How To Make Your Home Energy Efficient In 2023
Are you wondering how to make your home more energy efficient in 2023? Here Savvy gives you lots of ideas, tips and tricks about how to reduce your power bills
Fact checked
In 2023, making your home energy efficient is not only good for the environment, but can also save you lots of money. By taking steps to save energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills. From upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and improving insulation to using renewable energy sources like solar power, there are many ways to make your home more energy efficient. This article explores the latest tips and strategies to help you create an energy-efficient home, promoting sustainability and cost savings.
What are some simple ways to make my home more energy efficient in 2023?
Here are some simple ways to make your home more energy efficient:
- Use powerboards: Plug multiple electronics into powerboards so you can switch them all off together when you are not using them. This prevents standby power consumption and saves energy. You can also use powerboards to group devices that need charging up each day, such as laptops, phones, hand vacs and battery hand tools. By placing all these items in one area connected to a power board and a timer, you can take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs and spend less money to charge up your devices.
- Seal air leaks: Find and seal any gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and vents using weatherstripping, caulk, or rubber door sweeps. This helps stop drafts and keeps your home more comfortable while using less power to maintain a pleasant temperature.
- Double insulate your water heater: Wrap your water heater and its pipes with additional insulation to prevent heat loss. This helps your water heater work more efficiently and reduces the energy needed to keep water hot.
- Choose energy-efficient windows and tinting: If you're replacing windows, opt for energy-efficient ones with double glazing or tinting to reduce the heat that enters your house. They help reduce heat transfer and improve insulation.
- Opt for energy-efficient window coverings: Install blinds, curtains, or shades that help regulate temperature. They keep your home cooler in summer and retain warmth in winter.
- Use natural ventilation rather than air conditioning: Open windows and doors when the weather is warm and encourage natural ventilation. This brings in fresh air and reduces the need for air conditioning.
- Install energy-efficient showerheads: Swap old showerheads for newer water-efficient models. They reduce water usage without sacrificing water pressure.
- Plant shade trees: Plant trees strategically around your home to provide shade during hot summer months. This naturally cools your home and reduces the need for excessive air conditioning.
- Maintain your heating and cooling system: Regularly clean or replace air filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. A clean filter improves airflow and so saves energy.
By following these simple tips, you can create a more energy-efficient home, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills.
How can I reduce my energy bills at home?
Reducing energy bills at home is a common goal for many homeowners who want to save money and help the environment. To achieve this, you can take some simple steps to lower your energy consumption. Here are some strategies to help you reduce your household energy bills:
- Maintain good energy-saving habits: Cultivate energy-saving habits like turning off lights when leaving a room, using cold water for washing clothes, and taking shorter showers. These small changes can add up to significant energy savings over time.
- Unplug and switch off: When appliances and electronics are not in use, unplug them or switch them off completely. Even in standby mode, many devices continue to consume energy, which is sometimes referred to as phantom power use.
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: Replace old, inefficient appliances with newer energy-efficient models. Look for appliances with high Energy Star ratings, as they consume less electricity while maintaining optimal performance.
- Optimise your heating and cooling: Adjust your thermostat settings to save energy. Lower the temperature in winter and raise it in summer to reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Improve your insulation: Enhance the insulation in your home to reduce energy loss. Insulate your walls, ceilings, and floors, and seal any gaps or cracks where air can escape. This will help maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and minimise the need for excessive heating or cooling.
- Use natural light: Make the most of natural light by keeping curtains and blinds open during the day. This will reduce the need for artificial lighting, resulting in energy savings.
- Swap to energy efficient lighting: Switch to energy-efficient lighting options, such as LED bulbs. LED bulbs consume significantly less energy and have a longer lifespan compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
- Consider renewable energy: Explore the possibility of installing solar panels on your roof to generate clean and renewable energy. Solar power can significantly reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your energy bills.
By implementing these energy-saving measures, you can effectively reduce your electricity bills at home while contributing to a more sustainable future. It's important to remember that the specific steps may vary depending on your home's unique characteristics and location.
What are the benefits of upgrading to energy-efficient appliances?
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances offers several benefits for homeowners. Here are some key advantages:
- Reduced energy consumption: Energy-efficient appliances are designed to use less energy while maintaining their functionality. They incorporate advanced technologies and features that maximise efficiency, resulting in significant energy savings of up to 30% or more. This reduction in energy consumption translates to lower electricity bills, providing long-term financial benefits.
- Cost savings: By consuming less energy, energy-efficient appliances can help you save money on your electricity bills. Over time, the accumulated savings can offset the higher upfront cost of these appliances, making them cost-effective investments in the long run.
- Environmental impact: Energy-efficient appliances contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Traditional appliances often consume more energy, which leads to increased carbon dioxide emissions and contributes to climate change. By using less energy, energy-efficient appliances help conserve resources and mitigate environmental impact.
- Improved performance: Energy-efficient appliances are not only designed to save energy, but also to deliver superior performance. Technological advancements have enabled manufacturers to produce appliances that are both efficient and effective in their respective functions. Upgrading to energy-efficient models can improve the overall performance and reliability of your appliances, providing enhanced convenience and functionality.
- Extended lifespan: Energy-efficient appliances are built with high-quality components and materials, which often result in improved durability and longevity. These appliances are designed to withstand regular usage and are less likely to require frequent repairs or replacements. Investing in energy-efficient models can provide you with appliances that last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements and saving you money in the long term.
Overall, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances offers a wide range of benefits. When purchasing new appliances, it's recommended to look for energy-efficient labels, such as the Energy Star rating label, to ensure you are selecting the most efficient options available.
Are there any smart home devices that can help me manage my energy consumption in 2023?
Yes, there are now smart home devices available that can help you manage and reduce your energy consumption. These devices use advanced technology to provide control and efficiency. Here are some examples:
- Smart energy monitors: These devices provide real-time energy consumption data, allowing you to track and analyse your energy usage. They offer insights into which appliances consume the most energy, helping you identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and potential energy-saving actions.
- Smart thermostats: Smart thermostats allow you to control your heating and cooling remotely. They learn your preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly, optimising energy usage. Additionally, they provide energy usage reports and insights, helping you make informed decisions to reduce consumption.
- Smart lighting: Smart lighting systems enable you to control and automate your lights through voice commands or smartphone apps. You can schedule lighting based on occupancy, adjust brightness levels, and even integrate with sensors to turn off lights in unoccupied areas, saving energy.
- Smart powerboards: Smart powerboards monitor and control energy usage of connected devices. They can detect when devices are in standby mode and automatically cut power to them, preventing energy wastage. Some models even allow you to remotely turn off outlets to eliminate phantom power.
- Smart appliances: Many appliances now come with smart features that enhance energy efficiency. Smart refrigerators, washing machines, and dishwashers can optimise their operating cycles based on energy demand and load size. They can also connect to off-peak energy tariffs or provide energy usage reports to help you make energy-conscious decisions.
- Smart electricity meters: Smart electricity meters are advanced meters that digitally measure and record your energy consumption in real-time. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters provide detailed data on your electricity usage and generation (if you have a solar system), allowing you to monitor your consumption patterns more accurately. With smart meters, you can access information about your energy usage remotely, often through online portals or mobile apps. This enables you to track your electricity consumption in real-time and make informed decisions about managing your energy usage.
When choosing smart home devices, consider compatibility with popular voice assistants like Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. Also, ensure devices comply with Australian electrical standards.
By integrating these smart devices into your home, you can gain control over your energy consumption, reduce waste, and potentially save money on your energy plans.
Helpful energy guides
Compare energy plans
Disclaimer:
Savvy is partnered with Econnex Comparison (CIMET Sales Pty Ltd, ABN 72 620 395 726) to provide readers with a variety of energy plans to compare. We do not compare all retailers in the market, or all plans offered by all retailers. Savvy earns a commission from Econnex each time a customer buys an energy plan via our website. We don’t arrange for products to be purchased directly, as all purchases are conducted via Econnex.
Any advice presented above is general in nature and doesn’t consider your personal or business objectives, needs or finances. It’s always important to consider whether advice is suitable for you before purchasing an energy plan. For further information on the variety of energy plans compared by Econnex, or how their business works, you can visit their website.