Reduce Your Power Bill

25 per cent of your electricity bill is spent on providing electricity for less than 40 hours each year. Save energy now and improve the energy efficiency of your home.

1. Insulate ceilings

Up to 30 per cent of heat loss or gain is through an un-insulated ceiling. We recommend you install the highest R-Value your budget will allow to improve the thermal performance of your ceiling and help make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. If you already have insulation it may not be enough. Top-up insulation is also available to help upgrade your existing insulation, remember to lay it at right angles to prevent thermal bridging.¹

2. Insulate external and internal walls

Installing insulation in external walls could help reduce heat loss or gain by up to 25 per cent. Not only is insulation designed to reduce heat transfer but will also act as a good sound barrier preventing unwanted noise from travelling outside to inside the home. If you can’t afford to insulate the whole house, pick one room to fully insulate creating an energy efficient compartment.²

Use the highest R-value insulation possible for your cavity as unlike ceiling insulation you are unlikely to get a second opportunity to insulate your walls. When installing, ensure there are no gaps, tucks and folds in the insulation as these can affect the insulation and undermine the potential thermal performance.

The acoustic performance of internal walls is best achieved by using the highest density product available. If budgets dictate don’t leave the cavity empty and use a low density insulation which will significantly increase the acoustic performance of the walls.

3. Masonry cavity walls

Uninsulated cavity walls will leak heat energy in winter and absorb heat energy into the home in summer. The best solution to improve the thermal performance of cavity walls is to fully fill the cavity with insulation. Blow-in insulation can be used for retrofit installations, and for new builds, DriTherm® Cavity slab insulation will bring the comfort level of your home up to modern standards.3

4. Upgrade your appliances

If you plan on upgrading your appliances look for the ones with an energy rating label. The appliances are rated with stars from 1-10 on fridges, freezers and TVs and 1-6 for all other white goods. Remember, the higher the star rating the higher the energy efficiency and potential saving on your energy bill.4

5. Double glazed windows

Double glazed windows will help to reduce solar and conductive heat gain. Unglazed windows account for up to 40 per cent of heat loss and an even higher 87 per cent heat gain.5

6. Seal gaps

Reduce your energy bills by up to 25 per cent with one of the easiest upgrades for your home. The most common areas for air leakage are poorly sealed windows and doors, unsealed vents, skylights and exhaust fans, draught proof these areas and save. 6

7. Use energy efficient light bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs use between 9 and 20 watts, cutting your energy consumption by anywhere between 25 to 80 per cent and lasting 4-10 times longer than regular incandescent light bulbs.7

8. Purchase a 3-star rated showerhead

Save up to 14,500 litres of water per year by installing a water-efficient showerhead. Standard showerheads can use up to 25 litres per minute while a 3-star showerhead will use no more than 7 litres per minute saving approximately $75 per year on gas bills.8

9. Install solar panels

Solar panels can help save money on your energy bills and you could also get paid to have solar panels. Contact your electricity retailer to work out what you will get for the electricity your solar creates and puts back into the grid.9

10. Install water storage units

A grey water system and/or rainwater storage tanks are a good way to reduce your household’s water consumption. Stored rainwater can be used for multiple domestic uses such as toilet flushing, clothes washing and gardening. Water tanks are available for underground and above ground use and come in different shapes, sizes and material to suit your requirements.10                                                  

1Australian Government, Department of Industry, (2013) YourHome 2Australian Government, Department of Industry, (2013) YourHome 3Australian Government, Department of Industry, (2013)YourHome 4Australian Government, Department of Industry, (2013) YourHome 5Australian Government, Department of Industry, (2013) YourHome 6Australian Government, Department of Industry, (2013) YourHome 7Australian Government, Department of Industry (2014) Your Energy Savings 8Australian Government, Department of Environment, (2014) Water Rating 9Australian Government, Department of Industry, (2013) YourHome 10Australian Government, Department of Industry, (2013) YourHome