5 ways renters can save on their energy bill all year round
Last week, the Australian Capital Territory government announced it would be expanding its ACT Home Assessment Energy Scheme to renters.
The ACT Home Assessment Energy Scheme is an initiative that provides free in-house energy assessments to discover areas where households can save on their energy bills.
“It can be very hard for renters to make major energy-saving changes to their home. By expanding this program, we are able to provide renters with tailored information,” said Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability, Shane Rattenbury.
But while this is good news for renters in the ACT, it doesn’t mean the rest of the country should miss out on energy savings insights. So we’ve jotted down five energy saving tips for renters that can help keep costs down all year round.
Unplug first, then unwind
From an extensive skin care ritual to tucking into a big cup of tea, everyone has their own nighttime routine to help them unwind. But you might add one more step that can help save big bucks: leaving your appliances on standby could be adding an extra 10% to your energy bill, sucking your wallet dry! So take a quick minute to switch off all your appliances, such as the kettle, TV or microwave before hitting the hay.
Get familiar with rebates
If you or someone you live with has a concession card, you could be eligible for an annual rebate on your electricity bill. While the types of rebates vary between each state, they all serve the same purpose - to help cover a portion of your bill. The types of rebates available range from low income earners to families to those living with a chronic illness.
No matter if you live in NSW or TAS, our range of rebate guides can help you find the one you might be eligible for!
Have a chat with your landlord
If you are determined to make a difference to your energy bill over the long term, organise a meeting with your landlord to discuss potentially upgrading appliances, including your air conditioner or heater, to more energy efficient ones. You could even mention that doing this could help increase the value of the property.
Get savvier with your usage
While this next tip might be a tricker one to pull off, it could deliver big savings down the track. If your energy plan uses a time-of-use tariff, the amount you pay will depend on the time you use electricity, like during peak and off-peak periods.
As a quick rundown, peak periods are typically between 2pm and 7pm, while off-peak times range between 8pm till 7am. So if you’re trying to reduce your energy bill, try running appliances such as the washing machine, dryer and dishwasher during off-peak periods.
It might also be worth making the effort to only do full loads of laundry and dish washing to reduce your usage, as it is more energy efficient than smaller, frequent loads.
Make the switch to a better deal
Last but certainly not least on our list is to make the switch a better value energy plan. Even though you’re renting, you still have a say in who powers your home. On 1 July 2020, almost 20 retailers announced they would be reducing their prices, so now could be a great time to make the switch.
You can do this by using Mozo’s free energy comparison tool. All you have to do is answer a few quick questions about your usage and you’ll be on your way.
And if you’d like more energy savings tips, head on over to our energy tips hub!
