Using energy efficiently can help reduce your bills and environmental impact. Small changes to how you heat, cool and use appliances can make a difference without compromising comfort or safety.

The savings available will depend on your home or business, appliances, energy prices and how energy is used.


Start with simple changes

You can reduce energy use by:

  • switching off lights, appliances and office equipment when they are not needed;

  • turning suitable appliances off at the power point to reduce standby use;

  • using energy-saving or eco settings;

  • heating or cooling only the rooms being used;

  • using curtains, blinds and external shading to manage heat;

  • checking for draughts around doors and windows; and

  • monitoring your bills or usage information to identify changes in consumption.


Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not switch off equipment that must operate continuously, such as medical, safety, security or essential communications equipment.


Heating and cooling

Heating and cooling can be a significant part of household energy use.

To reduce consumption:

  • set heating between approximately 18°C and 20°C in winter;

  • set cooling between approximately 25°C and 27°C in summer;

  • close doors to rooms that are not being used;

  • use fans where they provide sufficient cooling;

  • close curtains and blinds before the hottest part of a summer day;

  • use sunlight for warmth during winter and close curtains before it gets dark;

  • clean air-conditioner filters as recommended by the manufacturer; and

  • turn heating and cooling off when you leave or when it is no longer needed.


Every additional degree of heating in winter or cooling in summer can increase heating or cooling energy use.


Lighting and appliances

  • Replace old light globes with suitable energy-efficient LED lighting.

  • Turn lights off when a room is not being used.

  • Choose an appliance that is appropriately sized for your needs.

  • Compare both the star rating and annual energy consumption shown on the Energy Rating Label.

  • Avoid leaving televisions, computers, gaming consoles and other suitable appliances on standby for extended periods.

  • Use timers or smart controls where they are safe and useful.

  • Maintain appliances in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.


A larger appliance with the same star rating as a smaller model may still use more energy, so compare the energy-consumption figures as well as the number of stars.


Visit the Australian Government’s Energy Rating website to compare appliance efficiency.


Kitchen

  • Run the dishwasher when full and use an economy setting where available.

  • Use lids on pots and pans.

  • Match the pot or pan to the size of the cooking zone.

  • Use smaller appliances, such as a microwave or air fryer, where they are suitable and more efficient for the amount of food being prepared.

  • Avoid opening the oven door unnecessarily while cooking.

  • Check that refrigerator and freezer door seals are clean and working properly.

  • Allow suitable ventilation around refrigerators and freezers in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

  • Let hot food cool safely before placing it in the refrigerator.

  • Set appliances to the manufacturer’s recommended temperatures.


Laundry

  • Wash clothes in cold water where appropriate.

  • Use economy settings and wash full loads, or select an appropriate setting for a smaller load.

  • Air-dry clothes where practical.

  • Clean clothes-dryer filters after use.

  • Use the washing machine’s highest practical spin speed before drying clothes in a dryer.

  • Avoid over-drying clothes.


Hot water and bathrooms

Reducing hot-water use can lower both energy and water costs.

You can:

  • take shorter showers;

  • use a water-efficient showerhead that is compatible with your hot-water system;

  • repair leaking hot-water taps and appliances;

  • wash clothes in cold water where appropriate; and

  • use the cold position on mixer taps when hot water is not required.


For safety, do not simply lower the temperature of a storage hot-water system. Australian Government guidance recommends that stored water be heated to at least 60°C to control harmful bacteria. A licensed plumber can advise on safe delivery temperatures and the use of tempering valves.


Pools and spas

Pool pumps and heating can use significant amounts of energy.

To reduce consumption:

  • use a correctly fitted pool or spa cover;

  • operate pumps only for the time needed to maintain safe water quality;

  • review pump schedules as seasons and usage change;

  • consider an energy-efficient or variable-speed pump when replacement is required;

  • minimise unnecessary heating and lighting; and

  • maintain filters and other equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.


Do not reduce filtration or sanitation below the level needed to maintain safe water quality.


Building or renovating

If you own your home or premises, possible longer-term improvements include:

  • ceiling, wall and floor insulation suitable for the building and climate;

  • draught sealing;

  • external shading;

  • energy-efficient windows or window coverings;

  • efficient reverse-cycle heating and cooling;

  • a heat-pump or suitable solar hot-water system;

  • rooftop solar;

  • battery storage; and

  • energy-management or smart-control systems.

Obtain appropriate advice about safety, suitability, likely savings, warranties and installation costs before committing to an upgrade.


If you rent, live in strata or are supplied through an embedded network, obtain any required permission from your landlord, owners corporation, building manager or embedded network operator before installing or altering equipment.


All electrical, gas, solar, battery and hot-water work must be completed by appropriately licensed or accredited workers where required.


Small-business energy savings

Businesses may also reduce energy use by:

  • switching off lighting, signage, computers and equipment outside operating hours where safe;

  • using timers, occupancy sensors or automated controls;

  • reviewing heating, cooling and ventilation schedules;

  • maintaining refrigeration and HVAC equipment;

  • identifying equipment that continues to operate unnecessarily overnight;

  • comparing energy-efficient replacement equipment;

  • training staff in efficient operating practices; and

  • considering an energy assessment for premises with high or complex energy use.


Do not switch off refrigeration, alarms, emergency systems, communications equipment or other essential equipment that must remain operational.


Use energy at the right time

If your electricity pricing changes at different times of the day, moving flexible activities to a lower-priced period may reduce costs.


This could include running a dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, pool pump or electric-vehicle charger at a lower-priced time. Check the tariff applying to your account before changing when you use energy.


Only operate appliances unattended where the manufacturer confirms it is safe to do so.


Rebates, assistance and upgrades

Government rebates, concessions, incentives or discounted finance may be available for eligible households and businesses. Programs and eligibility change over time.


Use the Australian Government’s rebates and assistance finder to search for current programs in your state or territory.


If you are having difficulty paying an energy bill, contact us as soon as possible. We can explain available payment assistance and direct you to relevant concessions or support.


See our Hardship & Family Domestic Violence page for more information.


More information

For current Australian Government guidance, visit:


For help understanding your energy use or bill:


Call: 1300 587 623
Or contact us online: Submit an enquiry