Tips for lowering your power bill

The price of electricity has risen a whopping 50% in the last five years and is set to keep increasing a further 37% by 2014. This is not good news for Australians already struggling to pay large electricity accounts every quarter. This being said, the situation is not helpless, there are ways you can take control of your power and stop the climb in power cost to your home or business.

Power Saving Habits

• Turn lights off – every time
• Switch appliances off at the power point – standby uses electricity all day, every day
• Open the curtains – use the sunlight, it’s free
• Keep windows free of bushes and branches that may cut down the amount of natural light
• Keep your air conditioner between 23 to 26 degrees
• Keep your air conditioner filter clean
• Use fans instead of air conditioning
• Wash your clothes in cold water
• Use the washing line or clothes drying rack instead of the dryer
• If you must use the dryer ensure the lint filter is clean every time allowing the dryer to work efficiently
• Minimise opening the oven or fridge door
• Ensure your dishwasher is full before washing a load
• Run the dishwasher at off-peak times if possible
• Reduce shower times
• Reduce TV watching time – this one is great for your brain too!
• Dim your lights

Power Saving Purchases

• Install solar external lighting
• Install a water-saving showerhead and tap fittings
• Use a timer on your pool filter
• Check the energy star rating of any new appliances to ensure they are energy efficient
• Purchase a solar hot water heater
• Use solar heating for your pool
• Install insulation in your home or business
• Purchase a front loader washing machine
• Plant shade trees in your yard
• Install solar panels to get your power from the sun
• Brighten up your home with light coloured paint, a dim home needs more light
• Purchase LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs when replacing traditional incandescent bulbs

Shop around to ensure you are using the best-priced energy provider in your area. There are many websites that allow you to compare the different local providers.

Use off-peak power where possible. Appliances such as your dishwasher, washing machine and pool filter can be run during off-peak times to reduce power costs. Pool filters can also be connected to Economy Tariff 33 which can lower running costs by up to 30%.

Small changes can make a big difference to your power cost. Try it this quarter you will be surprised at the results.