Having trouble paying your energy bills? Find information about what support is available. There are many easy and effective things you can do this summer to save energy and money at home.

Skip to content. Extreme weather has resulted in widespread power outages across Victoria. If you have lost power, please contact your distribution business for information on restoration times.

For more information, visit how to stay safe in a power outage. Top 10 energy saving tips Learn how you can reduce your energy use and save on bills. Our top 10 energy saving tips. To save the most energy, switch off the power point rather than leave appliances on standby.

Turn off your heater, cooling units and appliances when you go to bed or leave the house. Switch off your computer and equipment such as printers or Wi-Fi routers overnight or when you're away.

Most computers have energy-saving settings that will turn the computer and screen off after a period of inactivity. Shut doors to areas you're not using, and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time.

In cooler months, make sure your curtains or blinds seal your windows properly. Stop cool air leaking out by blocking draughts around doors and windows. In warmer months, keep your curtains closed during the day. External blinds or canvas awnings will also help keep your house cooler.

Wait until your machine is full before starting a washing cycle. You can also save by selecting the shortest appropriate washing cycle. Clothes dryers use lots of energy. Hang clothes outside to dry or use a fan to help dry them indoors.

Find a Scorecard assessor. The ideal fridge temperature for your freezer is 4 or 5 degrees Celsius and to degrees. Ensure the fridge door seal is tight and that no gaps or cracks let cold air escape.

If you have a second fridge or freezer, only turn it on when needed. Cooking Put frozen food in your fridge in the morning to thaw out and reduce cooking time in the evening. When cooking, use the microwave when you can. Microwaves use much less energy than an electric oven.

Using a stove, keep lids on pots to reduce cooking time. Plan to cook more and have leftover meals for the next day or the whole week. Keep leftover meals in the freezer.

Dryers and refrigerators are two of the most energy-intensive appliances in a home and replacing these with better efficient models can cut the electricity usage by half, thereby reducing your electricity bills.

Installing heat pumps is another idea to reduce electricity consumption. In general, maintaining and replacing appliances every few years will make them have less burden on your electricity usage. Needless to say how important it is to unplug devices when not in use.

Do not leave devices on standby but rather unplug them and save your electricity bill, and the planet. Some easy fixes to reduce your water consumption could be taking quick showers, using just the required amount of water while cooking and turning off running taps when unused even for seconds.

Aim to keep your thermostat at a lower temperature around 17 degrees, this can make a big difference and save your energy costs. Using a programmable smart thermostat is even better. Smart automated devices can lower your energy bills even when you forget to.

Double glazing doors and windows are a perfect solution for a modern home as they can significantly reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from heating and cooling thereby reducing your carbon footprint and also lowering your energy bills.

This is a super simple hack in everyday life to save energy consumption, by cooking with the lid you are making sure to lessen the cooking time and water usage significantly.

Wash clothes at a cooler temperature and with a full load, you will be saving a lot of water and electricity. These days you can find a solar-powered version of almost any electronic you use in your home.

Making small shifts and using more solar-powered electronics can go a long way and can also lower your maintenance and replacement costs of such electronics. Solar panels top the list of the most popular alternative sources of energy that can be used in a home.

There are many advances in solar photovoltaic technology and tax incentives to attract more homeowners. Costs of investing in solar PV has halved in the past decade, so many people are considering opting for solar panels on their roof to generate their own clean and renewable electricity.

Using wind turbines to generate electricity will greatly depend on where you live. Installing small wind turbines in your home is a great eco-friendly option for those living in places with good wind speeds.

Using geothermal power for heating and cooling your home is a much more efficient way of investing into energy efficiency. Ground source heat pumps provide consistent heating and cooling throughout your house and are durable and efficient, letting you reap their benefits for decades.

Energy efficiency means using less energy which means needing less electricity generation, which means emitting less CO2 and other pollutants. This correlates to a reduction in greenhouse gasses released into our atmosphere and an overall improvement to human health and our environment. Not only are these types of homes beneficial for their owners but also for the environment.

From the viewpoint of the energy system, energy-efficient houses can actively help the power system by demanding less electricity from the grid in times of its shortage as well as supplying this valuable commodity into the system and thus helping it once it is needed.

Get an energy assessment done for your house to see the areas you can possibly cut down on your consumption and build up your energy score. There are numerous ways to save energy and consume less from the grid.

Another way to up your score is by investing in solid double glazing for your windows and doors that are more modern and efficient. Smart landscaping design can not only make your home energy efficient in terms of heating and cooling, increasing your energy score but can also look great and add beauty to your home.

Both loft and wall insulation can reduce your energy bills and help in lowering your consumption, especially in the case of older homes that are not constructed in an energy-efficient manner.

This is a good way to boost your score and renew your home to be more energy-efficient. Every modern home buyer these days is looking for smart homes which ease their lives and reduce their carbon footprint. Smart devices detect the usage of power and turn them when not in use.

A smart home will only increase in demand and a good way to increase your home value. We would like to thank all the following experts, eco-friendly enthusiasts and green bloggers for their opinions and contribution.

Valli has been writing well researched articles about renewable energy, sustainability and green technologies for GreenMatch since Her work has been published in various media such as Entrepreneur, Business Insider, Canadian Geographic, uSwitch, and eCycle.

GreenMatch Blog How To Save Energy at Home. Text size. Written by Valli Vishnubhotla. If you would like to use this infographic on your website, use the embed code below: Get Embed Code. How to Save Energy at Home? Turning off the lights when leaving a room A basic habit to develop and foster is to make sure that you always turn off the lights when leaving a room.

Use LED lights Many homes are moving towards smart LED lights as they not only look stylish and affordable but are also way more efficient than halogen bulbs.

Switching to efficient appliances Dryers and refrigerators are two of the most energy-intensive appliances in a home and replacing these with better efficient models can cut the electricity usage by half, thereby reducing your electricity bills.

Unplug devices Needless to say how important it is to unplug devices when not in use. Lessen water usage Some easy fixes to reduce your water consumption could be taking quick showers, using just the required amount of water while cooking and turning off running taps when unused even for seconds.

Keep the thermostat at a lower temperature Aim to keep your thermostat at a lower temperature around 17 degrees, this can make a big difference and save your energy costs. Use smart automated devices Smart automated devices can lower your energy bills even when you forget to. Use double glazing door Double glazing doors and windows are a perfect solution for a modern home as they can significantly reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from heating and cooling thereby reducing your carbon footprint and also lowering your energy bills.

Cook with the lid on This is a super simple hack in everyday life to save energy consumption, by cooking with the lid you are making sure to lessen the cooking time and water usage significantly.

Washing at low temp Wash clothes at a cooler temperature and with a full load, you will be saving a lot of water and electricity. Solar-powered devices These days you can find a solar-powered version of almost any electronic you use in your home.

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An aerator is a small gadget with tiny holes — they attach to the spout of taps and are cheap and easy to install — and could save you £25 a year. Only run your dishwasher when it is full to reduce the amount of water you use.

Reducing your dishwasher use by one run per week for a year could save you £14 £18 in NI. Effective insulation of your hot water cylinder is important: even if you have thin spray foam or a loose 25mm jacket, you can benefit from increasing the insulation to a British Standard Jacket 80mm thick, saving £50 £45 in NI a year in the process.

Insulating your water tank, pipes and radiators is a quick and easy way to save money on your bills. You must accept preferences cookies to view location-specific content.

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Energy efficient guides Energy Performance Certificates explained Guide to smart meters. Quick tips to save energy.

Before you start Understand your energy bill. Reduce your washing machine use by one run per week for a year. Avoid overfilling the kettle and save yourself £11 £14 in NI a year on your electricity bill. Additional resources Campaigns How to save money on your energy bills.

Air leaks in your home can lead to increased energy consumption by allowing hot air to escape in the winter and cool air to escape during warmer months.

In turn, your heating and cooling systems have to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to increased energy usage. Once you have identified the air leaks in your home, there are several ways to seal them and improve your home's energy efficiency.

Here are a few tips:. Sealing air leaks and insulating your home, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, decreasing energy waste and heat loss.

Energy-efficient appliances are designed to use less energy than traditional appliances. One way to identify energy-efficient appliances is by looking for the ENERGY STAR label. Products earn the ENERGY STAR label by meeting the energy efficiency requirements set forth in ENERGY STAR product specifications.

The EPA establishes these specifications. In , ENERGY STAR certified products helped consumers save billion kilowatt-hours of electricity. ENERGY STAR certified appliances include a wide range of products such as:.

Also, consider installing water-saving devices like low-flow showerheads. Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and toilet displacement devices use less water and can help to reduce hot water usage. This type of thermostat allows you to set a schedule for your heating and cooling system.

So it only runs when you need it. Thus enabling you to use less electricity by turning off the heating or cooling when you're not at home or at night when you're sleeping. By simply using an advanced power strip, you can reduce your electricity usage by 20 to 48 per cent.

Overall, smart power strips can be a great tool for reducing your energy consumption and avoiding high electricity prices. Smart power strips offer a variety of benefits that can help you to reduce your energy consumption and increase energy efficiency in your home.

Some of the main benefits include:. In the average household, washing machines and dryers typically account for the most energy use. On the other hand, clotheslines and drying racks use only the sun and wind to dry your clothes, which is a natural and free resource. Energy efficiency means using less power to perform the same task or produce the same result.

If your living situation permits you to take advantage of this method, it's an excellent way to avoid high energy prices. Moreover, by using a clothesline or drying rack, you'll be able to harness the power of the sun, our most accessible renewable source.

As concerns about climate change and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels continue to grow, more homeowners are turning to renewable sources to power their homes.

One of the most popular and widely available options is solar energy. Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity. They are a great option for homeowners who want to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and decrease their energy bills.

Solar panels can be installed on the roof of a home or property and connected to the power grid. The electricity produced by the solar panels can be used to power the home or fed back into the grid for credit on future energy bills.

Solar batteries are devices that store the electricity produced by solar panels. This allows homeowners to use the electricity they produce even when the sun is not shining. They can also be used to provide backup power in case of a power outage.

Solar water heaters use the energy from the sun to heat water. They are an efficient way to provide hot water for a home and can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs.

Solar water heaters can be used for both domestic hot water and for space heating. To learn more about energy security with renewable energy, check out this article on how to fight energy insecurity by switching to renewable energy.

The HVAC heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is responsible for maintaining the indoor temperature and air quality in a building. energy use is about the same now as it was more than 20 years ago , even as the economy has steadily grown. Greater efficiency can also relieve stress on the power grid and infrastructure.

By reducing the amount of energy required for certain tasks, energy efficiency is also good for the planet. It can help to reduce air and water pollution from coal- and gas-fired power plants and avoid negative impacts on critical ecosystems. Boosting energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles, appliances, and equipment is an inexpensive, low-impact way to reduce climate pollution, including carbon dioxide CO2 emissions, on a grand scale.

In fact, we need widespread adaptation of energy efficiency to reduce emissions at the pace and scale required to reach net-zero and combat climate change. Since its founding in , the U. As of , more than 2. And as part of the same groundbreaking climate law, the U.

The average U. Energy-efficient appliances can save families hundreds of dollars a year on utility bills. In many cases, these long-term savings can make up for any price difference between efficient and inefficient appliances. The cost savings from energy efficiency are especially powerful for low-income rural and urban households, as well as renters, who typically face a higher energy burden —the proportion of income spent on energy—than that of higher-earning households partially due to lack of weatherization.

Energy efficiency can also help people live healthier, longer lives. When power plants burn coal, oil, and natural gas, they release tiny particles into the air that we breathe in; these particles are linked to asthma, heart attacks, and lung cancer. Inside a home, inefficient ventilation and weatherization can also contribute to respiratory illnesses.

Energy efficiency can even improve the comfort of everyday life , which may not be factored into most benefit statistics.

On a larger scale, energy efficiency improves energy security by not only making our power grid more resilient but also making the country less dependent on foreign sources of fossil fuels and the critical minerals in batteries.

Ready to join the energy efficiency revolution? Be sure to check our consumer guide for how to take advantage of the latest tax credits and rebates for making changes big and small, as detailed below.

The Energy Star label , a voluntary program managed by the EPA and thousands of partners, can be found on plus types of products, including major appliances, lighting, and home electronics. For instance, a newer fridge with the Energy Star label uses 35 percent less electricity than a fridge reaching the end of its life span today about 15 years.

Energy Star washing machines use one-fourth less energy and one-third less water than standard models—cutting yet another utility cost. Consumers are getting a double bonus, because energy-efficient appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are also becoming more affordable.

The Energy Star website can even direct you to rebates available in your area. Super-efficient electric heat pumps are a cleaner and more affordable option for both heating and cooling homes­ and businesses, particularly where oil and propane furnaces are the norm. When you want to keep your home warm, the very same appliance can be kicked into reverse.

Electric vehicles. Smart home. For your business. Clean energy financing. Our company. Our work. Work with us. Home solar See all. As subject matter experts, we provide only objective information.

We design every article to provide you with deeply-researched, factual, useful information so that you can make informed home electrification and financial decisions. We have:. Sourced the majority of our data from hundreds of thousands of quotes through our own marketplace.

Incorporated third-party data and information from primary sources, government agencies, educational institutions, peer-reviewed research, or well-researched nonprofit organizations. Built our own database and rating system for solar equipment, including solar panels, inverters, and batteries.

We won't charge you anything to get quotes through our marketplace. Instead, installers and other service providers pay us a small fee to participate after we vet them for reliability and suitability. To learn more, read about how we make money and our Editorial Guidelines. Saving energy doesn't mean you have to do less or sacrifice any creature comforts.

Thanks to new, more efficient and often affordable tech, it's easier than ever to get more out of your home while conserving electricity and other fuels, shrinking your utility bills, and reducing your environmental impact.

Here are some of the lowest-hanging fruit you can start picking off in your home. Traditional incandescent light bulbs consume excessive electricity and don't last as long as energy-efficient alternatives.

When shopping for light bulbs, look for the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency, Energy Star. For reference, Energy Star-certified LED light bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy than an incandescent light bulb while providing the same amount of light.

Although energy-efficient bulbs can be more expensive off the shelf, their efficient energy use and longer lifetimes mean they cost less in the long run. According to the U. Department of Energy DOE , standby energy accounts for 5 to 10 percent of residential energy use and costs the average U.

Smart power strips, also known as advanced power strips, eliminate the problem of phantom loads by shutting off the power to electronics when they are not in use. Smart power strips can turn off appliances at an assigned time, during a period of inactivity, through remote switches, or based on the status of a "master" device.

Smart thermostats can help reduce heating and cooling energy use without upgrading your HVAC system. Smart thermostats can automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling while asleep or away and come in different models to fit your weekly schedule.

According to ENERGY STAR , a smart thermostat could save you approximately 8 percent of your heating and cooling bills. Savings may vary based on your local climate, personal comfort preferences, how many people live in your home, and the type and age of HVAC equipment in your home.

Some smart thermostats even indicate when to replace air filters or HVAC system problems to further improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Learn more about smart thermostats like Google Nest and Ecobee.

When purchasing an appliance, you should pay attention to two numbers: the initial purchase price and the annual operating cost. Although energy-efficient appliances might have higher upfront purchase prices, they usually save money on your monthly utility bill.

When purchasing an energy-efficient appliance, look for the Energy Star label. Energy Star is a federal guarantee that the appliance will consume less energy than standard models. Importantly, energy savings differ based on the specific appliance.

For example, Energy Star-certified clothes washers use approximately 20 percent less energy than standard models, whereas Energy Star refrigerators use 9 percent less energy. Water heating significantly contributes to your total energy usage.

Other than purchasing an energy-efficient water heater, there are three ways to reduce your water heating expenses: use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, or insulate your water heater with the first six feet of hot and cold water pipes.

When shopping for efficient water heaters, consider the type of water heater that meets your needs and the fuel it will use. For example, tankless water heaters are energy efficient, but they are also a poor choice for large families as they cannot handle multiple and simultaneous uses of hot water.

Heat pump water heaters are one of the most efficient ways to heat your home's water. While heat pump water heaters usually have a higher upfront cost, tax credits and rebates are available to many homeowners looking to upgrade to a heat pump water heater.

According to the Department of Energy DOE , heat gain and loss through windows account for 25 to 30 percent of most homes' heating and cooling energy. You can replace single-pane windows with double-pane products to prevent heat loss through your windows. For homes in colder regions, "low-e" storm windows are more insulating and can significantly reduce your heating expenses.

In addition, low-e interior or exterior storm windows can reduce unnecessary heat loss by 10 to 30 percent. You should especially consider storm windows if your area frequently experiences extreme weather. In warmer climates, heat gain through windows may be a problem. In addition to minimizing heat loss, low-e coatings on windows can reduce heat gain by reflecting more light and lowering the amount of thermal energy that enters your home.

Energy Star breaks down the most efficient windows by climate or area of the U. on its website. Window shades, shutters, screens, and awnings can also provide an extra layer of insulation between your home and outside temperatures, leading to more energy conservation and better energy management.

Some states and utility companies also offer incentives for replacing windows with more energy-efficient versions. National Fenestration Rating Council NFRC label : helps you compare between energy-efficient windows, doors, and skylights by providing you with energy performance ratings in multiple categories.

An HVAC system comprises heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment. Whether you select heat pumps or a natural gas furnace, you'll want to ensure the HVAC equipment you choose is sufficient for your climate. Heat pumps are advantageous because they efficiently heat and cool your home.

Otherwise, you'll need two systems: an air conditioner to cool and a furnace or boiler to heat. Upgrades to ventilation can also improve your energy efficiency. A ventilation system comprises a network of ducts that distribute hot and cold air throughout your home.

If these ducts are not properly sealed or insulated, the resulting energy waste can add hundreds of dollars to your annual heating and cooling expenses. Proper insulation and maintenance on your ventilation system can reduce your heating and cooling expenses by up to 20 percent.

Weatherizing, or sealing air leaks around your home, is another way to reduce your heating and cooling expenses. The shield or "building envelope" between the inside and outside provides a barrier to weather, air, and moisture.

The most common sources of air leaks into your home are vents, windows, and doors. Ensure there are no cracks or openings between the wall and vent, window, or doorframe to prevent these leaks.

You can apply caulk to seal air leaks between stationary objects, such as the wall and window frame, and weather stripping for cracks between moving objects, such as operable windows and doors. Weather stripping and caulking are simple air-sealing techniques that typically offer a return on investment in less than a year.

Air leaks can also occur through openings in the wall, floor, and ceiling from plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring.

Hot air rises and escapes through small openings, whether through ducts, light fixtures, or the attic hatch. As the natural flow of heat is from warmer to cooler areas, these small openings can make your heating bill even higher if your attic is not sufficiently insulated.

Some approaches to energy efficiency, such as the Passive House standard , include a specific standard of thermal performance for the building envelope. Consider fully insulating your home to get the most out of weatherization. Insulation plays a crucial role in lowering your utility bills by retaining heat during the winter and keeping heat out of your home during the summer.

See buying and driving fuel efficient and alternative fuel vehicles for more information. There are many ways you can reduce electricity use in your home: Appliances and electronics -- Purchase energy-efficient products and operate them efficiently.

Use an advanced power strip to reduce "vampire loads"--electricity that is wasted when electronics are not in use. Lighting -- Purchase energy-efficient products, operate them efficiently, and incorporate more daylighting into your home using energy-efficient windows and skylights.

Electric space heating and cooling -- Purchase energy-efficient electric systems and operate them efficiently. Incorporate passive solar design concepts into your home, which include using energy-efficient windows. Properly insulate and air seal your home.

Select an energy-efficient heating system that doesn't use electricity. To learn more about the environmental impacts of energy use, as well as more general environmental information, in your area:.

Skip to main content. Energy and the Environment. Contact Us. Reduce the Environmental Impact of Your Energy Use. How clean is the energy I use? What is ENERGY STAR? Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.