Summary
No matter the season or where you live or work, there are lots of ways to cut down on energy use. It’s easy when you know how. Take a look at our energy saving tips.
More info
Summer energy savers
Use shading to block out the sun. Close your inside curtains and blinds and, where possible, include shading in your outdoor design. Consider outdoor blinds and shades, wide eaves, balconies, fences and plants or trees.
Try not to overdo it with aircon over summer. While it does a great job of keeping your home cool, it can be expensive to run. When it’s under 30°C, try using a fan instead.
Allow air flow through your property by opening windows that are opposite each other for cross-ventilation. It not only keeps it fresh but can also help to keep it cool.
Winter energy savers
Set your heating to 18–20°C. Each degree over that uses about 10% more energy
Keep showers to 4–5 minutes. Hot water accounts for around 21% of home energy usage
Keep the heat inside with curtains or blinds. Windows can cool warm air by up to 40% – especially during winter months
Don't stand for standby power
Did you know standby power is responsible for 5.9% of Australia’s total residential electricity consumption?
Standby power, also known as vampire power, silently sucks away at your energy even when your appliances are turned off. Just keeping an appliance plugged in can still use a small amount of power. Switch your appliances off at the wall and you could save up to $100 each year.
Other simple switches you could make today
Love coffee and tea? Make one bigger brew or use a thermos to avoid boiling the kettle multiple times
Doing some washing? Only wash full loads – they use just as much energy as a half-empty machine
Get to know all the switches around your house – should they be on or off?
Think about adding door seals, draught-proofing strips and door snakes to help stop heat escaping – it could reduce your heating costs by up to 25%.
Keep an eye on the weather and nudge the temperature up or down so you're comfortable, without overdoing it
Good change in action
Compare seasonal usage – view your bill history in My Account or the Origin app (select the Bills & payments link)
Even out your bills with a payment plan
Save more with Origin
With Origin, good value never stops. Check in regularly to check out our latest offers.
Related articles
View past bills and payments
Types of payment plans
Energy-saving tips – residential
How your business could save with an energy health-check