How Using Water Wisely Can Also Save Your Electricity Bill

Hot water alone can contribute up to 17% of your household energy usage! This is mainly as a result of the energy it takes to heat water in your kitchen, bathroom and laundry. The following habits and suggestions could help you to reduce your energy and water use, lowering your bills.

Handy hints:

Turn your hot water system off when you’re on holiday – Turning off your electric hot water system while you’re away is a great way to reduce energy costs.

Check the temperature of your hot water system – The most efficient temperature to run your hot water system is at around 60ºC, though some families change the temperature depending on the season (increasing it in winter and lowering it in summer).

Boil water in a kettle rather than in a saucepan on a stove – This is more energy efficient and a quicker way to heat up your water! Make sure to also fill up the kettle with cold water rather than hot water.

Consider safely insulating your pipes – Insulating your hot water pipes can prevent unnecessary heat loss, saving you energy and money. A poorly insulated system (located outside) can lose up to 3 kilowatt-

hours per day, which costs around $185 per year. Make sure to wear gloves and consult your local hardware store for materials to do so.

Install water efficient showerheads – A showerhead with at least a 3-star efficiency rating can reduce your shower time water usage by about 50%.

Switch your washing machine to a cold-water or a lower temperature (ie 40 instead of 60 degrees) setting – Using cold water or a lower temperature instead of hot water will reduce the energy used to heat up the water for your washing.

Clean and maintain your dishwasher regularly – Your dishwasher will work harder and use more energy if it is not properly maintained increasing energy costs. Service your dishwasher regularly, clean the filter or cavity when possible, and scrape away food scraps before using.

If you are waiting for water from the tap to heat up, collect the cold water in a bucket and either use it for rinsing fruit, salad, dishes etc or water your garden.

References:
ABC (2021). ‘How to reduce the amount of energy your hot water system burns through.’ Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-12/adjust-thermostat-hot-water-system-energy-saving-tips/12541076 (Accessed 18 August 2021).
Synergy (2021). ‘Energy saving tips.’ Available at: https://www.synergy.net.au/Your-home/Energy-tips/Energy-saving-tips (Accessed 18 August 2021).
Reposit (2017). ‘Reduce your power bill with our energy saving dishwasher tips.’ Available at: https://blog.repositpower.com/dishwasher-energy-usage-guide (Accessed 18 August 2021).
Image source:
Reposit (2017). ‘Reduce your power bill with our energy saving dishwasher tips.’ Available at: https://blog.repositpower.com/dishwasher-energy-usage-guide (Accessed 18 August 2021).

kilowatt-hours per day, which costs around $185 per year. Make sure to wear gloves and consult your local hardware store for materials to do so.

Install water efficient showerheads – A showerhead with at least a 3-star efficiency rating can reduce your shower time water usage by about 50%.

If you are waiting for water from the tap to heat up, collect the cold water in a bucket and either use it for rinsing fruit, salad, dishes etc or water your garden.