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Saving energy

Energy Saving Tips for Renters With No Landlord Approval

Renting does not mean paying high power bills. Here are the savings you can make yourself, and the upgrades worth raising with your landlord.

Checked against regulator sources, October 2026

Savings that need no permission

  1. Compare and switch plans

    You are not tied to the last tenant's retailer. See our comparison guide.

  2. Claim your concession

    If you hold an eligible card and the account is in your name. See concessions.

  3. Swap globes for LEDs

    Changing a globe is usually fine. LEDs use about 75% less energy than halogens, according to energy.gov.au.

  4. Draught snakes and heavy curtains

    Freestanding draught stoppers and your own curtains keep heat in without any changes to the property.

  5. Cut standby

    Switched power boards for the TV and desk. See standby power.

  6. Wash cold and line dry

    See the cheapest way to dry clothes.

Heating and cooling a rental

Heating a room, cost an hour at the Ausgrid reference rate
OptionCost an hour
Electric blanket on high, 150 W5c
Small reverse cycle unit, 0.75 kW25c
Oil column heater, 1,500 W50c
Fan heater, 2,400 W80c

If the property has a reverse cycle air conditioner, it is almost always the cheapest way to heat a room. Clean the filters, close the door and set 18°C to 21°C in winter and 24°C to 27°C in summer.

Upgrades to ask your landlord about

  • Ceiling insulation. The SA Government says effective insulation can cut heat lost through ceilings and walls by up to 60%.
  • Efficient hot water. A heat pump uses about 30% of the energy of an electric element system.
  • Reverse cycle heating and cooling. Far cheaper to run than portable heaters.
  • Door and window seals. Cheap for the owner and quick to fit.

Make the case with numbers

Owners pay for upgrades but tenants save on bills, so show how the upgrade helps keep good tenants. Some state programs help landlords, such as Solar Victoria's Solar for Rentals. See our renting and electricity guide for your rights.

Questions about saving energy as a renter

Compare plans, claim concessions, use LED globes, block draughts with freestanding stoppers and curtains, cut standby, wash cold, and use any reverse cycle air conditioner instead of portable heaters.

Yes, if the account is in your name. You are not bound to the previous tenant's retailer or any provider an agent suggests.

You can ask, and it helps to show the savings. Some states have rental standards and programs that support landlord upgrades. Check your state's tenancy authority.

Sources

Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.