Top 10 energy saving tips

• To save the most energy, switch off 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 Wi-Fi routers overnight or when you're away. Most computers have energy-saving settings that will turn the computer and screen off after a period of inactivity.

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.

• Shut doors to areas you're not using, and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time.
• 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.

• 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.

The Residential Efficiency Scorecard is available across Australia. In the same way as a fridge or washing machine has a star rating, a Scorecard rating shows how much energy is used throughout your home.

Whether selling or renovating, renting or just worried about high energy bills, a home energy assessment can help you save energy and money on bills by identifying your home's features that contribute to high energy bills and the improvements you can make.

Find a Scorecard assessor

Fridge

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

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

Every degree above 20 degrees can add 10% to your heating bill. In winter, heating can account for over 30% of your bill.

In winter, set your thermostat to between 18 and 20 degrees. In summer, set your thermostat to 26 degrees or above.

Some ducted systems allow you to turn off the heating or cooling to unoccupied rooms.

Save money by switching to more energy-efficient heating. For example, switching from an electric fan heater to a split system can save the average home nearly $700 a year on bills. The Victorian Energy Upgrades program allows rebates to install more efficient heating in your home.

If you have gas heating and a modern reverse cycle air-conditioner, try using your reverse cycle system in heating mode. This will reduce your winter bills and improve heating efficiency.

One of the easiest ways to reduce energy costs is to compare energy offers.

Victorian Energy Compare is the Victorian Government's free and independent energy price comparison tool. It compares offers from more than 20 energy retailers across gas, electricity and solar to help you find the best and cheapest energy offers.

You just need access to the internet, a recent bill, and some information about your household. Victorian Energy Compare does the rest.

The comparison only takes about 10 minutes, and users can typically save $330 a year on energy costs.

You can also try the energy quiz on the website to learn more about your energy and bills.

An insulated ceiling can make a big difference to your energy bills. Effective ceiling insulation can save you up to 20% on cooling and heating costs.

Find information about insulation at Sustainability Victoria

Using solar electricity you generate can reduce the amount of energy you need to buy from your retailer. Solar hot water systems can also help you avoid gas charges using a gas-fired water heater.

Discover more about solar energy, including feed-in-tariffs, incentives, installation and energy companies.

Find out more about how small changes can make a difference to our environment and our future at reduce your carbon footprint.

Having trouble paying your energy bills? Find information about what support is available.