Hot water hacks to save on your next bill
There is nothing better than a long, hot shower to start and finish the day, but it could be costing you.
The energy used to heat water in your home can contribute to a large portion of your energy bill*.
By making adjustments to your water habits around the home, you can reduce your costs in both winter and summer.
Simple steps to reduce your hot water usage
- Keep showers to four minutes.
- Opt for a shower over a bath.
- Use your washing machine on cold or warm water cycle.
- Avoid hand washing dishes with running hot water. Fill the sink or use a dishwasher with an eco-setting if possible.
- Ensure mixer taps are reset to the cold position to avoid draining your hot water tank each time the tap is used. Even when it doesn’t come out hot at the tap, it’s still causing your hot water system to work harder, more often.
Other solutions to help you save on your energy bill
- If you are looking to upgrade any of the white goods in your home, consider buying appliances with the best energy rating.
- Install water-efficient tapware and showerheads so you’re not using more hot water than you need to.
- Switch your electric hot water system to one powered by a heat pump or a solar system.
- If you have solar panels, you can save money by running your electric hot water system during the day when your system is generating electricity. You can install a timer or smart controller to automate this.
- You can also gain greater energy independence by installing a home battery alongside solar to store excess energy.
*Queensland Government. (2020). Energy efficiency guide. https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/168942/energy-efficiency.pdf
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Things to note
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