As rising cost-of-living continues to strain household budgets across Australia, many households are searching for simple ways to reduce their energy bills without compromising on comfort. In fact, a staggering 95% of Australians are actively adopting everyday actions to cut back on their energy use at home, with experts highlighting that small changes can lead to significant savings.

Energy provider Origin has shared a list of five easy and practical tips to help Aussies save energy and keep their costs down.

Switch to LED light bulbs

Switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs could save you up to 75% on your lighting costs (that’s up to $16 per globe per year). Also, remember to turn off lights when leaving a room to avoid unnecessary energy use.

Manage your air con settings

Air conditioners should be set between 22°C and 24°C. Every degree outside this recommended range could be adding 10% to your energy bill.

Wash on cold instead of hot

About 90% of the energy used by your washing machine goes towards heating the water. By washing your clothes on cold, you’ll be saving on energy and cost while preserving the quality of your clothes in the longer term! It’s a win-win.

Avoid standby power

Switching off appliances at the wall rather than leaving them on standby could save your household up to $100 a year.
 
Appliance upgrades

If you’re in the market for new appliances, check the energy rating labels to compare models and lifetime running costs. While upfront costs may be higher, the energy savings over time often make them a worthwhile investment, especially in energy-intensive areas like heating, cooling, and large kitchen appliances. The more stars the label has, the more energy efficient it is and the lower the running costs will be.

For more useful tips on ways to reduce your energy usage and save costs, visit the Origin website.