Leader Your Home Feature
WISE energy use saves money and reduces greenhouse gas emissions all year, but during winter more power is used for warmth.
Ausgrid energy efficiency expert Paul Myors said households could save more than $250 a year by changing the way they use appliances.
"Using your appliances more efficiently is one of the easiest ways to cut energy bills," he said.
"Switching off standby power can save more than $100 a year.
"Entertainment systems and computer equipment are the worst offenders, so always turn them off at the power button or, if it's safe to do so, flick the switch at the wall.
"Alternatively, you can use energy saver power boards."
Mr Myors said hot water systems used the most household energy, and cutting two minutes off shower times could save more than $100 a year.
"Similarly, washing clothes in cold water rather than warm can save about $80 a year because the cost per cycle on a warm wash can be five times more than on a cold wash," he said.
"Heating and cooling a home accounts for around a quarter of the average household's energy use.
"More than $100 can be saved per year by heating your home between 18 and 21 degrees in winter, and cooling it between 23 and 26 degrees in summer.
"Draughts and unwanted air leakages can suck away the warmth, increasing home heating costs by up to 25 per cent.
"Door snakes are cheap to buy and are a great solution to stop under-door draughts."
