Use less, save more.

Quick wins (5 minutes, $0)

• Set heating to 18–20°C in winter and cooling to 24–26°C in summer. Each 1°C closer to outside saves 5–10% on heating/cooling bills.
• Use cold water for laundry where you can — washing accounts for ~80% of the water heater's energy when it's hot.
• Run the dishwasher only when full, and use the eco cycle.
• Air-dry clothes when you can — a clothes dryer is one of the highest-cost appliances per use.
• Close blinds and curtains in summer afternoons and on cold winter nights.
• Turn off the second fridge unless you really need it — they're often the largest single load in a home.

Heating & cooling

• Modern reverse-cycle air conditioners (split systems) are typically 3–5x more efficient than gas heaters for heating, and far cheaper to run than electric resistance heaters.
• Heat or cool only the rooms you're using — close doors and zone the system if you can.
• Service filters and outdoor units annually to maintain efficiency.
• Seal draughts around doors, windows, exhaust fans and floorboards. Draughts can add up to 25% to a heating bill.
• Insulate the ceiling first if it isn't already — typically the highest-return single upgrade.

Hot water

• Hot water is typically 15–25% of a household electricity bill. A heat-pump hot water system uses 60–75% less energy than an electric resistance system.
• Set the storage tank thermostat to 60°C (the legal minimum to control Legionella).
• Install efficient (3-star or better) showerheads — usually free under your state's energy efficiency scheme (see below).
• Time your electric hot water to run on controlled-load (off-peak) tariff if available.

Appliances & lighting

• When replacing whitegoods, look for the highest Energy Rating Label stars you can afford — over 10 years the energy savings often exceed the price difference.
• Replace halogen and incandescent lights with LED. A typical LED uses 80% less energy and lasts 10–25x longer.
• Switch off lights when leaving a room, and consider sensor-based switches in low-use areas.
• Front-loader washing machines typically use less water and energy than top-loaders.

Standby & "vampire" load

• Standby power on entertainment systems, set-top boxes, chargers, modems and game consoles can add 5–10% to an electricity bill.
• Use a switchable powerboard for the entertainment unit and second-fridge area.
• Unplug chargers when not in use; use timer plugs for predictable loads.

Solar & batteries

If you have solar, run high-load appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, hot water boost) during the day to use your own generation rather than exporting it. A home battery pairs well with solar — and from 2025 the Federal Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program provides a substantial rebate. We can help model whether a residential battery is worthwhile for your situation; for commercial sites our model is "Stake funds the battery, and you sign one retail contract with Macarthur Energy Retail" — see For business.

Energy efficiency schemes — NSW & QLD

NSW and Queensland subsidise efficient appliances, lighting upgrades, hot water replacements and weatherproofing through state and federal schemes. Eligibility and the available product list change regularly — check the relevant scheme website for the current details.

Free home energy audits & advice

• Energy Made Easy — free, independent advice and offer comparison covering NSW and SE QLD: energymadeeasy.gov.au.
• NSW Energy Saver — free home assessments and rebates: energy.nsw.gov.au.
• Energex Positive Payback — appliance and heating rebates for Energex customers: energex.com.au.
• Renew (formerly Alternative Technology Association) — independent buyers' guides for efficient appliances: renew.org.au.

Talk to us

Our team can review your bill and usage, recommend the most efficient tariff for your usage shape, and refer you to the relevant scheme provider in your state. There's no fee for any of this.