In New South Wales it’s common for energy bills to be the most costly household expense. We install and service a wide range of energy efficient lights, appliances and power systems to reduce energy bills but not everyone has access to competent and qualified electricians.

EcoSparx provide some handy ways to help reduce your energy bills.

1. Monitor your power usage

One of the simplest ways to reduce your energy bills is to monitor your power usage. Take note of how often you run portable appliances such as kettles, toasters, electric fans, air-conditioner units, gaming consoles, computers, etc and when possible minimise the amount of power these appliances consume by turning them off at the powerpoint.

2. Upgrade appliances

There’s a saying; you need to spend money to make money. In this case, you need to spend money to save money. Electrical appliances that have been in the family for years or cheap bargains you picked up at a garage sale have their value. Unfortunately, that value doesn’t often come in the form of high energy efficiency ratings. Upgrade your dishwashers, washing machines or dryers for more energy efficient appliances and in the long run it will reduce your energy bill.

3. Try a week of minimal living

Many Australians don’t realise how dependant we are on electricity. Almost all of our daily activities require the use of electricity like checking emails, watching videos, accessing education online, cooling the home and other daily tasks. It’s easy to forget that we don’t always need to be plugged in. Make a conscious effort to live minimally for a week, reduce the amount of electrical appliance usage and depending on your energy consumption your week of minimal living can result in a reduce energy bill.

4. Chat With Your Energy Provider

Previously energy retailers had little competition and as long as they kept your home powered on, they didn’t need to provide much customer service. The industry is much different now. Due to increased competition and low rates it’s now vital for energy retailers to communicate with customers. Call your energy provider and ask them about peak and off-peak electricity times, discounted rates for long-term customers and if there are more suitable plans that suit your energy usage.

5. Be Informed

Make it second nature to ask about the energy efficiency of new and second-hand appliances before you buy them. Research and learn the basics of how electricity is generated, transmitted and distributed to your home. Make it common practice to be aware of your energy usage and the subsequent demand it has on power generation which increases the amount of fossil fuels burnt (depending on your grids form of power generation).

6. Install a PV Solar System

Convert sunlight into electricity cleanly and quietly. There are still plenty of subsidies and rebates available for installing solar that help make the switch to solar more cost friendly. Accessing and Installing solar is the most effective way to reduce energy bills for homes in the Northern Rivers and NSW. It’s also currently the most environmentally friendly option for customers wanting to make a greener choice. Book your solar switch today.

Want to take the next step in reducing your energy bills? Contact EcoSparx for an energy audit on your Northern Rivers property.

*Property owners are responsible for ensuring all electrical wiring work is preformed by a license electrician. Do not preform electrical work unless you are a qualified and licensed electrician.