How to save on energy

Did you know that there are many, small changes you can make in your household to help save money on your energy bills?

It’s no secret that electricity prices have been rising, with the most significant change coming on July 1^st – an increase between 19.6 per cent and 23.9 per cent.

Read on for some of Kozco Energy Group’s best power saving tips.

Kitchen (Fridge/Freezer):

Set your fridge at 4-5°C and your freezer at -15°C to -18°C.
Ensure good air circulation around appliances to prevent overheating, which can increase energy use by over 15%.
Fill empty spaces in your freezer with ice blocks to prevent hot air from entering, but avoid overloading it (leave about 20% free space for airflow).
Don’t put hot food in the fridge immediately; let it cool first.
Keep fridges and freezers away from direct sunlight, ovens, and stoves.
Avoid installing them on poorly insulated walls exposed to heat.

Laundry:

Whenever possible, let the sun dry your clothes, it’s free!
Use cold water for laundry; it’s 80-90% cheaper than warm water.
When drying your clothes, opt for medium heat instead of high. It’s gentler on clothes and saves energy (not for heat-pump dryers).
Clean the dryer lint filter after every load. Avoid mixing light and heavy clothes to ensure even drying.

Bathroom:

Install an efficient shower head, which can save over 10 litres of water per minute and reduce energy costs.
Limit showers to four to five minutes. Hot water accounts for about 21% of home energy use.
Turn off appliances like hair dryers and electric toothbrushes from the plug when not in use.

How to utilise your solar system more efficiently

Use larger appliances like washing machines, dryers, spa pumps etc during the day when you’re producing the most energy through your system.
Stagger your usage – for example if you want your heater on in the evening, set it to a medium temperature (we suggest 20 for cooling and 23 for heating), ensure doors and windows are closed and allow the room to fill up with heat. Once you’re warm, turn the heater off and only turn back on when it begins to feel cold again. DO NOT leave your appliance on throughout the night.
Consider a battery storage from Kozco Energy Group to help make the most out of the sun’s natural energy resource.

To potentially reduce your energy bill significantly, check if you qualify for energy bill concessions in your state:

South Australia: Concession cardholders and asylum seekers may claim up to $241.43 to cover energy costs, with an additional $500 per year available from July 1 as part of the energy relief bill. There are also energy discounts offered by the SA government.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Eligible individuals with certain concession cards may receive an annual concession of up to $750.
- (https://www.revenue.act.gov.au/community-assistance/utilities-concession)

Queensland: Concession cardholders could be entitled to an electricity rebate of up to $372.20 per year. Additional rebates are also available, such as the $700 cost of living rebate for existing electricity concession recipients and a $550 rebate for all other Queensland households.
- (https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/concessions/energy-concessions/electricity-gas-rebates)
- (https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/concessions/energy-concessions/cost-of-living-rebate)

New South Wales: The New South Wales government offers various energy rebates for seniors, low-income households, and those facing medical stress.
- (https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/rebates-grants-and-schemes/find-energy-rebate#family-energy-rebate)

Northern Territory: Members of the Northern Territory Concession Scheme can claim up to $1,200 per year for electricity.
- (https://nt.gov.au/community/concessions-and-payments/nt-concession-scheme/concessions/electricity)

Tasmania: Eligible households will receive $250 of electricity rebates annually over two years, starting from July 1.
- (https://www.concessions.tas.gov.au/concessions/electricity_and_heating)

Western Australia: WA provides various energy assistance rebates, and eligible households will receive increased rebates starting from July 1 as part of the Household Electricity Credit.
- (https://www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/grants-and-subsidies/apply-energy-concession)
- (https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/household-electricity-credit)

Victoria: All Victorian households are eligible for a $250 Power Saving Bonus. You can apply for this bonus by visiting the Victorian Energy Compare website.
- (https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/)

Taking advantage of these concessions can significantly reduce your energy expenses, so be sure to explore the options available in your state.

For more information on how to best use your energy, chat to the Energy Solution Experts at Kozco Energy Group!