising their usage is a great way to save. Here’s how you can cut costs with your home appliances:

Washing machine & dryer

• Run full loads: Always wait for a full load before using your washing machine or dryer. Running partial loads uses the same energy, so maximise each cycle.
• Switch to cold water: Modern detergents work well in cold water, saving energy by avoiding water heating.
• Air dry clothes: Air drying is more energy-efficient and helps extend the life of your clothes.
• Clean the dryer lint trap: Clear the lint trap after every load to improve airflow, reduce drying time, and save energy.

Dishwasher

Save on energy bills with these handy tips:

• Run full loads only: Wait until you have a full load before running your dishwasher to save on water and energy consumption.
• Skip pre-rinsing: No need to pre-rinse your dishes, just scrape large scraps into the bin or compost.
• Use Eco Mode: Many dishwashers have energy-saving settings that use less water and lower temperatures. Check your manual for options.
• Delay start: If possible, set your dishwasher to run during off-peak hours for lower electricity rates, or during the day if you have solar panels.
• Load properly: Arrange dishes to avoid overcrowding and ensure water and detergent can reach everything. Follow your model’s loading guidelines for best results.
• Regular maintenance: Clean the filter, spray arms, and seals regularly to keep your dishwasher running efficiently. Check out our handy guide to dishwasher filter maintenance.
• Check the door seal: Wipe down the seal, and if it’s worn or cracked, replace it to prevent leaks and improve efficiency.

Refrigerator

• Clean the coils: Dusty coils make your fridge work harder to cool. Clean them regularly to improve energy efficiency.
• Check door seals: Damaged seals cause air leaks, increasing energy use. Inspect, clean and replace seals as needed.
• Set the right temperature: Keep your fridge at 3-4°C and freezer at -18°C for optimal efficiency.
• Organise your fridge: A well-organized fridge allows for better airflow, reducing strain on the appliance. Keep similar items together and avoid overloading the shelves.

Oven & cooktop

Save on energy bills with these handy tips:

• Preheat only as needed, and turn off the oven a few minutes early to use residual heat.
• Cook with lids: Cover pots on the cooktop to trap heat and reduce cooking time.
• Batch cook: Plan oven use to cook multiple dishes at once or in succession.
• Use the oven light: Avoid opening the door, as it releases heat. Instead, check through the window.

Air conditioner

• Insulate your home: Proper insulation and shading keep homes cooler in summer, reducing A/C load.
• Clean filters regularly: Dirty filters compromise the air quality in your home and make the A/C work harder. Clean every 3 months and replace when needed.
• Keep windows, doors, curtains, and blinds closed to block out heat during the hottest hours.
• Use a ceiling fan: Fans help circulate cool air, easing the workload on your A/C. Ceiling fans should rotate clockwise on winter mode and anti-clockwise on summer mode.
• Avoid heat-generating appliances: Limit oven, dryer, and other appliance use during peak heat hours to reduce indoor temperature.

Repair appliances instead of replacing them

When an appliance breaks down, many look to replace or upgrade to a new model. Before going down that road, consider repairing as a cost-effective solution.  Repairing can save money, lessen our carbon footprint and safeguard the environment.

Fix common issues at home

• Some minor problems, like a dishwasher that is not drying properly or a vacuum cleaner that’s lost suction power, may need a simple part replacement or an easy fix.

Source spare parts online for less

• Statewide Appliance Spares offers a wide selection of appliance parts from all the leading brands. This makes it easy to repair rather than replace.

Use online videos and repair guides

• Many simple repairs don’t require a technician. Our YouTube channel and blog can guide you through simple fixes that can save you time and money.

Reducing your cost-of-living expenses doesn’t require drastic changes but rather consistent small steps.  Incorporating clever energy-efficient habits in your daily life, maintaining your home appliances, and cutting unnecessary expenses, can help you save money.

Explore more energy and cost saving tips on the Statewide blog

Check out our blogs for easy, practical tips to help you save on your home energy bills:

• Saving money on Christmas energy bills
• Our top energy saving tips for the kitchen
• Our top washer and dryer energy saving tips
• Top 10 energy saving tips for your air conditioner

Need spare parts for your appliances?

Statewide Appliance Spares have got you covered! We have Australia’s biggest range of appliance spares for all the leading brands, with fast Australia wide delivery and the lowest prices guaranteed.

Check out our YouTube channel

Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze!