Ever opened your electricity bill and thought, “How are we using this much power?” You’re not alone. With rising energy costs in Australia, more and more households are paying closer attention to how much electricity they’re using , and what’s driving those costs. In this article, we break down average household power consumption, show where the energy goes, and give you a few tips to bring those numbers down.
Average Household Electricity Usage in Australia
According to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER), the average electricity usage for a typical Aussie household is between 15 and 25 kWh per day, depending on:
- Location (climate plays a big role)
- Household size
- Type of heating/cooling used
- Appliances and how often they’re run
For example, a small apartment may only use around 5–10 kWh per day, while a large family home with ducted air con and a pool might hit 30+ kWh daily.
What’s Using the Most Power?
Here’s a breakdown of what typically uses the most electricity in an Australian home:
| Appliance / System | Approx. Usage | Notes |
| Heating & Cooling | 40–50% | Air conditioners, heaters, fans |
| Hot Water Systems | 15–25% | Especially electric storage systems |
| Fridges & Freezers | 10–15% | Always running, older models use more |
| Lighting | 8–10% | Halogens use more than LEDs |
| Washing Machines & Dryers | 5–10% | Dryers can use 3–5 kWh per load |
| Cooking Appliances | 5–10% | Ovens, cooktops, microwaves |
| Standby Devices | 3–5% | TVs, gaming consoles, chargers left plugged in |
How to Work Out Your Own Usage
You can easily check your usage by looking at your electricity bill. Look for:
- Daily average usage (in kWh)
- Comparison charts from previous months or similar homes
- Peak vs. off-peak charges (if you’re on a time-of-use plan)
If you want to get more specific, consider using a smart meter or plug-in power monitor to track usage of individual appliances.
5 Simple Tips to Reduce Power Usage
- Service your air conditioner – A clean, well-maintained unit runs more efficiently and uses less power.
- Switch to LED lighting – They use up to 80% less energy than halogens and last longer.
- Use a timer for hot water – Especially if you’re on an electric system; heating water overnight can cost less.
- Unplug standby devices – TVs, chargers, and consoles still draw power even when switched off.
- Upgrade your switchboard – Modern switchboards and RCDs can improve safety and may support more efficient energy usage.
When to Call an Electrician
If your usage seems unusually high or inconsistent, it could be caused by:
- Faulty wiring or circuits
- Inefficient or old appliances
- Outdated switchboards
- Appliances drawing excessive standby power
A licenced electrician from Airmelec can inspect your system, upgrade your switchboard, or install energy-efficient lighting and power points to help reduce your usage.
Understanding your home’s electricity usage is the first step toward cutting costs and improving energy efficiency. With just a few simple changes, and help from a trusted local electrician, you can reduce your consumption, lower your power bills, and shrink your carbon footprint.
Ready to Cut Your Power Bills?
Whether you need a professional assessment, new lighting, or an upgraded switchboard, Airmelec has you covered!