Energy saving tips
Now’s the time to master your energy game and find ways to be home energy efficient, cut costs and boost savings.
We’ve put together some handy suggestions and strategies to help you slash your energy use that you can make your own – and share with family, friends and neighbours too!
Three steps to save money? Sounds like a plan
1. Get started today
Small effort, big rewards
- Be a microwave master – it’s quicker and more energy efficient than an oven
- Power shower! 4 mins max is what you’re aiming for to save on water heating costs
- Switch to cold washing. Not heating the water saves a big part of all the energy a machine uses
- Default to air con and heating less. Use fans more and try snuggling up on the couch with a cosy hot water bottle instead
2. Plan for tomorrow
Watch your energy savings grow
- Buy a heated throw during a sale. Save on heating costs and wrap up snug as a bug in a cosy rug!
- Replace your standard shower head with a new 3 star water-efficient brand and save on water heating costs
- Switch out to LED light bulbs. Light up your home for much less, and they last longer than the standard type
- Check your fridge seal and if it’s worn, replace it to stop the precious cold air escaping
3. Set up for future savings
Maximise energy efficiency over time
- Upgrade your appliances. Try to get the highest efficiency rated models within your budget
- Install external blinds or awnings to keep the heat out during summer
- Check your home’s insulation. Updating insulation works a treat in cutting energy costs
- Invest in double glazed windows to help reduce heat loss or gain. Or look into installing a skylight and let the sun take over from electric lighting
Find more tips in our Smart ways to save booklet (PDF 606 kB).
Get everyone in your household involved
Print this A4 version of the Energy saving action plan (PDF 48 kB) and turn energy saving actions into cost saving habits.
Meet the housemates and watch their energy story
Don’t stand for standby power!
Did you know standby power is responsible for around 3% of total energy use in the average home and can cost up to $100 each year?
Standby power, also known as vampire power, silently sucks away at your energy even when your appliances are turned off. Just keeping an appliance plugged in can still use a small amount of power.
Switch your appliances off at the wall and you could save up to $100 each year.
Don’t let your gas appliances burn your wallet!
Did you know that every degree you turn up your heating can add up to 10% on your energy usage?
Knowing how much energy your gas appliances consume can help you budget better and save you some extra money.
Find out how much using gas appliances can cost you.
Simple switches you can make today
Ditch the kettle
When it’s warm, switch to iced tea or coffee. Stay cool and refreshed while saving energy.
Load up your wash
Swap out washing half loads and fill up the machine, it uses the same amount of energy.
Switch to air drying
Dry clothes on a rack or out in sun and save on the energy your dryer uses.
Want more? Read our latest energy efficiency blogs
Save all year round with Steve the door Snake
Steve’s summer energy saving tips
Steve the door snake knows a lot about ways you can save energy and cut costs during the summer months. In fact, he really knows hisss stuff. Find all Steve’s recommendations on staying cool and saving all summer long, straight from the snake’s mouth.
Winter energy savers Steve can vouch for
Save energy during the coldest months, with Steve the door snake’s coolest tips to keep you toasty and warm for less. He’s not afraid to have his say to help bring the sunny savings to your darkest, coldest days. Check out his winter energy savings blog.
Keep track in My Account
You can check your energy usage in the Origin app. This will give you a good understanding of your total energy usage for your bill period.
To take seasonal differences into account, compare your energy usage (in kWh or MJ) to the same bill period from the previous year (as long as you were with us at the same address at that time).
The nitty-gritty of energy efficiency
10 tips to drop your energy costs
Need inspo and ideas to lower your energy bills? Read about 10 ways you can reduce energy usage in your home without having to bust out too much effort.
Learn about reducing usage outdoors
Energy efficiency shouldn’t be limited to what we use inside our homes. See how you can save on outdoor energy costs with our savvy energy saving tips and tweaks.
Hacks to clean up on energy efficiency
Save time and energy usage – now that’s a win-win! Learn about cleaning hacks to reduce energy usage that hone in on time efficient ways to clean home appliances with energy savings in mind.