Handy hot water system tips to lower your power bill

Do you ever get the feeling that you’re paying way too much for your electricity bills?

One of the major contributors to your electricity bills is your hot water system, as it approximately makes up 21 per cent of the energy usage in the average Australian household.

Looking for savings? Then check out the following tips and tricks to reduce the energy consumption of your hot water system.

1. Maintain your hot water system

To ensure your hot water system is working as efficiently as possible, it has to be maintained regularly. Does it have any leaks? Is it heating properly and are the valves all working? This is something our plumbers can check for you!

Don’t take the risk of having no hot water and make use of our special winter hot water system check until the end of August!

2. Adjust the thermostat

If your hot water system thermostat is set to a higher number than necessary, it will financially pay off to dial it down a bit. Just be aware that the temperature should always be above 60 degrees to stop the growth of Legionella bacteria.

If you have an electric hot water unit, it’s best to have an electrician do this for you to avoid the risk of electric shocks.

3. Insulate your pipes

When the hot water travels from the storage tank through the pipes, some of the heat can be lost in the surroundings if the system is not insulated properly. This can lead to 3 kilowatt-hours per day lost which can add up to about $185 per year.

When insulating the pipes, be careful – they’re hot! Don’t touch them without appropriate gloves. A closed-cell UV protected rubber insulation is a good solution and can be secured with zip ties or duct tape.

4. Minimise your hot water usage

It’s easier than you may think and cut back on your water usage, in general, is not just good for your bank account, it’s also good for the planet!

Due to the majority of water being used in the bathroom, it’s a great idea to start saving thereby installing water-efficient showerheads. Another tip is to use cold instead of warm water while running the washing machine or rinsing dirty dishes.

Find out more about ways how you can save water – Simple tips and tricks to be more water-efficient.

For more information on the article:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-12/adjust-thermostat-hot-water-system-energy-saving-tips/12541076