Tips to keep your winter electricity bills down

We all want to keep warm during freezing Australian winters, but nobody likes the high electricity bills that come with it. As we head into the colder months, Salvos Moneycare has put together some tips to help keep you warm without the hefty costs.

Warm yourself without electricity

Instead of turning on the heater, put on additional layers of clothing, use extra blankets when you go to sleep or snuggle up to a heat pack. Physical exercise is also an effective way of increasing body heat — going for a jog outside, doing jumping jacks inside or simple seated stretches can help keep you feeling toasty.

You could be eligible for assistance

The government offers energy bill relief as well as various rebates and concessions across the country. See what you are entitled to and be sure to apply.

Shop around

Research different providers and plans to ensure you are not paying more than you need to. Websites like this can be used to find the best deal. It is worth considering renewable energy options and even things like the ‘time of use tariff’ where you pay lower rates if you use electricity during off-peak periods.

Heat responsibly

When you do use heating, keep the doors closed so the warmth doesn’t escape and turn it off before leaving the house or going to sleep. If possible, don’t set your heating any higher than 20°C — every degree above that will add more money to your bill.

Harness the power of sunlight

Although the sun doesn’t come out as often during winter, be sure to take advantage when it does. On sunny days, use natural light instead of turning on the lights and dry your clothes outside instead of using the dryer. By opening the curtains or blinds during the day, the sunlight can warm your home for free — but make sure you close them at night!

Consider insulation

Insulating your home stops the heat from escaping and means you are less reliant on electrical heating. It has been estimated that insulating your home can reduce heating costs by as much as 45 per cent. However, always ensure that you consult the experts and that your home is insulated in line with Australian standards.

Be mindful of ‘vampire appliances’

A spooky name for an expensive problem. ‘Vampire appliances’ are ones that continue to consume energy even when they are turned off. These include video game consoles, televisions, toasters, microwaves and kettles. When these devices are not in use, consider switching them off at the power outlet or just unplugging them. You can also purchase smart plugs/power boards that keep the devices from draining energy when they are not in use.