Want to run a more energy efficient home? Reducing your bills has never been easier! Kitty & Miles has compiled a list of 8 super easy tips to minimise your monthly and quarterly bills without compromising on lifestyle. 

1. Switch off appliances

We’ve all got that friend who switches off their appliances at the powerpoint when it’s not in use. Heck, some of us even know a person who turns off the mains when they leave the house! You may think this is overkill, but actually they’re onto a good thing. 

When you switch off your appliances while not in use, they’re no longer in ‘standby’ mode, which still uses electricity. Decrease your power bill by up to 10% by switching off at the socket from now on. 

2. Upgrade old appliances 

If you’re holding on to an old appliance like the trusty 1980s washing machine you inherited from your parents when you moved out, it’s time to start thinking about an upgrade. This isn’t because the model is unattractive or noisy, but rather because it is likely to be using up way too much power. Older appliances often use more energy than the newer models we see today, so switching them out can be quite beneficial to your bills.

3. Reduce water usage

Making adjustments to how you use water in your home can make a drastic difference to your quarterly water bill. Some will require a small cost to set up, while others should be easy to implement in your everyday routine. Suggestions include: 

• Installing a water-efficient showerhead
• Using rainwater tanks to collect water
• Repairing leaks (big or small)
• Reducing the temperature (use cold water where possible)
• Turning off the tap when brushing your teeth
• Filling the kettle up only as much as you need
• Wearing warm clothes in winter/cool clothes in summer to reduce air con  

4. Prevent draughts

Air gaps in your home could be costing you more than you know. Look for gaps around your doorframes, windows, even between walls and flooring to see if your home is losing its cool air in the summer, warm air in the winter, and letting in air from the outdoors while that air con is pumping. Blocking these small cracks and crevices shouldn’t cost more than a few dollars to fix with the right gap sealer in place. 

5. Check your insulation

Ensure your home is well insulated to help keep the warmth in during those cold winter months (and blocking out some of that summer heat during the warmer months). A professional can check your current level of insulation by checking the roof cavity, in between your walls and under the floors. 

6. Smart lighting

Smart technology is here to stay it seems – and that’s a great thing when it comes to reducing costs! One of the best things about smart technology is that you can control it away from the home – so if you left a light on that morning, never mind! Because you can always jump on your phone, open up the app and switch it off from the convenience of your work desk. 

7. Negotiate a better deal from your energy provider

Have your energy bills gone through the roof recently? There’s no harm in calling your energy provider to ask for a better deal. Before you do that though, jump online and compare energy providers and the deals they can offer you. Determine when you use the most power and whether your current deal covers you best for that period. Seek out discounts and incentives, and then take this information to your energy provider to see if they can meet your needs with a better deal. If not, it may be time to switch providers. 

8. Consider going solar

Though there is an upfront cost involved, opting for solar panel installation actually works out cheaper in the long run. Take a look at your local council’s website to see if they are currently offering any programs that reduce the upfront costs of solar panel installation, or offer up-to-date information about government solar schemes. 

Looking at buying, but want to be as energy efficient in your new home as possible? Our team of property buyers at Kitty & Miles can certainly help you make the smartest decision for your finances and environmental footprint. Give our Australian buyers agency a call on (02) 8916 6172 or email our team at support@kittyandmiles.com.au. We’ll be happy to help!