How big is your energy bill? The average energy bill in South Australia is now up to $1,884 a year for a two-person household. That’s no small chunk of change!
Thankfully, there are a few tricks you can use to help bring down those high bills. Hot water heating is the second-largest consumer of energy in the average household, and there are plenty of ways to use less energy, water, or both to save money.
Check out these great ideas!
1. Turn Down the Temperature
Perhaps one of the simplest ways to save money on water heating energy is to not heat it up as much. Adjust the thermostat to around 60 degrees Celsius. This is lower than the recommended 65 – 70 degrees for washing dishes. To avoid this problem, you can use a temperature booster for the dishwasher.
As a bonus, this is a better temperature in a household with children as they won’t be in danger of scalding themselves.
2. Don’t Leave the Water Running
You might think you’re not guilty of this. However, if you pay close attention, you might discover that you leave the water running more often than you think. What about when you’re brushing your teeth, shaving, or grabbing a couple more dirty dishes off the table?
A lot of people are in the habit of leaving the water running because they’ll need it again in a minute. But how many litres of water have already poured down the drain in that one minute?
If this is you, start remembering to always turn the water off — even when you think you’ll be back quickly.
3. Buy a New System
No matter how well you maintain them, water heating systems become less efficient over time. Overall, most water heating systems will only last about 8-15 years. Plus, innovative manufacturers are always finding ways to make new systems more energy efficient.
An energy-efficient hot water system can potentially save you hundreds of dollars a year depending on the system you have now. If your system is old, now is a good time to replace it with a newer, more efficient system. Even with the initial cost, your wallet will thank you.
4. Solar Panels
This idea also requires a bit of an upfront investment, however, the overall payoff will be even greater. Install solar panels on your property and you’ll benefit from the sun’s strong rays and harness energy for all sort of things, not just heating water.
Watch Your Energy Bills Shrink
These are only a few of the many habits and ideas you can implement to use less hot water and energy in your home. Seemingly small changes can make a world of difference over time.
Plus, remember that with every dollar you save, you’re also helping to save the planet by using less water and energy. It’s like getting a double reward for your efforts!