New research from iSelect has revealed that 87% of Australians have already changed the way they use energy, as rising living costs and another hot summer on the horizon push households to majorly rethink how they cool, heat, and power their homes.
The study found that energy decisions are becoming part of everyday life, with small shifts like using fans instead of air-conditioners and upgrading to energy-efficient appliances reflecting a broader cultural reset in how Australians approach their household bills.
Sophie Ryan, iSelect spokesperson, said: “Energy is no longer just about keeping the lights on or the air-con running. It’s becoming part of our daily decision-making, like meal planning or grocery shopping. Australians are realising that small adjustments can add up to big savings – and in many cases, make their homes more sustainable at the same time.”
“As technology becomes more accessible, these shifts will only accelerate,” Ryan said. “From affordable energy-efficient appliances to wider adoption of solar and smart meters, Australians are finding ways to strike the balance between lifestyle, affordability, and sustainability. What’s clear is that energy management is no longer a niche concern or only thought about when the bills come in, it’s becoming part of everyday life.”
Cooling habits in particular are set for a major shake-up this summer, with more than eight in ten Australians planning to change how they keep their homes comfortable. The most common strategy is switching to a fan instead of an air-conditioner (40%), while 37% will only cool certain rooms.
At the same time, some households are also trying creative solutions, like taking a swim to cool off (14%) or only running air-con when solar panels are generating power. Still, a portion of Australians (18%) won’t be changing their habits at all, highlighting the ongoing balance between comfort and cost.
These shifts build on measures households adopted during winter, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use, reducing heating or cooling (56%), and investing in energy-efficient appliances. Many are also using smart meters or apps to monitor usage, or switching to cheaper energy plans to help manage costs.
While Ms Ryan said switching to cheaper deals could shave hundreds off some Aussie’s energy bills, just 12% said they had taken this action.
“Comparing and switching is a fast and easy way to save on electricity and gas but we know hundreds of thousands of people don’t shop around and pay more than they need to,” Ms Ryan said. “We know that around 800,000 Aussie households are on default market offers because they haven’t moved onto cheaper offers that are available.”
While cost remains the biggest driver, with energy bills continuing to rise, Aussies are increasingly factoring in environmental impact when deciding how to power their homes, with remote work also adding another dimension, giving households greater control over daytime energy use.
As households brace for summer, it’s clear that energy decisions are no longer reactive, they’re becoming an everyday strategy to save money, stay comfortable, and live more sustainably.
About iSelect:
At iSelect, we’re passionate about making Aussies’ lives easier by saving them time, effort and money. We are Australia’s go-to destination for comparison across insurance, utilities and personal finance products made available from our range of providers. Our service is provided at no cost to the customer.
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