Let’s face it—no one likes opening their electricity bill and getting a nasty shock. With the rising cost of living and energy prices showing no sign of slowing down, many Australian households feel the pinch.
But what if we told you that a few small changes to your daily habits could put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year?
We know how important it is to make every dollar count, especially for those on a fixed income.
So, we’ve dug into the latest research and expert advice to bring you the most effective, easy-to-implement energy-saving tips—plus a few surprising facts about which household appliances are quietly draining your wallet.
According to a recent analysis by iSelect, the humble air conditioner is the most energy-hungry appliance in Australian homes.
Whether cranking it up to stay warm in winter or cool in summer, your air conditioner could cost you up to $1,519.60 a year for heating and $1,372.36 for cooling (based on 5 hours of use per day). That’s a massive chunk of your annual energy bill!
Electric heaters aren’t far behind, with an average yearly cost of nearly $336.70.
But here’s a handy tip: an electric blanket is a much cheaper option if you’re looking to keep yourself warm (rather than the whole house). Using one for three hours a day during winter will only cost about $4.07 for the season.
Think you’re saving money by washing dishes by hand? Think again! The data shows that hand washing a whole load of dishes uses more energy, costing the average household $451.03 a year, than running a modern dishwasher, which costs only, $80.23 a year.
That’s a difference of over $300! So, if you have a dishwasher, it’s easier on your back and wallet.
Oven cooking is another sneaky energy drain, costing around $163.77 a year if you use it for 30 minutes daily.
On the other hand, air fryers are much more efficient, costing just $68.49 a year for the same usage. If you haven’t jumped on the air fryer bandwagon yet, now might be the time!
The good news? Some of our favourite small appliances are surprisingly cheap to run. Boiling the kettle for your morning cuppa will only cost about $21.06 a year, and using a coffee machine is even less, just $7.47 annually.
Compare that to buying a coffee out for $7 a cup, and you’ll see the savings add up fast.
Tumble dryers are convenient, but just one use per week can quietly add over $130 a year to your bill. Switching to air drying your clothes, even part of the time, can make a noticeable difference.
When you do use the washing machine, opt for a cold cycle—it uses less power and is gentler on your clothes.
Julia Paszka, general manager of Utilities at iSelect, sums it up perfectly: ‘Our analysis highlights how quickly everyday household energy use adds up. Unsurprisingly, the biggest energy-guzzling appliance is an air conditioner, when used to heat and cool your home.
‘But with a clear understanding of where your energy dollars go, small changes could lead to big savings.’
Have you found a clever way to cut your energy bills? Maybe you’ve switched to an air fryer or discovered a new way to keep warm without cranking up the heater. We’d love to hear your stories and tips—share them in the comments below.
Also read: If you don’t have enough money for bills or necessities, what are your options?
