The onset of Autumn and its cooler months marks the perfect time to take stock of your home’s energy efficiency and see what you can do to make the most out of running on solar. Here are eight simple tips and tricks to getting your home running as efficiently as possible when there are fewer sunshine hours to bask in.

1. Switch to energy-efficient lightbulbs

Replace your traditional bulbs with energy-efficient options like LED or CFL bulbs, which use around 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer.

2. Time it right

Your solar system generates the most power between 9 am and 4 pm, making this the best time to use energy-hungry appliances like the oven, vacuum cleaner, and dishwasher. If you're not going to be home, try the timer delay function on appliances like your dishwasher to make the most of it.

3. Go electric

Consider making the switch from gas to electricity-powered appliances like water heaters, gas heaters, ovens, stovetops, and even your car.

4. Time for an upgrade

How old are your most-used appliances? Old, energy-hungry ones like your oven or fridge could be sucking power without you even knowing. If you’re a SolarZero customer, you get exclusive prices on Panasonic goods through our online store. Check it out here .

5. Programme your hot hours

If you have a solar system with our battery, you can schedule your hot water to heat during off peak energy hours (12 – 3 pm) each day in the MySolarZero dashboard. This is also when your system is likely to be generating the most solar energy. By doing this you aren’t paying to heat your hot water when energy pricing is at its peak.

6. Unplug

Seems too simple to be true, but you’d be surprised the impact unplugging unused appliances and devices has on how much energy your home’s passively using. Do a power socket audit of your home and see what needs to be there and what can be unplugged.

7. Cook smart

Try cooking multiple dishes simultaneously, utilize lids to retain heat and reduce cooking time, and consider using smaller appliances like microwaves or slow cookers for more energy-efficient meal prep.

8. Upgrade insulation

Patchy insulation can mean your home loses heat easily, making your appliances work harder to maintain a healthy, warm temperature. Consider getting your ceiling walls and floors checked to see if they’re properly insulated to keep the heat in.

By implementing these simple yet effective energy-saving practices, you can enjoy a cozy and comfortable home environment while saving on your power bill at the same time and reducing your carbon footprint.

Don't have solar installed at your home yet? Learn more about how we could help you make long term, sustainable savings on your power bill here.