Bathroom
Taking shorter showers means using less hot water which will save you in having to heat your hot water system more frequently.
Fitting a water-save shower head will not only reduce your water costs but also your energy costs as you are using less hot water.
Regularly replace your washers for your hot water taps to ensure there is no leaking and hot water being wasted.
Increasing the natural light in the room is a great way of reducing your reliance on electrical lighting. Skylights and high windows also increase natural ventilation.
Switching to a high energy-star rated hot water system can have a big impact on reducing your electricity costs as well, as for some households up to 20% of their annual consumption is from their hot water.
Bathrooms in winter can be quite cold and reliance on heat lamps tends increase. Seal and insulate your bathroom best you can to help keep in extra heat.
Laundry
Use appliances with a higher star rating. The higher star rating the more energy efficient the appliance.
Use a clothes horse or clothes line to dry your clothes on a warm or windy day.
Wash a full load of clothes when possible since doing one big load will use less energy than multiple small loads.
Front load washing machines are generally cheaper to run than top-loading, and also use less water
If you use a dryer, ensure your clothes are as spun dry as possible as they will take less time to dry in the heater.
Check the air filter regularly. Blocked filters use more electricity.
Use a cold wash as much as possible. Your clothes will still be as clean but your machine will use electricity heating the water.
Bedroom
Don’t leave your mobile phone on charge all night and charge your mobile at other times of the day instead. Also, make sure that you turn off and unplug all bedroom appliances not in use before you go to bed.
Keep extra blankets by the bed so you can easily grab another one if you need extra warmth.
Use a hot water bottle to warm the bed up, rather than an electric blanket and wear some socks to keep nice and toastie.
Use a portable fan in the bedroom in the warmer months rather than keeping your air-conditioning on, fans are a great way to get a cooler breeze at night and to spread it around the bedroom.
The larger your bedroom is the harder it is to keep cool, closing your closet doors will decrease the size of the space needed to keep cool or warm.
Close your curtains to help lock in the cool air or draw them if you wish to let in some heat from the outside.
If you are using an aircon, seal any gaps that may release any heat or cold you are trying to keep in.
Lounge
Monitoring the heater temperature. Setting it between 18-21 degrees if it is a reverse cycle heater.
Avoid using small cheap fan heaters.
Use door sausages to block out drafts that come in the house from under the door.
Insulation to reduce heat loss and also assist with keeping the house cool.
Avoid leaving appliances on standby.
In summer creating a flow of air through property rather than using cooling.
Use energy saving globes.
Kitchen
Ensure seals on fringes and freezers are maintained or replaced to ensure cooling stays in;
All appliances should be tagged and tested to ensure they are not using more energy to run at a normal capacity;
Always look at the Energy Rating label when purchasing new appliances, the more stars the less electricity you will use;
Open the dishwasher drawer and allow to air dry instead of using the dry cycle;
Use a microwave instead of a traditional oven when you can to save energy;
Let frozen food defrost in the fridge overnight instead of the microwave;
The fridge should be set between 3 and 5 degrees and freezers work best at -18 degrees;
Don’t leave appliances on standby;
Use LED lighting in the kitchen;
Match burner and pot sizes as this will reduce heat loss and maximise energy efficient cooking.
Outdoor
Pool pumps use a lot of energy, try using one with a higher energy rating as they are cheaper to operate.
If you have a peak/off peak meter, run your pump during the off peak times when your rate is the cheapest.
Solar power is a great way to heat your pool at a lower cost.
A well-fitted pool cover will also help keep the water warmer during colder periods. Transparent bubble covers are most effective in keeping heat in.
Motion sensor lights are a great way to make sure lighting is only used when necessary and not left on all night.
Solar garden lights are a cheap way to light up your garden or footpath without the need of using electrical light bulbs.
For any outdoor lighting try sticking to LED as they are the cheapest to operate and have a much longer life expectancy.