High energy bills can put a strain on your monthly budget. With the ongoing energy crisis caused by factors such as fuel shortage, global politics, and climate change, Australians need to find ways to reduce their energy consumption. You may not realise it, but your habits and appliances could be contributing to your rising energy costs.

In this article, we will share some easy home maintenance tips that can help you lower your electricity bills.

Keep your HVAC system in good shape

Your heating and cooling system is one of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home. To ensure its efficiency and longevity, you need to perform regular maintenance. This includes cleaning the filters, removing any debris, and checking for any issues. Some problems may require professional help, such as strange noises or leaks from your unit.

Service your fridge regularly

Your fridge is another appliance that consumes a lot of energy. To keep it running smoothly, you need to service it regularly. The most important part to clean is the condenser coils, which can get dirty and affect the cooling performance. You should also inspect the door seal for any gaps that could let the cold air escape.

Besides servicing, you can also improve your fridge’s efficiency by keeping it full and placing it in a cool and ventilated area.

Maintain other appliances as well

Other appliances in your home, such as dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, oven, and so on, also need regular maintenance. This can help them work better and use less energy. Moreover, maintenance can also prevent safety hazards, such as fires, floods, or electric shocks, caused by faulty appliances.

Replace old appliances with new ones

Maintenance can only do so much if your appliance is too old and inefficient. If your appliance is more than 10-15 years old, you should consider upgrading it to a newer model. Newer appliances have higher energy star ratings, which indicate their efficiency. When buying appliances, look for the energy star label and compare the models.

Seal any air leaks

Air leaks in your home can cause heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, which means you need to use more energy for heating and cooling. You should check your windows, doors, attic, and other areas for any gaps or cracks that could let the air in or out. You should seal these leaks as soon as possible to save energy.

Install low-flow fixtures

Low-flow fixtures are not only good for saving water, but also for saving energy. The less water you use, the less energy you need to heat it. You should install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets in your home to reduce your water and energy consumption.

Consider double glazed windows

If your home gets a lot of sunlight, you may enjoy the natural light, but you may also suffer from the heat. This can make your home uncomfortable and increase your cooling costs. One way to solve this problem is to install double glazed windows. Double glazed windows have two layers of glass with a gap in between, which helps to insulate your home. Double glazing can also reduce noise and improve security.

Choose energy efficient lights

Another way to save energy is to replace your old and inefficient lights with LED bulbs. LED bulbs use much less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they also last longer. You should also compare electricity rates to find a cheaper plan for your home.

Use smart power boards

Sometimes, you may forget to turn off your appliances and other devices when you are not using them. This can lead to energy wastage, as some devices still use power even in standby mode. To avoid this, you can use smart power boards, which can detect when a device is not in use and cut off the power.