3 Steps to Save Money on Energy Bills in Australia

Australia's energy bills add up. Whether you're constantly running the air conditioner to stay cool or working from home with the lights on all day, it's never fun to end the month with a massive payment due. Fortunately, Somfy is here to save your wallet with these tips to help you cut energy costs all year long.

First, Understand Your Electricity Bill

Understanding where the money goes and where the majority of your energy is allocated helps you make the right decisions about which appliances need less attention.

Part of the energy bill is devoted to fixed charges, which is a flat daily fee to cover the costs of providing an active electricity connection. This includes the network costs of the poles, wires, and other infrastructure to carry electricity to your home. There isn’t much you can do to reduce this part of the bill, although network costs have been rising recently as ageing infrastructure is maintained and upgraded.

However, the rest of the energy bill is made up of variable charges, which depend on how much electricity you use. This part of your bill can be further separated into which rooms, systems, and appliances are using the most energy. This is also where you should focus to reduce your total energy spending.

Install Window Coverings

Windows play a pivotal role in lighting your home. During certain times of the day and year, keeping your window coverings open provides natural light that helps you use less electricity.

Proper use of blinds, shutters, and curtains helps you save energy on cooling and heating. Windows are also a key source of heat loss or gain into a home. Heat maps of houses show that windows are major weak points in the insulation unless they have window furnishings. In the summer, window coverings block sunlight from entering the home so you don't have to use the air conditioner as often. In the winter, they prevent heat from escaping out the windows.

The more effective the window furnishings are, the less you’ll have to rely on air conditioners or heaters. This is critical because reducing home heating and cooling will take a major dent out of your energy bills.

Open and Close Your Shades at the Right Times

There’s more to window furnishings than just installing them. With a few sensible tweaks in how they are used, they can have an instrumental impact on your energy bills.

In summer, it’s important to close all curtains, blinds, and shades when the external temperature starts to rise. This traps the cold morning air inside and keeps the hot air from getting in. With lower internal temperatures, your air conditioner will thank you for having to do less work! During the winter, leaving your window furnishings open can help you gather as much natural heat and light as possible.

Motorised Blinds Make Saving Energy Easier

The best way to monitor your blinds and shades isn’t to set a reminder to do it yourself but to have them under automated control. External Venetian blinds can be connected to a sun sensor so that the slats automatically adjust according to the outside temperature. This makes it easy to maintain comfortable lighting and temperature all day long.

Another way to automate control is with Somfy’s home automation solution, Connexoon Window RTS. Pre-set schedules will ensure your awnings extend, your roller shutters lower and your curtains glide open without you having to lift a finger.

Don't Let Your Energy Bill Get the Best of You

A few simple tweaks to your sources of light and heat will make a big difference in your annual energy spend! An upfront investment in smart home controls will pay for itself in convenience, efficiency, and savings on your energy bill.

Get in touch with your local Somfy Expert to discover how Somfy's smart window furnishings can drive energy savings for your home.