The VoltaRocks Challenge: Find Your Biggest Bill Drainer, Set Your Goal, and Start Saving Big (with Sam’s Appliance Audit!)Oz Omegna

It doesn’t matter if you’re a solar veteran, a battery beginner, or just sick of sky-high bills—everyone can save money with a smarter home. The secret? Knowing where your energy’s really going, and acting on it.

Why the “Little Things” Matter

We all love talking solar, battery, EVs and VPPs. But even the best system can’t save you if your ancient fridge or always-on pool pump is quietly guzzling power, 24/7.
Small changes add up—sometimes faster (and cheaper) than any big tech upgrade.

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Real-World Appliance Savings: The Proof

Here’s what just a few classic Aussie appliance upgrades or tweaks can do for your bottom line:

VoltaRocks Appliance Savings Table

Appliance	Old/“Drainer” Example	Upgrade or Optimised Option	Potential Annual Saving (AUD)
Fridge 15+ yrs old	450 kWh/year ($150/yr)	Modern 4-star fridge: 220 kWh	~$75–$90
Pool Pump	1,000 kWh/year ($330/yr)	Efficient/timer model: 400 kWh	~$200
Hot Water System	Electric storage, no timer	Heat pump on solar timer	~$180–$350
Plugged-in TV/AV	Old TV + “vampire” standby	Powerboard w/auto off	$40–$70
Beer Fridge/Garage	Second fridge, rarely used	Unplug/only run in summer	$80–$110
Old Air Con	Pre-2000 split system	2025 inverter model	$150–$300

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Calculations based on 2025 Aus average rates (33c/kWh), CEC/Choice data, and typical usage.

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Example 1:

Your 2006 fridge is running non-stop, using twice the energy of a new one—switching could save you $80 a year, every year (and keep your beer colder).

Example 2:

A pool pump on an old schedule can chew through $300+ a year. Add a timer and only run it in the sunniest hours: instant $200 saved.

Example 3:

"If your electric hot water is running on a flat rate or not using a timer, upgrading or just running it during solar hours could save you $200–$350 every single year. A heat pump water system pays for itself surprisingly fast, especially if paired with solar panels.

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Why This Adds Up—Fast

Saving $200 here and $80 there is like getting your solar rebate twice—it’s money in your pocket, and it reduces how much solar/battery you’ll need later on.

If you’re new to solar, optimising your appliances first means you can install a smaller, cheaper system for the same result.

If you already have solar and a battery, less wasted energy = more free power for EV charging or VPP export.

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Here’s Your Challenge

1. Set Your Savings Goal
What’s realistic for your home—$250, $500, or $1,000 a year? Start with one appliance and build up.

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2. Audit Your Home with Sam’s Appliance Audit

Download the VoltaRocks App (get early access to Sam’s Appliance Audit!)
Snap a photo of any appliance—fridge, heater, aircon, pool pump, even your Nanna’s old dryer.
In 24 hours, we’ll send you a report:
- How much it’s costing you
- How it compares to the best models
- Quick wins (timer, upgrade, unplug?)
- Savings for the year—in plain dollars

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3. Optimise and Share

Try one change this week, and watch your live usage in the app.
Share your “biggest drainer” find with the VoltaRocks community—help others spot theirs!
Compare your progress with mates (or your own past bills).

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4. Bonus for Solar/Battery/EV Owners
Already invested? This is the cream on top. Squeeze more out of your investment, and see if your appliances are holding back your real savings potential.

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This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every small win stacks up.Don’t wait for your next power bill shock.Set your goal, take the audit, and let’s make your home the smartest (and most affordable) on the block.
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