How to save money on energy bills

Saving on bills, especially essentials like electricity, is a priority for many households. Here are some tricks for spotting the best deal.

Australians are feeling the heat from their energy bills, but there are a few hacks every family needs to know to keep their costs down.

From understanding peak times, taking advantage of the natural sunlight to finish common chores and shopping around for a better deal – families can save hundreds per quarter.

Financial expert from Women with Cents Natasha Janssens, said she’s saved 20 to 30 per cent on her energy bills by securing a better energy deal with her provider.

“Quite often you don’t even have to go down the path of switching energy providers, as your current provider will often match other deals which can also save you money,” she said.

Comparing energy deals can be tricky as every company’s quote are different. Pictured: iStock.

How to compare energy deals:

Ms Janssens said it can be tricky comparing energy deals, as every company’s quotes and bills can be set-up differently.

“You want to make sure you’re not looking at the discounted rates but you actually look at what the charges are per unit,” she said.

“Otherwise you might have someone that offers a 30% on time payment but they might actually have a higher hour charge out rate”.

Origin Energy spokesman Stuart Osbourne said it’s worth considering the benefits of bundling different services like broadband.

“It’s a good idea to regularly review your energy plan to make sure you’re on the best plan for your energy needs and budget,” he said.

To further reap the rewards of lower energy bills, there are some simple changes families can make around the home.

How to save money in the laundry:

Mr Osbourne recommends making use of mother nature wherever possible and only washing full loads as it takes “just as much energy as a half-empty machine”.

“Most of the energy to wash clothes is from heating the water so a simple way to save is to turn the thermostat down or even better turn it to cold,’’ he said.

“Homes with a front loader washing machine will use less energy than a top loader, saving you more than double the running costs.”

How to save money using the dishwasher:

Mr Osbourne advises families to carefully time when they use their appliances.

“If you are on a time-of-use tariff, you should consider running appliances like the dishwasher overnight when you get a cheaper off-peak rate for your electricity,” he said.

Households should also be conscious of their appliance’s energy ratings to avoid hidden costs.

“A dishwasher rated 2.5 stars could be costing you twice as much as a 4.5 star energy efficient unit,” he added.

Using appliances during off-peak period can save your money. Pictured:iStock.

How to save money in winter and summer:

Mr Osbourne said families can reap energy savings across all seasons when investing in good quality heating and cooling systems.

“A split system will keep you comfortable all year, so investing in a good quality 5.5-star reverse cycle air conditioner instead of a 2.5 or 3 star unit, households can save hundreds of dollars,” he said.

Closing the doors to the rooms you’re not using also keeps the heat or cool air in the main living space.

“This will reduce how long you keep the airconditioning on and therefore reduce the cost of running it,” he advised.

How to choose low-energy appliances:

Mr Osbourne recommends doing your research when purchasing new appliances to ensure they don’t use excessive amounts of energy.

“Be sure to look out for the energy efficiency label and every-saving features, including energy eco modes, zones in fridges and energy-saving options on a TV,” he said.

The common mistake of forgetting to unplug or switch off unoccupied appliances can easily be fixed by a simple device.

“To make it easier, invest in some smart plugs and turn off the power to your appliance from your phone,” Mr Osbourne said.