Energy Wise

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Learn practical tips and tricks to lower your energy bills and be more energy efficient in your daily life with our Energy Wise series! Watch the two-minute videos for advice and for more information and resources on saving energy and money.

Understand Your Energy Bill

Are you tired of high energy bills?

Did you know that saving on your energy bills up to 15–20% is easier than you think? Watch our two-minute Energy Wise video and take control of your energy costs. 

Let's check if you have the right plan and start the energy saving journey!

You can learn more about your electricity bill, dealing with electricity providers and much more on the NSW Climate and Energy Action website.

DIY Energy Savings Tools 

Borrow a Save Power Kit from Singleton Public Library and make your home energy more efficient. These kits are a box of tools that you can use around your home to identify ways to reduce your energy bill. Contained in an easy-to-carry case, the Save Power Kit will help you identify the biggest energy users in your home and ways you can save money on your energy bill.

Access Government Opportunities

  • If your household has an active electricity account, you can receive up to $300 credit on your electricity bill over the 2024/2025 financial year. Find out more here.
     
  • Did you know there are rebates, grants, and programs available to help you upgrade your home?

Don’t miss out on these opportunities to make energy efficiency affordable and accessible.  

Heating and Cooling

Be Energy Wise and make your home comfortable without the shocking energy bills! 

Don't let your home energy bills rise and drop with the changing of the seasons. Watch our two-minute Energy Wise video to learn how to keep your home warm and cool without breaking the bank.


Cooling Tips

  • Use fans over air conditioning. Fans are cheap to run and keep you cool effectively. 

  • Keep the heat out by closing doors, windows, and curtains in the morning.

  • A dark house is a cool house. Block out that sun! 

  • Invest in a high efficiency air conditioner. Do your research, ensure proper installation, and service it regularly for top performance. 

  • Set air conditioner between 23 - 26 degrees Celsius. This temperature range provides comfortable cooling while minimising energy consumption.

Heating Tips

  • A high efficiency air conditioner is the best way to heat your home. 

  • Seal your home properly to keep the warm (or cool) air inside. 

Access Government Opportunities 

Did you know there are rebates, grants, and programs available to help you upgrade your home? Don’t miss out on these opportunities to make energy efficiency affordable and accessible. 

Instant Estimates

For a quote on reverse cycle air conditioning from a local supplier and to instantly see an estimate for costs, energy savings, and government rebates, check out ZapCat!

Remember, you should get multiple quotes from different providers to ensure you're getting the best deal for your needs.

Insulation and Sealing

Sealing and insulation can make up a third of household energy bills - so why let your money slip through the cracks?

Did you know the average Australian home has the equivalent of a 1m² hole in its building envelope? That means all the air you just paid to heat or cool is escaping straight outside! Fill those gaps and stay comfortable year-round!

Watch our two-minute Energy Wise video to learn about sealing and insulating your home.


Simple Fixes, Big Savings! 

  • Block draughts - it’s easy, affordable, and DIY-friendly! 

  • Seal up gaps around doors, windows, and downlights. 

  • Check your insulation - compressed or missing insulation makes it useless. 

  • Consider a door blower test or thermal camera assessment to find hidden leaks. 

  • Upgrade ceiling, wall, and subfloor insulation for a warmer, cooler, and quieter home. 

Check the NSW Climate and Energy Action website for more information and tips!

Hot Water

Do you know what that uses the most power in your home? Your heating? Your lights? Your dishwasher? Think again! 

Believe it or not, your hot water system accounts for up to 40% of your total energy use. Watch our two-minute Energy Wise video to learn how to save your money from going down the drain.


Water Saving Tips

  • Upgrade your system - old hot water units are energy consumers! Heat pumps or solar hot water systems can slash your bills. 

  • Check your electricity bill - if your hot water runs on continuous supply, it’s wasting energy and money. 

  • Plan ahead - if your system is 10-15 years old, don’t wait for an emergency.

  • Claim rebates - efficient systems come with government incentives, making the switch even easier. 

  • Enjoy guilt-free hot water - with renewable energy, you can relax in a warm bath without the high costs! 

More Information

Visit the NSW Government Climate and Energy Action website to find out more on claiming rebates.

You can learn more about types of hot water systems, installation, energy performance and much more on Australia Government Energy website.

Instant Estimates

For a quote on a new hot water system from a local supplier, check out ZapCat.

Remember, you should get multiple quotes from different providers to ensure you're getting the best deal for your needs.

Standby Power

Would you like to save 10-15% on your electricity bill right now? Just flick those switches off!

Standby power, the energy used by devices that are 'off' but still plugged in, accounts for 10-15% of your total electricity use. That’s paying for power you’re not even using! Watch our two-minute Energy Wise video to learn how to effortlessly lower your energy bills.


Energy Wise Tips

  • Turn off or unplug appliances at the wall when not in use. Going away? Stitch off or unplug your TV and home entertainment systems while you're not home to save energy.

  • Turn off lights when you're not in the room and take advantage of natural light where you can.

  • Use master-slave power boards, timers, or standby power remotes - they cost almost nothing and pay for themselves within months. 

  • Switch to LED lightbulbs - LEDs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last longer.

Energy Rating can help!

The Energy Rating label can be used to compare the energy efficiency and running costs of some appliances. Learn how to use it and read it and compare before you buying!

 

Solar

Cut your energy costs and harness the power of the sun!

Imagine running your air conditioner all day in summer without it costing a cent. Sound too good to be true? With solar, it’s possible! Watch our two-minute Energy Wise video to learn how to unlock the potential of solar in your home.


Why Go Solar? 

  • Slash your energy bills - most solar systems pay for themselves in just 3-4 years. 

  • Government incentives make installation more affordable than ever. 

  • Sell excess power back to the grid and save even more. 

Things to Consider

  • Solar panels don’t store energy - you’ll still need grid power at night unless you install a battery. 

  • The more solar power you use during the day, the more you save! 

Learn more and switch!

There are a few things to consider before you install a solar system, visit the NSW Climate and Energy Action website for more information. Don't forget to check the installation and maintenance easy steps for better results on your investment!

How to Get Started

Did you know that there is an easy-to-use tool that quickly estimates your system size, the cost, and how much you could save? Have your latest energy bill handy and check SunSPOT.

Then find an approved installer to see if your house is suitable for a solar system, check out ZapCat.

Remember, you should get multiple quotes from different providers to ensure you're getting the best deal for your needs.

Batteries

Maximise your solar savings!

Ever thought about storing your own solar power for when you need it most? A home battery pairs with your solar system to store excess energy and power your home, even when the sun isn’t shining! Watch our two-minute Energy Wise video to learn how.


Why Get a Home Battery? 

  • Use your solar power at night instead of buying from the grid. 

  • Save more on energy bills by charging with off-peak electricity and using it during peak hours. 

  • Backup power. Keep your lights on during blackouts! 

Learn and store it!

Understanding how batteries work and getting the battery that maximises your solar energy production is the key for a good investment.

Find the Guide to owning a battery and the Battery installation checklist on the NSW Climate and Energy Action website.

Have you heard of Virtual Power Plants (VPP)? VPP allows you to sell some of the excess stored energy in your battery when other people on the grid need it most and provides a revenue stream for your battery!

How to Get Started

Contact an approved installer to find out how much you can save on a new battery, check out ZapCat.

Remember, you should get multiple quotes from different providers to ensure you're getting the best deal for your needs.

 

Be Energy Wise + Save Workshop

Join us at Singleton Public Library on Saturday 24 May 2025 from 10.30am - 12.30pm for a FREE interactive workshop where you'll learn practical tips on how to save on your energy bill and become more energy efficient at home. We'll share valuable insights and easy-to-implement strategies that can make a big difference in your energy consumption. Bring your latest energy bill along and we'll help you understand it and give you practical cost-saving tips. 

Book your spot today