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Easy ways to save

If your appliances could talk, what would they say?
Making small changes to the way you use them could help you save big on your electricity bill. Scroll down for some simple energy saving tips you can challenge your family to follow, then download the Horizon Power app to monitor your electricity usage and see how you’re doing.
Download the app Savings calculator
Turn off the lights when you're not in the room.
Save up to $26 per year
Close off rooms that are not being used while the air-con is on.
Increased air-con efficiency
Use ceiling fans over air-con whenever possible.
Increased air-con efficiency
Set your air-con to 24˚ in summer and between 18˚ and 20˚ in winter.
Save up to $194 per year
Swap old incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescent light bulbs (CLFs).
Save up to $229 per year
Turn off appliances at the wall instead of leaving them on standby.
Save up to $113 per year
Dry your clothes in the sun and ban the clothes dryer.
Save up to $90 per year
Consider upgrading to an energy saving dishwasher.
Save up to $42 per year
Consider upgrading your top loader washing machine to a front loader.
Save up to $144 per year
Only use your dishwasher when it's full.
Save up to $29 per year
Wash your clothes in cold water.
Save up to $62 per year
Only use your washing machine when you have a full load.
Save up to $35 per year
Switch off your second fridge when you're not using it.
Save up to $225 per year
Based on a 100 watt fridge
Install a flow restriction valve or water saving shower head.
Save both electricity and water
Consider installing a solar hot water system.
Heat water efficiently
Reduce the length of your shower from eight to four minutes.
Save electricity and water
Set your fridge temperature to between 3˚ to 5˚.
Optimal fridge efficiency
Check the seals on your fridge door for air leaks.
Optimal fridge efficiency
Download the Horizon Power app to track your energy usage

Energy savings calculator

Calculate the estimated running costs of your appliances and find out how to save money by cutting down your usage.
Step 1: Calculate current usage
Select an appliance and adjust the watts/usage accordingly.
You can adjust the watts according to your product.
You can adjust the hours according to your usage.
Step 2: Calculate your potential savings*
See how much you could save by cutting down your usage.
*Costs are based on estimated operating hours of applicances across Horizon Power regions (Please note, the actual values may differ across towns and for individual houses and/or appliances)

More easy ways to save

Heater
  • Before turning on your heater in winter, reach for a jumper first.
  • Use warmer bedding at night to stay snug in bed.
  • Keep your blinds and curtains open on sunny days, especially on north-facing windows, to let warm sunlight in.
  • Use draught excluders (door snakes) to prevent heat loss under doors.
  • Use your bathroom heater every second day in winter and save up to $51 per year.
Air-conditioner
  • Service your air-conditioner regularly to keep it running efficiently.
  • Clean filters and the outside unit regularly to keep it running efficiently.
House
  • Turn off appliances at the wall instead of leaving them on standby and save up to $113 per year.
  • Open up doors and windows in summer to catch cross breezes.
  • Consider switching your electric alarm clock radio for a battery powered clock.
  • Save on heating and cooling by insulating your house.
Pool
  • Run your pool pump for two hours less a day in winter and save up to $150 per year.
TV
  • Turn off the TV during dinner and save up to $40 per year.
  • Turn off the TV and have a weekly family board game night and save up to $15 per year.
  • Try to only use one TV at a time and save up to $104 per year.
  • Upgrade your plasma screen TV to an energy saving LCD or LED screen TV and save up to $120 per year.
Washing machine
  • Only use your washing machine when you have a full load and save up to $35 per year.
  • Wash your clothes in cold water and save up to $62 per year.
  • Consider upgrading your top loader to a front loader and save up to $144 per year.
Rangehood
  • Regularly clean the grease vent to keep your rangehood running efficiently.
Oven
  • Use your microwave over your standard oven to save electricity.
  • Keep your oven door closed as much as possible while cooking.
  • Check that your oven seal is in good condition and doesn’t leak heat.
Dishwasher
  • Regularly clean your dishwasher filter to keep it running efficiently.
PC
  • Power down your PC when you’re not using it.
  • Use a laptop over a PC, as it uses less electricity.
  • Change the settings on your PC so the screen saver comes on sooner.
  • Activate the hibernate feature when you temporarily leave your computer.
Electric stove top
  • Use flat-based saucepans with tight sealing lids.
  • Choose a pan that covers the entire hot plate to minimise electricity loss.
  • Use your kettle, not the stove, to heat small amounts of water.
  • Consider a ceramic or induction cooktop for more efficient cooking.
Fridge
  • Dust the back of the fridge to keep it running efficiently.
  • Defrost your freezer when the ice is 5mm thick to keep it running efficiently.
Shower
  • If installing a new hot water system, place it close to where most of the hot water is being used.
Dryer
  • Clean the lint filter after each load to keep your dryer running efficiently.
Savings detailed should be used as a guide only. Figures are calculated using average residential customer consumption patterns and the 2015/16 A2 residential tariff rate. Always consider the energy star rating when purchasing new appliances. Visit www.energyrating.gov.au to view energy labelling for equipment and appliances. Heating and cooling your home usually contribute the most to your electricity bill; in fact, on average 40 per cent of our customers’ electricity costs each year goes on air-conditioning.