Last updated: 09 Mar 2023
Saving energy at home
How you heat and cool your home, heat water and use your fridge and freezer can bring down your energy bills.
On this page:
Heating and cooling
Follow these tips:
› Turn off your heater/aircon when you leave the room, or go to bed.
› In winter, set your thermostat between 18°C-20°C. Every degree above 20 can add 10% to your heating bill.
› In summer, set your thermostat between 24°C and 26°C.
› Ensure your electric hot water service is insulated if it is outside.
› Close blinds or curtains at night when it is cold, or during the day if it is hot.
› Open blinds or curtains during the day in winter, to get natural light and heat into your home.
Washing and drying
Follow these tips:
› Wash clothes using cold water (where possible). This can save you around $115 per year.
› Dry your clothes on a clothes line instead of in a clothes-dryer.
The fridge/freezer
Follow these tips:
› Make sure the door seal is tight and free from gaps so cold air can’t escape.
› An ideal fridge temperature is 4°C-5°C.
› An ideal freezer temperature is -15°C to -18°C.
› If you have a second fridge or freezer, only turn it on when you need it.
