How to Lower Your Electricity Bill This Winter in Australia
Key Takeaways
Focus heating on main living spaces and maintain 18–20°C for efficiency.
Seal draughts, use natural sunlight, and switch to LED lighting to cut costs.
Compare electricity plans annually for potential savings without changing usage.
Winter in Australia isn’t as harsh as other parts of the world but it still puts a strain on the power bill. Whether you’re in chilly Hobart, rainy Melbourne or inland NSW, the colder months mean higher energy use, mostly from heating and hot water.
The good news is you don’t need to make big changes. With a few tweaks and some simple habits you can stay warm and save money.
Here are simple ways to lower your electricity use this winter.
1. Heat the Rooms You Use
Heating your whole house isn’t necessary. We spend most of our time in a few rooms, usually the living room, kitchen and bedrooms. Focusing your heating makes a big difference.
Try:
Close doors to unused rooms so heat stays where you need it.
Use door snakes or draught stoppers to keep cold air out.
Set your heater to 18–20°C; each extra degree can increase your energy use by up to 10%.
If you have a reverse cycle air conditioner, clean the filter every month or so to keep it running efficiently.
2. Make the Most of the Sun
Natural sunlight is free heating. It might not feel like much on cold days but a few hours of sunshine can warm up your home more than you think.
Tips:
Open your curtains and blinds during the day, especially on north-facing windows.
Close them again before sunset to lock the warmth in.
Use thick curtains or thermal blinds to help reduce heat loss through glass.
3. Switch to LED Lighting
Lighting makes up a big chunk of household electricity use, especially when winter means shorter days and lights stay on longer.
Why LEDs help:
LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than halogens.
They also last much longer so you won’t need to replace them as often.
Replace the most-used lights in your home first, like the kitchen and living room.
For even more efficiency, consider switching to dimmable LEDs. As Mr Emergency Electrical explains, “Dimmable LEDs are much more energy-efficient and work well with dimmer switches. They use less electricity even at full brightness, and dimming them further enhances their efficiency.”
4. Block the Draughts
Even small gaps around doors and windows can let in a lot of cold air. Sealing them can improve comfort and reduce the load on your heater.
Quick fixes:
Use foam or rubber weather seals on windows and door frames.
Place a door snake or rolled towel at the base of doors.
Add a rug to hard floors which helps stop heat escaping through the floorboards.
Most draught-stopping solutions are cheap and easy to install yourself.
5. Use Electric Blankets (but Don’t Overdo It)
Electric blankets and heat pads are cheaper to run than heaters, especially if you only need warmth in bed or on the couch. Just remember to use them sensibly.
Safe and efficient use: Preheat the bed, then turn it off before sleeping.
Never leave them running overnight or when you’re not in the room.
Check cords and controls for wear and tear and replace if needed.
6. Rug Up Indoors
You can reduce how often you use the heater just by dressing for the season. Warm clothes and soft furnishings go a long way.
Stay warm without using power:
Layer up; socks, jumpers and flannelette pyjamas work wonders.
Keep a throw blanket handy on the couch.
Use thicker bedding like a wool doona or flannelette sheets.
7. Cut Down on Standby Power
Even when appliances are turned off they can still draw small amounts of electricity. Over time that adds up.
Ways to save:
Unplug chargers, microwaves, gaming consoles and TVs when not in use.
Use a power board with a master switch to make it easier.
Smart plugs can cut power automatically after a set time.
This habit alone could save you around $100 a year.
8. Cold Wash Your Clothes
Washing machines use more energy when running on hot cycles, especially if your hot water comes from an electric system.
Better laundry habits:
Use cold water unless clothes are really dirty.
Wash full loads to reduce the number of cycles.
If you can, skip the dryer and hang clothes on a rack inside or out in the sun.
9. Use Hot Water Wisely
Heating water is one of the biggest energy costs in the average Aussie home.
Lower your hot water use by:
Taking shorter showers (4 minutes is a good goal).
Installing a water-efficient showerhead.
Only run your dishwasher or washing machine when full.
Fixing leaks quickly. Even a small drip adds up over time.Also, check your hot water system’s temperature. Ideally it should be around 60°C at the tank (and 50°C at the tap) to balance safety and energy use.
10. Monitor Your Energy Use
Knowing when and where you’re using the most electricity can help you change your habits.
Try:
Check if your electricity provider offers usage tracking or an app.
Take weekly meter readings to see your progress.
Use an energy monitor to see how much power your heater or fridge is using.
Sometimes just seeing the numbers helps you rethink what’s really necessary.
11. Check You’re on the Best Plan
Electricity prices vary a lot between retailers. If you haven’t compared plans in the last 12 months you might be paying more than you need to.
What to do:
Use comparison tools like Energy Made Easy which is government-run and independent.
Look for discounts, flexible rates and billing options that suit your usage.
Read the fine print so you’re not caught out by fees or rate changes.
Even switching to a better plan could save hundreds a year, with no changes to your usage.
Stay Warm, Spend Less: Small Changes That Add Up
Reducing your winter electricity bill isn’t about sacrificing comfort, it’s about using energy where it matters most. By sealing draughts, heating smarter and making a few changes to your daily habits you can stay warm without the nasty surprise when your bill arrives.
Start with one or two changes and build from there. Over time these little actions add up to your energy use, your savings and the planet.
