When we first embarked on our journey of living in Australia, our main goal was to save aggressively for a house deposit. As we settled into our new lives, we quickly realized that managing our household expenses was crucial. One of the significant expenses we faced was our electricity bill. With a little creativity and discipline, we found several effective ways to cut down on our electricity costs. I’d love to share our journey with you, along with the tips that have made a tangible difference in our monthly bills.
1. Turn Off Lights in Unoccupied Rooms
One of the simplest and most effective habits we’ve adopted is turning off lights when we leave a room. It seems trivial, but it’s surprising how much energy we waste by leaving lights on in unoccupied spaces. My daughter has become our little energy saver; she’s great at reminding us to flick the switch before we head out. It’s a small action that makes a big impact over time.
2. Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
It’s all too easy to leave appliances plugged in, thinking that turning them off is enough. However, many devices consume energy even in standby mode. We made a habit of unplugging electronics and chargers that aren’t in use. For example, after watching our favorite shows, we ensure to turn off and unplug the TV, which can save us more than we realize. This small step can significantly reduce our power consumption.
3. Do Laundry Once a Week During Off-Peak Times
Laundry can be a major energy consumer, especially if done frequently. We decided to limit ourselves to doing laundry just once a week, and we always aim to do it during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. This strategy not only cuts costs but also makes efficient use of our appliances. Plus, when we do laundry in bulk, the dryer is already warm, helping our clothes dry faster.
4. Use Cold Water for Laundry
Another easy switch has been to use cold water for our laundry. Heating water can account for a significant portion of the energy used in washing machines, so opting for cold water has helped us save money on our electricity bill. Most of our clothes can be washed effectively in cold water, and it’s become a new routine we appreciate for both its cost-effectiveness and its gentleness on our clothes.
5. Adjust the Thermostat Wisely
We learned that adjusting the thermostat could lead to substantial savings. During the summer, we set our thermostat to around 25 degrees Celsius, and in winter, we keep it at about 20 degrees. This simple adjustment can save around 10% on heating and cooling costs. It’s a great reminder that comfort doesn’t have to come at a high price.
6. Hand-Wash Dishes
Rather than relying on our dishwasher, we often opt to hand-wash our dishes. This not only saves electricity but also helps us save water by washing them in a small basin, just as we did back home. We make it a family affair, chatting and catching up while we wash—turning a chore into quality time. Plus, we can clean up right after meals, keeping our kitchen tidy.
7. Air Dry Clothes Whenever Possible
Whenever the weather permits, we always air dry our clothes. In the summer, this is especially easy, and it saves us from running the dryer altogether. When winter rolls around and we need to use the dryer, we spin the clothes twice in the washing machine to reduce drying time. This way, we minimize energy use while still keeping our laundry routine intact.
8. Keep the Fridge Door Closed
It’s easy to forget how much energy the fridge uses when it’s frequently opened and closed. To save electricity, we’ve made it a habit to minimize the number of times we open the fridge. When we do need something, we make a list and grab everything at once. This not only keeps the cold air in but also helps us be more mindful about what we’re consuming.
9. Watch Less TV
Our family stands out as one of the few that doesn’t have Netflix or any other streaming services. Instead of binge-watching shows, we prefer playing board games or spending time outdoors. This choice has significantly reduced our screen time—and our electricity bill! Plus, it allows us to bond as a family, creating memories beyond what any screen can offer.
10. Use a Thermos for Hot Water
Instead of boiling water every time we want a hot drink, we started using a thermos. This not only saves electricity but also keeps our water hot for hours, ready for whenever we want to make tea or coffee. It’s a simple adjustment that has made our daily routine more efficient and enjoyable.
11. Embrace Natural Light
We feel fortunate to have ample natural light in our home. By making the most of it—opening the blinds and letting sunlight flood in—we can reduce our reliance on artificial lighting. It’s a beautiful way to brighten our space, and we love that it doesn’t cost a thing. Natural light also creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing our overall living experience.
12. Shop Around and Compare Electricity Rates
Lastly, we make it a point to review and compare our electricity rates every six months. Websites like Compare Energy Victoria have become our go-to resources for finding the best deals. This simple act of shopping around has helped us secure more favorable rates, leading to additional savings. Staying informed allows us to make smarter choices for our household budget.
Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Savings
Looking back on our journey, I realize that saving money on electricity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Many of the changes we’ve made are small, simple adjustments that have become second nature. By being mindful of our consumption and working as a team, we’ve not only reduced our bills but also fostered a deeper appreciation for our resources.
Involving the whole family in these efforts has been essential. It’s empowering for our daughter to understand that her actions can contribute to our savings. Plus, the money we save on electricity can be redirected to our house deposit or emergency funds, making our financial goals feel more achievable.
So, if you’re looking for ways to save money on electricity, I encourage you to start small. Adopt a few of these tips, and over time, you’ll likely see the positive impact on your bills—and your family’s awareness of energy conservation will grow, too. Together, let’s make our homes more energy-efficient and enjoy the journey toward financial freedom!
