Many homes still rely on outdated appliances and habits that increase energy use. With electricity prices rising, small inefficiencies quickly turn into high monthly bills. Old systems and passive energy habits can drain resources without people even realising.
Leaving unused devices on standby, running heaters in unsealed rooms, or relying on old water systems all lead to slow and steady energy waste. Over time, this results in higher power bills, reduced appliance lifespan, and less control over home comfort.
Energy savings don’t always require new systems or large upgrades. Many of the most effective changes involve adjusting how you use everyday items. This guide focuses on practical steps that suit homes of all sizes and won’t require a lifestyle overhaul.
Replace outdated appliances
Old appliances consume more energy and often lack basic efficiency features found in modern systems. A refrigerator made 15 years ago can use twice as much power as a newer model. The same applies to dishwashers, clothes dryers, and hot water systems.
Appliances are rated with Energy Rating Labels in Australia. The more stars, the better the efficiency. Over time, the energy saved from efficient models often covers the upfront cost difference. If you’re using any system older than a decade, compare its yearly usage against newer options.
Look for systems with programmable settings and standby controls. These small features allow you to schedule operation or reduce idle use, which cuts daily power draw.
Use ceiling fans for support
Ceiling fans don’t cool the air—they move it. That airflow helps your body release heat more effectively, making the space feel cooler. This allows you to set your air conditioner a few degrees higher, which reduces electricity consumption.
Each degree you raise the thermostat can save around 5–10% on cooling costs. Ceiling fans use less than 75 watts on high, compared to 2000–3000 watts for many split systems. During warmer months, this makes them a low-cost way to maintain comfort.
Switch the fan off when leaving the room. Fans provide benefit only when someone is present.
Unplug unused devices
Appliances in standby mode continue to draw energy. This includes TVs, microwaves, phone chargers, and game consoles. This is called phantom load or standby power, and it can account for up to 10% of a household’s electricity use.
Using a switchable power board or simply unplugging devices when not in use stops this passive drain. Devices with indicator lights or digital clocks are the most common sources. Unplugging overnight or when away from home adds up to consistent savings across the year.
Keep filters clean
Air conditioners, heaters, and exhaust fans all rely on clean airflow to operate efficiently. A blocked filter forces the motor to work harder, increasing energy use and reducing the unit’s lifespan.
Check filters monthly and clean them if dust or lint is visible. Some systems use washable mesh filters, while others require disposable replacements. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation, especially during high-use seasons.
Blocked filters can also cause uneven temperatures and poor indoor air quality. Routine cleaning improves both comfort and efficiency.
Plant for natural shade
Well-placed trees and shrubs block sunlight from reaching exterior walls and windows. This reduces heat gain, especially in summer, where afternoon sun can raise indoor temperatures significantly.
Native deciduous trees are ideal for long-term shade. In summer, their leaves provide cooling. In winter, they drop leaves to let in sunlight and passive warmth. Strategic placement—especially on the west and north-facing walls—lowers cooling needs without mechanical systems.
Seal leaks and insulate properly
Unsealed doors, windows, or gaps around fittings allow conditioned air to escape. Drafts increase demand on heaters and air conditioners, which leads to higher power usage.
Seal visible gaps using door strips, foam insulation, or caulking. Block vents or unused fireplaces when not in use. Focus on sealing around window frames, skirting boards, and roof access points.
For lasting impact, improve ceiling and wall insulation. Insulation traps heat in winter and keeps it out in summer. It reduces overall energy demand and improves comfort in all rooms.
Reduce hot water waste
Hot water is a major energy cost in most homes. Reducing shower length and avoiding overly hot settings cuts both water and electricity use. Even reducing each shower by two minutes can save thousands of litres annually and lower heating load.
Install a low-flow showerhead to limit water volume while keeping water pressure comfortable. Avoid long warm-up periods by adjusting your water heater timer or switching to systems with faster recovery times.
Skip the dryer when possible
Clothes dryers use a large amount of electricity per cycle. Air-drying on a clothesline or using an indoor rack on dry days avoids this load entirely. Most modern clothes dry in a few hours under indirect sunlight.
In winter or wet weather, position racks near windows or in ventilated areas. If a dryer must be used, choose a timed cycle over sensor-dry, and avoid running half loads.
Dress for the temperature
Heating and cooling account for a large share of power usage. Dressing for the season helps reduce the amount of energy needed to stay comfortable. In cooler months, wear layers and use closed footwear indoors. In warm months, light clothing and ceiling fans can delay air conditioner use.
This strategy is especially useful in early mornings and evenings, where brief heating or cooling is often used out of habit rather than necessity.
Maintain your systems
Older systems lose efficiency over time. Hot water systems, air conditioners, and heaters benefit from yearly servicing. Inspections help identify faults, worn parts, or internal leaks that increase power draw.
Tasks to schedule yearly include:
- Flushing hot water systems
- Inspecting AC coil condition
- Checking duct seals
- Verifying thermostat accuracy
Maintained systems use less electricity, heat faster, and are less likely to break down during high-demand periods.
Our Advice on Reducing Energy Use
At Hogan Hot Water and Air Conditioning, we help households across Newcastle reduce energy waste without compromising comfort. Many changes are low-cost and start with simple upgrades, like sealing gaps, changing filters, or reviewing old equipment.
When we assess hot water systems or cooling setups, we look at how each part of the home operates—not just the product installed. Real energy savings come from choosing the right equipment and using it efficiently over time.If you’re looking to upgrade or reduce household power use, contact us for guidance on where to start.