Is Solar Right for You Yet? Try These Energy-Saving Tips First

As a renewable energy company, you might expect us to shout from the rooftops that everyone should install solar panels immediately. And while we’re big believers in solar (it’s clean, efficient, and often a brilliant investment), we also think it’s wise to look at your overall energy usage first.

Before jumping into solar, there are several simple — and sometimes surprising — ways to reduce your electricity consumption. By taking these small steps first, you’ll not only lower your bills, but you’ll also get a better understanding of your home’s energy patterns, which will help you get the most from any future solar system.

Start with What You’ve Got

Here are some of the easiest, most effective ways to reduce your energy use with the appliances and habits you already have:

✅ Cycle Your Appliances

Some high-draw appliances, like washing machines and dishwashers, don’t need to run daily. Try running these every 2–3 days instead, especially if you live alone or as a couple. Combining loads and cutting down cycles can make a big difference over time.

⏰ Use Built-In Timers

Most modern appliances have delayed start timers — use them to run machines during off-peak hours (usually at night) if you're on a time-of-use energy tariff. This won't reduce usage but will reduce your cost per kWh.

🌡️ Turn Down Your Hot Water Thermostat

Many hot water cylinders are set far higher than necessary. Dropping your thermostat from 60°C to 50°C could shave pounds off your bill and still provide plenty of hot water.

🌬️ Let Your Appliances Breathe

Did you know that your fridge and freezer work harder if they’re crammed into tight corners? Make sure there’s adequate airflow around them, and regularly dust the coils at the back — this one simple trick can improve efficiency by up to 25%.

Lesser-Known Energy Saving Hacks You Might Not Know About

Want to go a step further? Here are some niche energy-saving tips that many people overlook:

🕹️ Turn Off "Zombie Power" at the Wall

We all know devices on standby waste energy, but even when turned “off,” many devices still draw power. TV boxes, smart speakers, coffee machines — unplug or switch them off at the wall where possible.

🕯️ Use Thermal Curtains (Even in Summer)

Thermal curtains help trap heat in the winter, but they can also reflect heat away in the summer, reducing the need for fans or air conditioning. Use light-coloured ones with reflective backing.

🔌 Smart Plugs with Usage Tracking

Plug your energy-hungry devices into smart plugs that monitor usage. Over time, you’ll identify which appliances are sneakily racking up costs. Some even turn off devices when not in use automatically.

🧊 Fill the Freezer (Even with Ice Packs)

A full freezer is more energy-efficient than an empty one. If you don’t have enough food to fill it, place containers of water or reusable ice blocks in the empty spaces to stabilise the temperature.

🧺 Air Dry Clothes on Hangers

Instead of using a tumble dryer or drying rack, try hanging clothes directly on hangers across a curtain rod or shower rail. They’ll dry faster and be ready to go straight into the wardrobe — saving time and energy.

💡 Reflector Panels Behind Radiators

Stick reflective foil panels behind your radiators on external walls to bounce heat back into the room instead of losing it through the wall. It’s a small fix with a noticeable impact.

Assess Before You Invest

Taking steps to reduce your energy use isn’t just about saving money in the short term — it’s about understanding your household’s patterns and priorities. Once you’ve made the simple changes above, you’ll have a much clearer picture of how, when, and where you use electricity. That knowledge is invaluable when it comes to designing a solar system that truly fits your needs.

For example, if you’ve already cut your daytime usage by using timers and cycling appliances more efficiently, it may affect the size of the solar system you need — or help you decide whether adding a battery is worthwhile. You may also find that by tweaking your habits, your bills drop enough that you can invest more confidently in renewables later down the line.

At Assembly Renewables, we believe in honest advice and long-term solutions — not quick fixes or hard sells. That’s why we always encourage customers to take stock of their energy use first. Our role is to support you when the time is right, whether that’s now or further down the road.

If and when you’re ready to explore solar, we’re here to guide you with tailored system designs, straightforward pricing, and a team that genuinely cares about getting it right. Until then, keep saving energy where you can — it all adds up.