If you’re worried about bigger bills, it’s a good idea to know what in your home uses the most energy. Appliances that heat or cool are often the most power-hungry.

• Water heater – make sure your hot water cylinder is wrapped in insulation. This helps to keep your water hot for longer. 
• Fridges and freezers – check your seal and replace it if it isn’t doing its job. Your fridge doesn’t need to be on the coldest setting.  
• Heat pumps – these are efficient and low energy if they’re used correctly. See the GenLess website for information on how to use yours efficiently.  
• Heated towel rails – do you need to leave yours on all day? This could cost around 48 cents a day. Try switching it off for a while during the day.  
• Washing machines – a hot wash can use 10x more electricity than doing a cold wash. And doing a full load saves the cost of doing another load.  
• Clothes dryers – these use a lot of energy. Line dry your washing when you can. Or start it off on the line and finish off in the dryer.  
• Ovens and electric hobs – heating at high temperatures use a lot of energy. When using the oven, consider cooking two meals at the same time so the oven doesn’t need to be heated twice.  
• Spa pools – having a spa pool will add to your energy bill.  How much it costs each month depends if you keep the pump running all the time, how often you change the water, what the weather is like and more.  
• Appliance overload – phones, laptops, tablets, TVs, e-readers and more. Is everything plugged in and charging all the time? Try turning switching things off instead of leaving on standby and if you’re on a plan with cheaper rates in the evening, try charging overnight instead.