How to Save Money on Utility Bills

The contents provided on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Consider your personal circumstances and objectives before making any financial decisions.

Managing your living expenses effectively can help you stay prepared and adapt to any sudden changes or financial pressures, such as job transitions or cost of living increases. When it comes to your water or electricity bills, small changes in your daily habits can help you save money over time. So we pulled together some practical strategies you could try to save money on your utility bills, while also helping you live more sustainably!

Let’s explore how you can take control and improve your credit situation.

1. Understand your current utility bills and usage

Before you can start saving, it usually helps to understand what you’re working with. This might include looking at how you use your water and electricity, how much you currently use them, and how much this is costing you. 

Some ways you can start assessing your current usage: 

• Review past bills: Look at your water and electricity bills from the past 6 to 12 months. Try and identify trends in your usage, such as months with higher usage that may be linked to seasonal spikes. 
• Monitor your meter: Checking your electricity and water meters on a regular basis can help you understand your usage and uncover potential issues like leaks. If you live in a house, electricity meters are typically on exterior walls, garages or near the main powerboard; water meters are often near the property’s front boundary. If you live in an apartment, metes are usually in shared utility areas and you may need to ask your building manager or strata for access. 
• DIY energy audit: Walk through your home and look for ways you may be wasting water or electricity. This might be things like leaving appliances on, using inefficient lighting, not adequately sealing windows and doors, or having a leaky tap! 
• Compare your usage: You could compare your water and electricity usage to national averages as a way to determine if you’re spending more or less than average. For example, the average power consumption for a three-person Australian household is 18.71 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per day. Water usage varies, depending on the region.

2. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances 

Switching to energy-efficient appliances is one way you might be able to reduce your electricity consumption, allowing you to cut costs and save money over time. 

Look for appliances with a high energy star rating – the more stars, the less energy the product will use, and the more money you could potentially save on your bills. 

You may have to check your budget and finances before upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, as these might cost more upfront. However the long-term savings on your bills can make them a worthwhile investment. 

Some examples of energy-saving appliances you might consider include:

• LED light bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Efficient heating and cooling systems, such as reverse-cycle air conditioners with high energy ratings.
• Washing machines and dishwashers that use less water and electricity per cycle.

There may be government rebates or incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient appliances – for details check Energy.gov.au. 

3. Create cost-saving habits for water and electricity use in your home

Saving money on your water and electricity bills doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t have to involve any major investments either. Simple changes in your home can make a big difference that you’ll be able to notice over time. 

Some things you could try to save money on electricity bills are: 

• Turn off appliances at the wall when you’re not using them. 
• If you have a heating and/or cooling system, adjust your thermostat to reduce energy consumption. Every degree you increase your heating can add up to 10% to your energy use. 
• Use natural light to cut down on the need for lights and other artificial lighting during the day.

Some things you could try to save money on water bills are: 

• Reduce use time or install water-saving fixtures. The biggest users of water at home are washing machines, showers, taps and toilets, so making adjustments to these could help reduce costs. 
• Fix leaks promptly - a dripping tap can lead to thousands of litres of water wasted. If you need extra cash quickly, you could consider a Beforepay Pay Advance.
• Use dishwashers and washing machines wisely, and consider running these only when you have full loads. 

Some seasonal strategies you could consider to save on heating and cooling are: 

• Winter:
  • Use draft stoppers on doors and windows to retain heat.
  • Layer up with blankets and clothing instead of increasing the thermostat.

• Summer:
  • Use fans instead of air conditioning where possible.
  • Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep your home cool.

4. Re-evaluate your providers

If you’re not on the most competitive plan, you could be paying more than you need to. 

While comparison services are an option, you can also directly contact your provider to ask about discounts or better rates. Some companies might offer loyalty rewards or bundling discounts when you combine services.

Once you’ve made changes, monitor your water and electricity bills to see the impact and savings. Reducing costs doesn’t have to be overwhelming – you can start with one or two changes and build from there. Celebrate your progress and keep experimenting with small adjustments to maximise your savings. Over time, you’ll see how small adjustments can lead to significant savings, and help the environment at the same time! 

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