Save energy in the home

Last updated: 12 May 2023
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With ongoing cost of living pressures and the rising cost of utility bills, taking steps to reduce your household’s energy use will have a big impact on your hip pocket. 

By reducing the amount of energy you use at home, you will:

  • save money
  • reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Household energy action guide

The Household energy action guide offers simple, cost-effective ways to reduce your energy bills by taking action around your home. Could you be doing more to save energy and money?

Household energy action guide (pdf, 146.1 kB)

Heating and cooling

Heating and cooling accounts for about 40% of household energy use. 

Significant savings can be made by improving the thermal efficiency of your home and optimising it for passive cooling. 

Upgrading your heating system can be the most effective way to cut your energy bill. Upgrading to an electric reverse cycle split system is the most energy efficient, lowest cost heating option available that generates the lowest greenhouse emissions. If you have both gas heating and a reverse cycle air conditioner, simply opting to use the air conditioner instead of your gas option will result in immediate savings with no capital investment.

Active cooling systems such as fans, evaporative coolers and air conditioners play their part when cooling a house, but passive techniques that focus on windows, draught proofing, ventilation, insulation and landscaping can reduce energy consumption and be instrumental in keeping a house cool during the heat of the summer months.

Heat your home efficiently
Heat your home efficiently to save money and lower your greenhouse gas emissions.
Cool your home efficiently
Keep heat out and use your cooling system more effectively to reduce costs.

Water heating

The simplest ways to reduce the cost of water heating are to reduce your hot water use and ensure your system is operating efficiently.

Install a low-flow shower head. Take shorter showers. Wash your clothes in cold water. Fix dripping hot water taps. Insulate exposed hot water pipes. Have your hot water system serviced regularly.

If you have an old electric or gas fuelled hot water system, it will be less efficient and replacing it with a heat-pump hot water unit is a great option. 

Reduce water heating costs
Choose the right hot water system and use it wisely, to save energy and lower costs.

Lighting

Reducing the cost of lighting is as simple as upgrading older lights to LED, turning lights off when you're not using them and using natural light wherever possible.

Reduce lighting costs
Choose the right lights and fittings, turn lights off when you're not using them and use natural light wherever possible.

Household appliances

Small changes in the way you use appliances can have a big impact on your energy bills. If you have solar panels, run your appliances during the day when the sun is shining.

Energy-efficient home appliances often cost more to buy. But they save money in the long run, as you spend less money to run them.

When you buy a new appliance, use the energy rating labels to compare models and lifetime running costs. The more stars the label has, the more energy efficient it is and the lower the running cost will be.

Reduce clothes dryer costs
 Clothes dryers can consume a lot of electricity when used regularly. Choose the most energy efficient model suitable for your household.
Reduce cooking appliance costs
Make energy-efficienct choices when using ovens, stovetops and microwaves.
Reduce computer running costs
Computers account for up to 5% of home electricity use.
Reduce dishwasher costs
Buy the most energy efficient and cost-effective model to suit your household needs.
Reduce fridge and freezer costs
Fridges are one of the highest energy users in the home. Consider long-term running costs and ways to improve efficiency.
Reduce pool pump costs
Pool pumps can add up to 20 or 30% of your energy bill.
Reduce TV running costs
Choose an energy-efficient TV and get tips to run it efficiently.
Reduce washing machine costs
Buy the most energy efficient washing machine that suits your needs.

Solar PV

Install a solar PV system to generate electricity from the sun.

Solar power
Installing a solar photovoltaic system will allow you to generate renewable energy and reduce your electricity bills.

Take control of your energy use and billing

Understanding your bill and how and when you consume energy in the home lets you take control and make easy savings. 

Many retailers have apps that let you see your electricity use in half hour intervals – this can help you identify high use appliances or unexpected energy use. Alternately, in-home displays are available and allow you to monitor and check your household energy use as it occurs.

Learn how to organise an in-home display with Victorian Energy Upgrades. Knowing how to read your energy bill can help you reduce your energy use and save money.

To reduce your energy bills further, find a better rate with Victorian Energy Compare.