10 Ways To Reduce Energy Consumption At Home

Let’s face it—life’s already expensive enough. Whether it’s juggling rent or mortgage payments, grocery bills that seem to skyrocket every month or those unexpected repair costs, the last thing anyone needs is a soaring energy bill.

Heating and cooling in Melbourne can be a real challenge, especially when energy bills seem to climb higher every season. Whether you're cranking up the heater in winter or blasting the AC in summer, it feels like every degree comes with a cost. But what if you could enjoy a comfortable home year-round without watching your energy bills soar?

In this blog, we’re sharing 10 practical, everyday tips to help you reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort. From insulating your roof to taking advantage of rebates like the air conditioning rebate, the heat pump hot water rebate and the Victorian Government split system rebate, you’ll find plenty of ways to save both energy and money. Let’s take a look at the solutions that are made for real people and their very real lives, right here, in Melbourne.

Table of Contents

To effectively reduce your energy consumption, it’s important to first evaluate your current usage patterns. Start by comparing your current energy usage to the same period last year, as this can highlight seasonal differences, such as higher energy consumption in winter or summer. Observing when your energy use peaks throughout the day will also help you identify specific times when you're consuming the most energy.

This analysis allows you to understand your energy habits and understanding these patterns is the first step toward making informed decisions that can lower your costs and waste.

If you’re using an old electric or gas hot water system, it’s probably less efficient than newer options. Upgrading to a heat-pump hot water unit can boost energy savings. Additionally, wait until your washing machine is fully loaded before starting a cycle and opt for cold water—it can save around $115 annually by reducing reliance on hot water. Choosing the shortest suitable wash cycle and drying clothes on a line or rack rather than in a dryer are also effective ways to cut down on energy. These small changes can significantly lower household energy use and trim your electricity bills.

To maximise energy savings, it’s better to switch off appliances completely at the power point rather than leaving them in standby mode. Many devices like heaters, cooling units and electronics continue to draw power even when they're not in use. By turning off your appliances, such as heaters or air conditioners, when you leave the house or go to bed, you can significantly reduce energy consumption.

Similarly, switching off computers, printers and Wi-Fi routers overnight or during periods of inactivity helps cut unnecessary power use. Most modern computers also have energy-saving settings that automatically turn off the screen or put the device to sleep after a set period, further helping to lower your energy bills.

To save energy, shut doors to rooms you're not using and focus on heating or cooling only the areas where you spend most of your time. In cooler months, ensure your curtains or blinds properly seal your windows to prevent heat loss and block draughts around doors and windows to keep warm air inside. In warmer months, close your curtains during the day to keep the heat out. Using external blinds or canvas awnings can also help maintain a cooler indoor temperature, reducing the need for air conditioning and helping you save on energy costs.

Switching to LEDs is an effective way to reduce energy consumption at home while saving money in the long run. LEDs use up to 75% less energy compared to traditional halogen bulbs, meaning your household will require less electricity for lighting. Not only does this lower your monthly energy bills, but it also helps reduce your carbon footprint, making it an eco-friendly choice. Additionally, LEDs have a much longer lifespan, lasting 5 to 10 times longer than halogen bulbs. This reduces the frequency of bulb replacements, saving you money on new bulbs and the hassle of disposal. By making the switch, you'll enjoy both immediate savings on your electricity bills and long-term cost benefits, all while contributing to a more sustainable home.

• Fridge: Your fridge runs 24/7 and is energy-intensive, so set it to 4-5°C for the fridge and -15 to -18°C for the freezer. Ensure door seals are tight and turn on a second fridge or freezer only when necessary.
• Cooking: Plan meals ahead to reduce cooking times; thaw frozen food in the fridge in the morning. Use a microwave when possible and keep lids on pots to retain heat and save energy.
• Dishwasher: Use the economy cycle on your dishwasher and only run it when it’s full to maximise efficiency. This helps you enjoy clean dishes while minimising energy consumption.

Heating and cooling can make up 20% to 50% of energy usage in Australian homes, depending on your climate zone. To save money, set your thermostat between 18-20°C in winter, as every degree lower can reduce heating costs by 5-10%. In summer, aim for at least 26°C; every degree higher can save you 5-10% on cooling costs. By adjusting your thermostat, you can significantly cut your energy bills while maintaining a comfortable home environment year-round.

Another wise decision would be to switch to a reverse cycle air-conditioner, which offers both heating and cooling capabilities. This system is far more energy-efficient compared to traditional systems, reducing your energy consumption and saving you money. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program further supports this transition by offering rebates for the installation of energy-efficient systems, making it easier and more affordable to upgrade. For those with gas heating, a modern reverse cycle air-conditioner in heating mode can improve efficiency and reduce winter heating costs. When it comes to heating and cooling in Melbourne, EcoOrigin, your Energy Upgrade Experts, can help you access these rebates and make the switch to more efficient systems, ensuring your home remains comfortable year-round while cutting costs.

Insulating your home is a crucial first step in reducing energy consumption and lowering electricity costs. Proper insulation can cut your heating and cooling expenses by up to 45%. Start with the roof—ceilings are one of the most critical areas to insulate effectively. For optimal performance, ceiling insulation should be installed correctly, covering the entire ceiling area without gaps, ensuring continuous coverage. This helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside, keeping your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Investing in quality insulation not only improves comfort levels within the home but also contributes to a more sustainable living environment by lowering overall energy consumption.

Utilising solar electricity generated from your own system can significantly decrease the amount of energy you need to purchase from retailers, leading to lower utility bills and increased energy independence. In addition, solar hot water systems can help you avoid gas charges typically associated with gas-fired water heaters. By exploring options like feed-in tariffs and available incentives for solar installation, you can maximise your savings while contributing to a more sustainable environment. Small changes, such as switching to solar energy, can greatly reduce your carbon footprint and positively impact the planet's future. If you're facing challenges in managing your energy expenses, various support options are available to assist you in navigating your financial needs.

One of the simplest ways to cut energy costs is by comparing energy offers and the Victorian Energy Compare tool makes this process easy and accessible. This free and independent service from the Victorian Government allows you to compare offers from over 20 energy retailers, covering gas, electricity and solar options to find the best deals tailored to your needs. To get started, all you need is internet access, a recent bill and some household information; the tool handles the rest in about 10 minutes. Many users discover potential savings of around $330 a year on their energy expenses. Additionally, the website features an energy quiz that helps you understand your energy consumption and bills better, empowering you to make informed choices for a more efficient and cost-effective energy use.

The Residential Efficiency Scorecard, available across Australia, rates your home’s energy usage similarly to the star ratings on fridges or washing machines. This Scorecard helps you understand how much energy is consumed throughout your home. Whether you're selling, renovating, renting or simply looking to lower high energy bills, a home energy assessment can highlight which features contribute to higher costs and also offer tailored recommendations for improvements.

You can also install an energy monitor device to track energy consumption. This smart, Bluetooth-enabled device tracks your energy usage and sends the data directly to your phone, allowing you to visualise your energy bills and monitor your consumption in real-time. By having a clear understanding of your energy usage, you can make informed decisions to reduce costs and save both money and energy. Best of all, there are no costs, no hidden fees—you can get it for FREE! All Victorian households are eligible for this fantastic offer. At EcoOrigin, we can help you get started. Get in touch with us, and we’ll take care of the rest, making it easy for you to track your energy use and enjoy the savings.

Reducing energy consumption at home doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. With just a few simple changes, such as insulating your roof, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and switching to LED lighting, you can significantly lower your energy bills while contributing to a more sustainable environment. Additionally, taking advantage of available rebates and government programs, like the air conditioning rebate, heat pump hot water rebate and the Victorian Government split system rebate, can further enhance your savings. Start making small changes today to enjoy a more energy-efficient home and a brighter, more sustainable future.

1) What are some quick tips for reducing energy consumption at home?

Simple tips include switching off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient LED bulbs and managing heating and cooling effectively. These small changes can lead to significant savings on your energy bills.

2) How can switching to LED bulbs save me money on my energy bills?

LED bulbs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a longer lifespan, reducing both energy costs and the frequency of replacements. Making the switch can brighten your home while keeping expenses low.

3) Is it really necessary to unplug appliances when not in use?

Yes, many devices continue to draw power even in standby mode, contributing to unnecessary energy costs. Turning them off completely helps reduce your household energy consumption significantly.

4) What is the best temperature to set my thermostat for energy savings?

In winter, set your thermostat between 18-20°C and at least 26°C in summer to manage energy costs effectively. Each degree above these settings can significantly increase your energy bill.

5) How does insulating my roof help with energy efficiency?

Effective roof insulation can reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, potentially saving you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs. This investment improves your home's comfort and sustainability.