There are a number of ways that you can save money on your electricity, gas and water bills. First, try and reduce your energy and water usage. Then make sure you’re getting the best deal from your provider.
- Reduce your energy and water usage
Around 40% of home energy use goes on heating and/or cooling.
- Fans are the most energy efficient cooling method – they cost around 3 to 5 cents an hour to run – much less than air conditioning.
- If you do use an air conditioner, set the temperature to 24-26 degrees in summer and 18-21 degrees in winter. Every degree outside this range can increase your energy use by 5-10%.
- Reducing costs while working from home
With many of us now working from home, energy bills are likely to go up. Energy Networks Australia have created a factsheet outlining the energy costs of working from home and some helpful tips on how to manage your energy use and bills during this time.
- Hot water costs
Heating water accounts for about 25% of household energy use. If you’re replacing your system, look for an energy efficient model. This could save you thousands of dollars.
- Washing machines
Use the most energy and water efficient model you can afford. Every extra star could save you 25% of your machine’s energy use on a warm cycle
Front loader washing machines use less water and need less detergent than top loaders. Switch to cold water washes to save up to $124 a year and remember drying your clothes on the line is free!
- Replace inefficient appliances
Appliances account for up to 30% of your energy use. Leaving appliances on standby (when the light is on) wastes energy and can add up to 7% or $170 to your electricity bill. Turn off computers and game consoles at the wall when they’re not being used.
Replacing old inefficient models with new energy efficient models, can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars over their lifetime.
- Switch to energy efficient lightbulbs
Lighting uses between 8 and 15% of the average household electricity budget. Switch to low energy LED lighting and you’ll save money.
- Water saving
- Installing a water-efficient showerhead can save a family of four around $315 a year.
- Always run your dishwasher with a full load, on economy mode or fast wash cycles and clean the filters regularly. Use a plug when you wash the dishes by hand.
- Choose an energy efficient washing machine.
- Fix leaking taps – a dripping tap wasters around 2000 litres of water a month.
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