With the rise in gas and electricity prices, there’s lots you can do to save money on your electricity bill. Here are our top 5 tips:

1. Replace old light bulbs and fittings with LED

Energy-efficient globes could save up to 80% off your lighting costs. This is because LED bulbs use less power and last longer. That means you spend less money and time replacing them.

2. Manage your heating and cooling

Ensure your AC is running at best efficiency by having your units professionally cleaned and running it at a stable temperature.

Every degree above 20 degrees can add 10% to your heating bill. In winter, heating can account for over 30% of your bill. Therefore, don’t run your aircon to extreme polar opposite temperatures, lest you run into bill shock.

Save money by switching to more energy-efficient heating. For example, switching from an electric fan heater to a split system air-conditioner can save the average home hundreds of dollars a year.

Shut doors to areas you're not using, and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time. Some ducted systems allow you to turn off the heating or cooling to unoccupied rooms.

In cooler months, make sure your curtains or blinds seal your windows properly. Stop cool air leaking out by blocking draughts around doors and windows.

In warmer months, keep your curtains closed during the day. External blinds or canvas awnings will also help keep your house cooler.

3. Turn unused lights and idle appliances off

To save the most energy, switch off at the power point rather than leave appliances on standby.

Turn off your heater, cooling units and appliances when you go to bed or leave the house.

Switch off your computer and equipment such as printers or home sound systems overnight or when you're away.

4. Optimise your kitchen

Fridge: Your fridge runs 24/7 and is one of your most expensive appliances.

The ideal fridge temperature is 4 or 5 degrees, and -15 to -18 degrees for your freezer.

Contrary to popular belief, a full fridge doesn’t decrease energy efficiency, provided there’s enough room for air to flow. Items in the fridge keep the temperature down. Filling your fridge to about ¾ full helps keep it run efficiently. Even keeping a bottle of white wine at the top of the fridge can help.

Ensure the fridge door seal is tight and that no gaps or cracks let cold air escape. If you have a second fridge or freezer, only turn it on when needed.

Cooking: Put frozen food in your fridge in the morning to thaw out and reduce cooking time in the evening. When cooking, use the microwave when you can. Microwaves use much less energy than an electric oven. Using a stove, keep lids on pots to reduce cooking time. Plan to cook more and have leftover meals for the next day or the whole week. Keep leftover meals in the freezer.

Dishwasher: Use the economy cycle on your dishwasher, and only run it when it's full.

5. Change how you wash and dry clothes

Wait until your machine is full before starting a washing cycle. Washing clothes in cold water can save around $115 per year. You can also save by selecting the shortest appropriate washing cycle.

Clothes dryers use lots of energy. Hang clothes outside to dry or use a fan to help dry them indoors. That’s easy for Brisbane’ites, with good sun and heat all year round!

Further reading: 8 ways to reduce your power bill this winter