Power saving tips

Appliance power saving tips

• Cooling

  

  • Set your air conditioner between 24°C and 25°C degrees. Every degree higher can add 10% to your power bill.
  • Replace the air filters in your air conditioner so it runs efficiently – clogged or dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce your air conditioner’s ability to absorb heat. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy usage by up to 15%.
  • Close your blinds or curtains (especially on north or west-facing windows) in the daytime to keep the house cool. 
• Fridge/freezer

  

  • Set your fridge to 3-5°C and your freezer to -15°C.
  • Clean your fridge and freezer seals, replace them if they are damaged.
• Dishwasher and washing machine

  

  • Save around $40-$80 a year by using the ‘cold water’ setting on your washing machine.
  • Only run your dishwasher when it’s full.
  • Avoid using your dishwasher, washing machine or dryer between 4pm-8pm to help manage demand on the electricity network. 
• Home entertainment

  

  • Turn your TV and entertainment appliances off at the wall – they’re still using power in standby mode.
  • Install a ‘standby-killer’ switch or a standby power controller (SPC) to disconnect power to appliances when they’re not being used.
• Showers

  

  • Save up to $160 a year by replacing your old showerhead with an energy efficient one.
  • Take shorter showers.
  • Fix dripping taps, especially hot water taps.
  • Insulate hot water pipes from your hot water system into your house. 
• Cooking

  

  • When using a stovetop, keep lids on pots and pans to reduce cooking time.
  • Only boil the amount of water you need in the kettle.
  • Check that your oven door seal is in good condition and replace it if it’s damaged.
  • Use small appliances where possible, such as the toaster instead of the griller.
• Heating

  

  • Set your heater’s thermostat between 18°C and 20°C. Every degree higher can add 15% to your power bill.
  • If you’ve got your ducted heating on, close doors and vents in rooms you’re not using.
  • Clean your heater’s filter regularly to help it run efficiently.
  • Replace older heaters with energy efficient ones. You may be able to get a discount for installing energy-efficient equipment and appliances under the Victorian Energy Upgrades program.
  • Turn your heater off overnight or when you leave the house.
  • Use fans to circulate hot air. Ceiling fans help push hot air down and can increase the efficiency of your heater.