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Energy savings tips

We don't have haircare tips, but we do have a few easy ways to reduce energy waste around your home and save.

Together, we’re powerful

Whether you’re managing a household or managing a mullet (or both!) – we’re all part of WA’s transition to a cleaner energy future. When you understand how you use energy, you can then make simple changes to help reduce your power bill.

It's no fun to feel hot and bothered...

But your air-conditioning could be responsible for up to 40% of your energy costs (just like the average household)!

Here's a few tips to keep your cool.

Try the fan first

That easy breezy feeling from a fan can make you feel around 3°C cooler and it moves out the hot air in the room first which helps the air-con use less energy later.  

Fans use a whole lot less energy, which makes them cheaper to run compared to the air con.

Grab the remote

Set your thermostat no lower than 21 to 24°C in summer, depending where you live.  

Each degree lower can increase your power costs by  10% and that really adds up. 

Keep your cool

Close off any rooms you’re not using so you don't waste energy cooling them when you don’t need to.

If you have a ducted air-con system, turn off the ducting to the rooms you don’t need to use.

Easy does it

When you expect a hot day, close your blinds to block the sun’s heat.

First, turn on your fan. Then, switch on your air-con earlier. This way, it won't have to work harder later to cool a hot space.

Feeling a bit humid?

When you do need the air-con, look for the ‘dry’ setting to help with humidity.  Change your air-con mode to ‘dry’ and it will really chill you down and make your space more comfortable.

This uses less energy too!

Where's your energy going?

Air-con can take the blame for around 40% of the average household’s energy costs – and here are some others to watch out for!

Appliances

Contributes around 25% towards your usage costs

Check the manual for energy-saving modes and switch to energy-efficient models with the highest star rating when it’s time for a replacement.

They may cost a little more to buy upfront, but will save on running costs over the years. 

Water heating

Contributes around 23% of the energy used in an Aussie home.

More than half of hot water use is in the bathroom, a third in the laundry and the rest is used in the kitchen. Learn more about saving water during shower time.

Your pool

Contributes around 18% towards your usage costs

Just from running your pool pump. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the ideal amount of time to run your pump and keep your pool healthy without having it on around the clock. 

If you have rooftop solar, time your pool pump to run during 9am to 3pm to make the most of your cheaper, solar energy.  Just remember to run your appliances at different times so you don’t use more energy than your solar produces each hour. 

Lighting

Contributes around 7% towards your usage costs

Look up and switch to LED bulbs – these use less energy than incandescent or halogen options.

Not only are they cheaper to run, but switching to LEDs also ensures you’re not adding extra heat to your space. 

Be the boss of your appliances

Use the savings calculator to find out the estimated running costs of your appliances and how you might save money by cutting down your usage. 

Use the calculator

Explore more energy saving tips...

  • Water heating
    Tips to reduce your water heating costs...
    • Reduce the amount of water and electricity you use by having shorter showers and installing a water saving shower head.

    • Consider fitting flow restrictors to your bathroom, laundry and kitchen taps to reduce the amount of water that comes out.

    • Take advantage of the sun's free heating by installing a solar hot water system and placing it close to where most of the hot water is being used.
  • Kitchen & laundry
    Fridge
    • Set your fridge temperature between 3°C and 4°C and your freezer temp between –15°C and –18°C.

    • Check the seals on your fridge door for air leaks. If you can slide a $5 note in the door frame, air is escaping – and energy is being wasted.

    • Dustbust the back of the fridge. Vacuum the dust from the condensor coil at the back of the fridge to help keep it running efficiently.

    • Defrost the freezer if the ice is thicker than five millimetres so your freezer can use less electricity to keep your food frozen.

    • Consider if you really need your second fridge. If you don't use it much, keep your drinks in the main fridge and just turn your second one on when you're entertaining. Or better still, use ice buckets.

     

    Dishwasher
    • Only run your dishwasher when it’s full and use the ‘eco’ setting to lower its energy and water use.

    • Regularly clean your dishwasher filter to keep it running efficiently.

     

    Washing machine & dryer
    • Wash with cold water and use the ‘eco’ setting to use less energy. Washing in warm or hot water uses around 50% more energy than washing in cold water - using a typical front loader machine.

    • Use your washing machine less by waiting until you have a full load.

    • Avoid the dryer. If you use your dryer regularly, it can account for up to 10% of your energy use.
  • Lighting & appliances
    Reduce your lighting costs...
    • Swap out your old lightbulbs for LED bulbs which use less watts to provide the same amount of light. LEDs use 75% less power and can last up to ten times longer than standard globes.

    • Get in the habit of turning lights off when you leave a room – or use natural light during the day when you can.

     

    Appliances (like TVs & game consoles) 
    • Standby mode can account for up to 6% of your energy use. Your fridge and freezer need to stay running all day and night – but your TV, gaming consoles and microwave could be using electricity when they’re not in use, so remember to switch them off at the wall. 

    • Consider investing in a standby power control board to detect when an appliance is on standby and cut the flow of electricity automatically.
  • Swimming pools
    Tips for an energy efficient pool...
    • If you have a pool, set your pump on a timer. Running your pump for two hours less a day in winter could help you save on energy costs - always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

    • A clogged filter means your pump needs to use more energy. Scoop leaves by hand, keep filters clean (or backwash as required) and make sure your filter is the right size for your pool.
  • Maintenance
    By keeping your appliances in good working condition - like cleaning or changing filters - you could save hundreds a year.
    • Clean the filter on your air-con and you could save about $300 a year.
    • Check the seals on your fridge and freezer doors. If a five dollar note can fit between the seals, then cold air is leaking out and hot air is getting in. This means your fridge is working overtime and costing you money.
    • Vacuum the dust from the condenser coil at the back of the fridge - it could lead to an energy saving of 11%.

*Savings and figures should be used as a guide only. Always consider the energy star rating when purchasing new appliances. For more information, visit the WA Government household and business energy tips, www.energyrating.gov.au and  www.yourhome.gov.au/energy.

Keep track of your energy use

Learn more about how your household uses energy and how your electricity bill is calculated.

Monitor your usage with our app

With our app, you can see when your household uses the most energy throughout the day. View your usage for the past year with monthly, daily and hourly interactive graphs and compare your usage with the same time last year. You can also see how much your next bill is likely to be and see how you’re tracking throughout each bill period.

Download the app

Understand your bill

Make sure you understand what makes up your bill. Some of the costs you can control, for example the number of units of electricity you use. Then there’s costs such as your supply charge, which is the cost of getting electricity to your home or business through poles, wires and other infrastructure.

View our bill explainer

Consider these energy-saving investments

Here's some helpful online resources if you're ready to upgrade appliances or invest in your home's energy efficiency. 

Solar hot water

Consider switching to a solar hot water system. They cost more to buy than other options but are generally cheaper to run and better for the environment. 

Hot water systems

Cooling & heating

Check your home’s insulation is adequate, install quality window coverings and use energy-efficient appliances.

Cooling & heating tips

Buying an appliance?

Check its energy rating. The more stars the appliance has, the less energy it will use – which will save you money in the long term.

Energy rating calculator

Going solar

Installing solar comes at a cost, but over time it can make a big difference to your bill.

See if you could save

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.