While Australia is among the countries with enviable resources, its energy prices are also among the highest in the world and it’s residents pay some of the highest electricity bills. If you’re already feeling the strain caused by high energy costs, you can start with a few small changes that could have a huge impact on your energy bills.

Why energy conservation is a must

Energy conservation is essential and beneficial at the same time. The steps you’ll take toward energy conservation will contribute to a better lifestyle. It can conserve energy, reduce your expenses, improve the value of your property, and help you do your part in protecting the environment.

10 Ways to Conserve Energy

1. Conduct an energy audit

This is an important step to effectively reduce your energy consumption. With an energy audit, you will be able to get a clear view of how efficient your energy usage is. You can conduct this on your own, or seek utility companies that can offer an energy audit as a free service. Alternatively, you can run an energy comparison.

2. Eliminate phantom load

“Phantom load” refers to appliances that are not in use but still consume energy. A study reveals that up to 25% of energy consumption is caused by electronics that are turned off and not in use.

Appliances such as TVs, internet routers, and computers can contribute to the increase in your electricity bills. These are the household items with standby power that continue to work even when turned off. To avoid unnecessary power consumption, turn units off at the power point when they are not in use.

3. Upgrade your Air-Con system

A HVAC system refers to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning used in your home. It requires regular maintenance to improve efficiency and prevent operational problems. Some of the steps to ensure the cost-efficiency of your HVAC system are as follows:

• Schedule annual maintenance

• Change your air filter regularly

• Make the most of your programmable thermostat

• Schedule an air duct inspection

• Schedule a home energy audit

• Replace system if necessary

4. Insulate your home

One of the most effective ways to lower your energy bills is good insulation. It works two ways – by helping retain heat during winter and keeping the heat out during summer. Ideally, the heat resistance level should be based on your location. There’s a difference in the level of insulation needed in places with warmer climates vs those in colder regions.

There are also 5 areas in your house where insulation must be installed. These include your:

• Attic

• Basement

• Floors

• Walls

• Crawlspace

5. Seal air leaks

Also known as weatherising, the process of sealing air leaks in your home is an effective way to reduce your expenses on heating and cooling. It is important to ensure that cracks or openings are not present in between walls and vents, windows, and doorframes – these are the areas where air leaks are commonly found.

Caulk is applied to seal air leaks in walls, window frames, and other stationery items. As for cracks between moving objects, weather-stripping is applied. Both are techniques that can help conserve energy in your home when done correctly.

6. Try energy-saving landscaping

Landscaping is usually done to beautify surroundings, though it can offer more than just aesthetic benefits. There are energy-saving techniques that you can try in order to make landscaping effective tool to cut energy costs. You can insulate your home naturally by planting trees and using them to shade your home. Replacing rock and cement with other alternatives like bamboo and timber can also help make your home more energy-efficient.

7. Make the most of windows

The windows in your home can contribute to energy efficiency. At the same time, they can also lead to energy waste and lead to a higher energy bill.

Heat loss through windows should be avoided to control an unnecessary surge in your total heating bill. One way to prevent this is by using double-pane instead of single-pane windows. Coatings can also be applied to further reduce heating expenses. Other products or installations such as shades, shutters, screens, and awnings can also be used to improve your energy conservation efforts.

8. Reduce your water heating expenses

One of the causes of high energy consumption is water heating. The good news is, there are easy ways to minimise its use. Some of these include:

• Reduce usage of hot water

• Lower water heater thermostat

• Insulate water heater together its hot and cold-water pipes

• Switch to an energy-efficient model

9. Use energy-efficient appliances

The appliances you use in your home usually make up a large percentage of your total household energy use, so you have to ensure that you choose energy-efficient appliances. Shop smart by comparing the initial cost vs the annual operating cost. Most of the time, energy-efficient appliances with higher upfront costs come with lower operating costs and prove to be cost-effective in the long run.

TIP: Look for the ENERGY STAR label. This is the mark that guarantees that a certain appliance consumes less energy in comparison with other models, both when in use and when on standby mode.

10. Practice discipline in your home

Your daily behaviour can greatly impact your energy consumption and by adjusting some habits, you can easily promote energy conservation. Simple acts like turning off lights and unplugging appliances when not in use can make a huge difference that will reflect on your energy bill. You can also consider doing tasks manually from time to time to reduce your energy usage.