You can take simple steps to reduce energy consumption, lower electricity bills, and contribute to a more sustainable future. This guide provides practical, actionable tips to help you save energy at home.

Quick wins to save money

Use your air conditioner and heater more efficiently

For the average home, heating and cooling can account for 27% of your energy consumption. Take these steps to keep your usage down:

  • Start with more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternatives. Use fans before air conditioning in summer, and wear thick layers, blankets or a heated throw in winter.
  • Set your air conditioner between 23-26°C in summer and your heater between 18-21°C in winter. Moderate temperatures mean your system doesn't have to work as hard.
  • 'Zone' your home by cooling or heating only the parts you'll spend most of your time in. Shut doors to unused areas.

Stop your warm and cool air from escaping

Keeping warm or cool air inside means you'll need less power to control the temperature, saving you money.

  • Seal gaps around doors, floors, windows and skirting boards to stop drafts.
  • During summer, keep curtains closed or install external shading if the sun hits your windows.
  • Insulate your ceiling, walls and floor for a longer-term investment.

Turn off appliances and lights when not in use

Appliances left on standby can add to your energy bill. Switch them off at the wall when not in use.

  • Turn off computers, kitchen appliances, and other utilities around the house.
  • Remember to switch off lights, heating and cooling when leaving a room.

Use efficient electric appliances

The model and type of appliance you buy can impact your electricity costs.

  • Check the Energy Rating Label - the more stars, the cheaper the appliance is to run.
  • Calculate appliance running costs and choose the more energy-efficient option.

Make simple swaps

Simple changes to your habits can help minimise your energy use and save money.

  • Use energy-efficient LED lighting by swapping traditional globes with LED alternatives that use up to 80% less energy.
  • In the kitchen, use your microwave or air fryer instead of the oven when possible. Clean fridge seals and use lids when cooking.
  • In the laundry, swap your dryer for a clothesline.

Visit www.energy.vic.gov.au/households to see how you can take control of your energy bills and find out what support is available if you need it.

Lock-in long term savings

Harness solar power

Switching to solar can save a typical household more than $1,000 every year on energy bills and even more with a solar battery, up to $1,400 annually. The Solar Homes rebates and loans offers:

  • Rooftop solar rebate up to $1,400 plus the option of a $1,400 interest-free loan, for eligible households.
  • Interest-free loans up to $8,800 for solar battery installation.
  • Additional $1,000 rebate for heat pump and solar hot water systems.

Compare energy offers

Save money on your energy bills by comparing prices on the Victorian Energy Compare website and switching to a cheaper offer. On average, people who used the Victorian Energy Compare website were able to save $240 in the first year alone.

Comparing offers is easy and takes about 10 minutes. All you need is a recent bill and some information about how your household uses energy.

Upgrade and save

The Victorian Energy Upgrades program helps homes and businesses get discounts on energy-efficient upgrades:

  • Reverse cycle air conditioners: Get discounts between $1,050 and $5,000 and save $150 to $600 a year on your bills.
  • Hot water heat pumps: Save $420 to $1,500 upfront and cut your bills by around $250 a year.
  • Induction cooktops: Save up to $140 on eligible induction cooktops. They are around three times more energy-efficient than gas cooktops and significantly healthier, eliminating harmful emissions that can trigger respiratory problems.

Existing homes can save up to $1,700 a year on energy bills by switching to all-electric appliances. Installing solar panels boosts the savings to $2,700 a year.