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Energy saving tips

When you understand how your household uses energy, you can make simple changes which could help to reduce your power bill.

Understand your energy use

With our app, you can see when your household uses the most energy throughout the day. View your usage for the past year with monthly, daily and hourly interactive graphs and compare your usage with the same time last year.

You can also see how much your next bill is likely to be, and see how you’re tracking throughout each bill period. 

Download the app

Know where your energy is going

1. Air-conditioners

1. Air-conditioners

WA is a great place to live - but our climate can be harsh.

It’s no surprise that if you’re like most households, around 40% of your energy is used for cooling your home. If you live in southern WA, it's likely from heating your home in the cooler months.

2. Appliances

2. Appliances

Appliances account for around 25% of the average household energy bill. 

This includes your kitchen and laundry appliances, TV, home entertainment, and office equipment.

3. Water heating

3. Water heating

Water heating accounts for around 23% of the energy used in an Aussie home.

More than half of hot water use is in the bathroom, a third in the laundry and the rest is used in the kitchen.

4. Lighting & pools

4. Lighting & pools

Lighting your home can account for 7-12% of your total energy use.

If you have a pool, your pool pump could use as much as 18% of your total bill.

Try these simple changes around your home

Learn how to reduce energy waste and get the most out of the energy you’re using - without sacrificing comfort.

Use the savings calculator to find out the estimated running costs of your appliances and how to save money by cutting down your usage.

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    Air-conditioner
    • Set your air-con to 24 degrees in summer and between 18 and 20 degrees in winter. Each degree below can increase your power bill by 10%.

    • Service your air-conditioner and clean the filters on the outside unit to keep it running efficiently.

    • Try to use fans instead. The air flow created by a fan can feel like the equivalent of reducing your temperature by around 3°C - but fans use less energy and are cheaper to run.
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    Water heating
    • Reduce the amount of water you use by having shorter showers and installing a water saving shower head.

    • Consider fitting flow restrictors to your bathroom, laundry and kitchen taps to reduce the amount of water that comes out.
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    Fridge
    • Set your fridge temperature to 4 degrees and your freezer temp to -18 degrees.

    • Check the seals on your fridge door for air leaks. If you can slide a $5 note in the door frame, air is escaping – and energy is being wasted.
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    Dishwasher
    • Only run your dishwasher when it’s full and use the ‘eco’ setting to lower its energy and water use.

    • Regularly clean your dishwasher filter to keep it running efficiently.
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    Washing machine
    • Wash with cold water and use the ‘eco’ setting to use less energy.

    • Avoid the dyer. If you use your dryer regularly, it can account for up to 10% of your energy use.
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    Switch off
    • Avoid paying for standby power for your TV, consoles and other appliances which don’t need to be left on all day. Standby mode can account for up to 6% of your energy use.

    • Consider investing in a standby power control board to detect when an appliance is on standby and cut the flow of electricity automatically.
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    Lighting
    • Swap out your old lightbulbs for LED bulbs which use less watts to provide the same amount of light.

    • Turn the lights off when you leave an empty room.
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    Swimming pools
    • If you have a pool, set your pump on a timer. Running your pump for two hours less a day in winter could help you save on energy costs - always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

    • A clogged filter means your pump needs to use more energy. Scoop leaves by hand, keep filters clean (or backwash as required) and make sure your filter is the right size for your pool.

Consider these energy-saving investments

Here's some helpful online resources if you're ready to upgrade appliances or invest in your home's energy efficiency. 
Solar hot water

Consider switching to a solar hot water system. They cost more to buy than other options but are generally cheaper to run and better for the environment. 

Hot water systems
Cooling & heating

Check your home’s insulation is adequate, install quality window coverings and use energy-efficient appliances.

Cooling & heating tips
Buying an appliance?

Check its energy rating. The more stars the appliance has, the less energy it will use – which will save you money in the long term.

Energy rating calculator

Going solar

Installing solar comes at a cost, but over time it can make a big difference to your bill.

See if you could save

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.