There are ways you can save money on your electricity, gas and water bills. First, try to reduce your energy and water usage. Then make sure you're getting the best deal from your provider.
How to reduce your energy and water costs
Reducing heating and cooling costs
- Around 40% of home energy use goes to heating and/or cooling.
- Fans are the most energy efficient cooling method. They cost around 3-5 cents an hour to run, which is 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 working from home, energy costs may be higher.
- Energy Networks Australia have created a factsheet outlining the energy costs of working from home.
- Energy.gov.au have put together some helpful tips on how to reduce your energy bills.
Reducing hot water costs
- Around 25% of household energy use goes towards heating water.
- If you replace your hot water system, look for an energy efficient model. This could save you thousands of dollars. Read more about hot water systems on the Energy.gov.au website.
- Choose the most energy and water-efficient washing machine you can afford. The star rating shows how energy efficient it is. More stars mean lower energy use. Read more about how to compare the water efficiency of products.
- Front loader washing machines use less water and need less detergent than top loaders.
- Switch to washing your clothes in cold water to save up to $124 a year.
Tips to save water
- Install a water-efficient showerhead. This could save a family of four around $315 a year.
- Always run your dishwasher with a full load, on economy mode and clean the filters regularly to keep your machine running well.
- To save water when cleaning dishes by hand, don’t leave the tap running continuously. Instead, use a plugged sink or a pan of water.
- A leaky tap wastes around 2,000 litres of water a month. You may be able to fix leaking taps at a discounted rate through Sydney Water.
More water saving tips:
Replace inefficient appliances
Appliances can make up to 30% of your total energy use. Leaving appliances on standby still uses electricity and can add up to $170 to your power bill per year. Turn off computers, game consoles and other devices at the wall when you're not using them.
Replacing old appliances with new energy efficient models can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in the long run. Check the energy consumption and running cost of appliances using the Energy Rating calculator or check out Choice for independent appliance reviews.
Need financial help? The No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) offers loans for essential goods and services such as fridges and washing machines.
Switch to energy efficient lightbulbs
- Lighting uses between 5-10% of the average household electricity budget. The popularity of LED lights is largely the reason why lighting costs have reduced in recent years.
- Switch to LED lights, which use 75% less energy than halogen light bulbs and last 5-10 times longer.
Switch to a better energy offer
- The right energy offer can save you money, but it needs to suit your circumstances.
- Make sure you read our tips for switching retailers before you agree to transfer your account.
- Commercial comparison websites may not represent all retailers or all offers available to you. For a free and independent comparison of energy offers, visit Energy Made Easy.
Audit your home
There are a number of websites which can estimate your energy and water usage and compare your usage to similar households. Check your retailer's website or visit the Naber online audit energy tool. Before starting an audit, have your previous bills handy (particularly a summer and winter bill).
Rebates
The NSW Government offers energy rebates for households and businesses. Your local council may also offer rebates and assistance, so check with them too.
