Managing the amount of electricity you consume daily as you go about your activities at home or in the workplace is very important and something every Aussie should pay close attention to.

Conserving energy is friendly to the environment, which is more important now than ever, especially as the world continues to contend with climate change and all the issues that come with it. Besides, saving up on the energy you consume will also leave you with a healthier electricity bill.

Electricity from burning fossil fuels, gas, and coal generates a large amount of greenhouse gas and increases the carbon footprint. Some cities like Sydney are already being entirely powered by 100% renewable energy. 

Much of this energy is derived from clean and locally sourced energy from wind and solar farms. Electricity providers in Sydney have multiple plans you can explore and select from based on what suits you best.

You can reduce your carbon footprint by managing the energy you use daily. The great thing is you don't have to make wholesale changes to conserve energy better, some simple, intelligent and innovative strategies and tips employed at home and work have proven to be very effective, and some of these include:

Install a Smart Meter

Setting up a smart meter at home or in the office will allow you to monitor exactly how much energy you are utilising. This will alert you when your energy consumption is on the high side, and you can check your electrical appliances and devices and adjust accordingly.

A smart meter will digitally measure how much energy is consumed in premises and remotely relay this information to your energy retailer. It can also be used to receive bill notifications and to give early warning for faulty electrical systems.

Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances and Devices

Some appliances and devices consume more energy than others. Switching to energy-efficient ones will help you optimally save on the electricity you use.

Replace existing bulbs with low watts bulbs. Use LED lights and CFL bulbs as they tend to last for more extended periods while consuming less energy.

Opt for laptops over desktops in the workplace as laptops tend to consume less. Also, ensure that your employees are using the energy-saving features on the electronic items; computers should be in hibernation mode when they are not in use.

Don't be reluctant to replace older appliances as they are often less energy efficient. Invest in modern air conditioners, television, printers, computers, gaming systems, etc.

Insulation

By insulating your hot water pipes and heating ducts, you can prevent energy wastage. 

Insulated pipes can preserve and even raise the temperature of the water inside them by up to 4 degrees Fahrenheit compared to uninsulated pipes. This will allow you to switch off the water heater while your water remains as hot as you like it.

By insulating the air ducts, you seal off any leakages, which can conserve up to 30% of energy lost due to leaky air ducts.

Change Your Energy Habits

We need to drop some energy-wasting habits and some new ones we need to adopt.

Washing only full loads of clothes with the washing machine. This way, you avoid repetitive use of the machine and therefore save up more energy. You can also air-dry your laundry on the line rather than using the dryer.

Also, for dishwashers, only use them when it is full. Use the microwave more than the conventional oven, which consumes more energy. Turn off extra refrigerators and freezers when not in use, or dispose of them if they are not needed.

Switch off the light bulbs when you are leaving a room. Use a smart programmable thermostat to save energy automatically when you are not at home.

During summertime, when it is hot inside, you can opt to leave the windows open and allow for cross-ventilation instead of always using the air-conditioning.

Switch off Gaming systems, televisions and other wall appliances right from the wall as they continue to sap energy if left on standby mode.

Renewable Energy

There are many ways by which you can use renewable sources of energy in your homes and offices.

Renewable generators that harness wind, solar, bioenergy or water energy are becoming very popular. You should invest in them.

Installing solar panels on the rooftops is a great way of generating clean energy to power your premises in place of grid electricity. 

The obvious downside to solar is that it is dependent on the energy obtained from the sun, so the panels are only powered during the daytime.

These are some of the best solutions you can practice to reduce the electricity bill and save energy at home or in the office.