1. Air conditioner
Running the air conditioner (or a heater) for too long or at too high a temperature will fry your bank account. When you walk into a freezing house at the end of a chilly commute, ask yourself whether you need to warm up the entire house or just one or two rooms. And while you might be tempted to make it toasty, remember that every degree you raise the temperature by will raise your energy costs by 10 to 15 per cent.

2. Heating

If you’re going to heat up your house, make sure you’re not squandering all that expensive warmth. Keep doors to little-used rooms closed and seal gaps around doors. If you’ve got any heavy curtains, winter is the time to hang them as they can prevent up to 75 per cent of total heat loss in a home.

READ: 12 surprising ways your house is making you fat

3. Fridge
Set the temperature of your fridge at 3 to 4 degrees and your freezer at no colder than -18 degrees. Every one degree you go lower than that increases energy costs by 5 per cent. Don’t allow ice to build up, as it interferes with the flow of cool air and makes your fridge work harder. If you’ve got a bar fridge you hardly use, consider getting rid of it.

4. Microwave
Microwave rather than cook your meals. Microwaves can cook food three times faster than a standard oven, creating energy savings of 70 per cent. With all the money you’ll save, you’ll be able to eat out more often.

5. Shower
Hot showers are a lot cheaper than hot baths, and short hot showers are a lot cheaper than long ones, especially if you have a water saving shower head installed. Set the temperature on your hot water unit to no more than 65 degrees. If you’re going away for more than a week, make sure to turn it off.

6. Washing machine
Opt for a front-loading washing machine – they’re 15 per cent more energy efficient than top loaders. Use cold water whenever you can and save hot water for cleaning heavily soiled clothes. Always put a full load in and hang your washing out to dry whenever possible. Make sure to clean the lint filter on your dryer after every use – it will speed up drying times.

7. Lights
Become one of those people who walks around switching off lights that are illuminating rooms or spaces no one is using. If you haven’t already, change over to the energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs that can cut your lighting costs by up to 75 per cent. Movement sensors, timers and auto switches will also help ensure you’re only lighting areas when absolutely necessary.

8. Appliances

Turn electrical appliances off at the wall when you’re not using them. It might not look like it, but even in standby mode they’re using electricity and slowly inflating your power bill. There are handy power-boards that will automatically shut down power to your devices completely, allowing you to save energy.

READ: 10 surprising ways to use your hair dryer

9. Electric Blankets
Use a hot water bottle or a thicker doona rather than turning on your electric blanket.

10. Purchasing
Whenever you’re buying something that uses electricity, particularly big-ticket items such as a fridge, dishwasher or television, check out the energy rating sticker. The more stars it has, the more energy efficient it is.

For more great energy saving ideas - visit the Bunning's website

Planning a fresh coat of paint - try the Colour Selector and Paint Calculator

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