4 Tips to Reduce Hot Water Costs
By Fluid Plumbing|December 07, 2020
Do you know how much hot water you use? It’s probably more than you think.
The average Australian household uses 39 litres of water per person per day! With that much water consumption, it’s no wonder that heating water accounts for approximately 25% of household energy use.
Though Australian electricity has become a little less expensive in 2020, it still takes a big chunk out of your budget. Here are our top tips to reduce hot water costs and save on your energy bills.
1. Use a Low Flow Shower Head
It might seem incredible that a specially-designed shower head can give you the same luxurious shower you love while using less water. In fact, it kind of sounds like one of those gimmicks they sell on infomercials in the middle of the night for only 3 easy payments of $19.99.
However, unlike most of those gimmicks, low flow shower heads actually work! Get one for each of your showers today to effortlessly start using less hot water.
2. Take Shorter Showers
While we’re on the subject of showers, you can also use less water by simply taking a shorter shower. Another great tip is to turn the shower off while you’re shaving or lathering your hair.
If you can handle it, you might want to lower the temperature of your shower. Lukewarm water is better for your skin anyway (especially in winter when the air gets dry) and you’ll use less hot water.
3. Look At Your Laundry Routine
Front-load washing machines use approximately half the amount of water as their top-loading counterparts. Considering the amount of water you use for laundry each week, this switch can represent significant savings.
Additionally, washing as many loads as possible in cold or lukewarm water, rather than hot, will cut down on the need to heat the water.
4. Choose a New Hot Water System
How old is your hot water system? The average lifespan of household hot water heaters is around 12 years. If yours is reaching this milestone, it may be worth looking into a new system. As older systems start wearing out, they have to work harder to heat water, using up more energy in the process.
Keep in mind that different hot water systems use more or less energy depending on their design. You’ll want to choose an energy-efficient design for the most savings.
Reduce Hot Water Costs and Save the Planet
Reducing the amount of hot water you use not only saves you money on your utility bills but also lessens your impact on the environment. It’s a win-win for everyone!
The average Australian household uses 39 litres of water per person per day! With that much water consumption, it’s no wonder that heating water accounts for approximately 25% of household energy use.
Though Australian electricity has become a little less expensive in 2020, it still takes a big chunk out of your budget. Here are our top tips to reduce hot water costs and save on your energy bills.
1. Use a Low Flow Shower Head
It might seem incredible that a specially-designed shower head can give you the same luxurious shower you love while using less water. In fact, it kind of sounds like one of those gimmicks they sell on infomercials in the middle of the night for only 3 easy payments of $19.99.
However, unlike most of those gimmicks, low flow shower heads actually work! Get one for each of your showers today to effortlessly start using less hot water.
2. Take Shorter Showers
While we’re on the subject of showers, you can also use less water by simply taking a shorter shower. Another great tip is to turn the shower off while you’re shaving or lathering your hair.
If you can handle it, you might want to lower the temperature of your shower. Lukewarm water is better for your skin anyway (especially in winter when the air gets dry) and you’ll use less hot water.
3. Look At Your Laundry Routine
Front-load washing machines use approximately half the amount of water as their top-loading counterparts. Considering the amount of water you use for laundry each week, this switch can represent significant savings.
Additionally, washing as many loads as possible in cold or lukewarm water, rather than hot, will cut down on the need to heat the water.
4. Choose a New Hot Water System
How old is your hot water system? The average lifespan of household hot water heaters is around 12 years. If yours is reaching this milestone, it may be worth looking into a new system. As older systems start wearing out, they have to work harder to heat water, using up more energy in the process.
Keep in mind that different hot water systems use more or less energy depending on their design. You’ll want to choose an energy-efficient design for the most savings.
Reduce Hot Water Costs and Save the Planet
Reducing the amount of hot water you use not only saves you money on your utility bills but also lessens your impact on the environment. It’s a win-win for everyone!
