How To Reduce Your Electric Bill This Winter (and Year-Round)

When winter comes and it’s freezing cold outdoors, there is nothing better than cosying up in front of the heater. That is until your next electricity bill lands in your inbox. It is not uncommon for your power bill to surge a couple of hundred dollars during the cooler months. So how to reduce your electric bill and save money?

The first step is to compare electricity providers to make sure you are paying the best available rate. Once you have done this, there are some other simple tricks that can help to save on your next power bill.

We’ve put together six ideas to implement over winter to make your home cosy without breaking the bank.

Tip #1: Check your hot water

Hot water heating makes up almost 21% of every household's electricity bill, according to Origin Energy. So how can you prevent water bills from escalating during the winter months? Start by checking your tap and shower flows to ensure you aren't letting money flow down the drain. Set your hot water cylinder at 60°C and the tap no hotter than 55°C. It should be warm enough to prevent legionella bacteria from growing but not so hot that it scalds you when you simply want to freshen up with a shower. Families with young children may set their tap temperature five to ten degrees lower than the recommended 55°C.

A long shower is a great way to warm up at the start or end of a winter’s day, but it can be a budget-breaker. Did you know that showers make up the majority of daily hot water consumption? An average modern shower head uses around nine litres of water per minute, with hot water accounting for 40 per cent of it. During an eight-minute shower, you are churning through around 29 litres of hot water. One of the easiest ways to reduce your electricity bill is to simply take shorter showers – so be quick! And if your showers usually take more than 15 minutes, then maybe have a bath instead.
 

Tip #2: Upgrade your curtains

Another way to save money on your electricity usage during winter is to upgrade your curtains. This is a fabulous and cost-effective way to insulate your home as it blocks the cool air from coming in and slows down or stops warm air from escaping.

If you haven't already, consider installing thermal-backed curtains to keep the heat inside your home. These have an acrylic coating that ensures your place stays toasty in winter and can help you save money on your power bill. Blockout curtains, which are also typically made from thicker material, will produce a similar result.

Curtains are also great to have during summer as they contribute to keeping the home cool. Some types of thermal-backed curtains have multiple layers of this coating to bump up the insulation factor. To guarantee their efficiency in reducing electricity usage, make sure that the curtains are appropriately fitted to the window frames.
 

Tip #3: Install insulation

Ceiling insulation is another effective way to reduce your energy costs when the weather is brisk. According to Environment Victoria, a well-insulated house can use as much as 45% less energy for heating and cooling, which means cheaper electricity bills. Insulation works by protecting your home against external temperature variations – during both the cooler and warmer months.

The Building Code of Australia requires R4-rated insulation batts to be used in new homes as a minimum standard. The ‘R’ refers to the thermal resistance rating. If you are looking to cut energy costs, chose batts with a higher rating. And while these can be pricey to install, they can significantly reduce your energy consumption. Insulation batts can also help prevent damp air from entering your home.

Rugs are also a fantastic way of insulating your home. Not only do they improve the aesthetic appeal of your interior, but they are also functional. Rugs provide another layer of lining to the floor of your house and help to keep it cosy. Even better, this is another inexpensive way to save electricity.
 

Tip #4: Prevent drafts

Broken, cracked or misaligned doors and windows are often culprits for letting in cold draughts. They can account for up to 20% heat loss in your home, so take the time to seal up any gaps or cracks in walls and reinstall weather stripping. Make sure you go through the house and check every nook and cranny for cold air seeping through.
You can also stop draughts with old-fashioned sand-filled door snakes, these are available at hardware or decor stores. For those who are crafty, you can even make your own. Door snakes work simply by stopping drafts which make for a warmer interior and lower energy costs. But they won’t be effective if you don’t seal your windows and doors properly.

Around 40 per cent of heat energy escapes through windows. So if you can afford it, upgrade to double-glazed windows. See it as a smart investment for the long-term that will largely contribute to reducing your electricity bills in winter. Double-glazed windows are effective against heat loss as the space between the two panes of glass creates a thermal barrier. This acts just like insulation and slows the heat flow preventing it from escaping. Another bonus of installing double-glazed windows is that it also reduces outside noise.
 

Tip #5: Sort out your heating

Sorting out your heating is the most significant factor in creating a comfortable indoor environment in winter. But heating your home can come with costly energy bills, so there are a few things to consider. If you use an air-conditioner, you can reduce your running costs by dropping the thermostat a degree or two.

Nobody expects you to wear a beanie and scarf inside, but if it is getting a bit cool, put on a jumper or pull a throw over you before rushing to heat the room. This will also save you running your heating for hours a day.
If you are looking at installing new heating, remember to consult the experts before making any expensive decisions. They are best to advise you on how to reduce your energy bill. There are many things to consider before installing heating, such as whether you would prefer air-conditioning or a fireplace and whether to choose gas, electricity or wood burning. The size and shape of the area you intend to heat also need to be considered.
 

Tip #6: Look for savings in the laundry

With fewer sunny days, laundry can not only be a hassle during winter but also expensive. And while it is tempting to pile full loads of wet washing into the clothes dryer, this will not reduce your energy bill.

Firstly ensure that both your washing machine and dryer have a good energy rating. And instead of using the dryer for hours a day, minimise it by using alternatives such as indoor drying racks or hanging rails. Be sure to make the most of when the sun finally appears by washing clothes and pegging them on the line. Not only will it save energy, but it also helps to make your laundry smell fresh. Ultraviolet light from the sun kills bacteria, so it is also healthier.

By following these six tips, you will make sure to stay warm and save money on your electric bill this winter.

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