Hot water energy saving tips
In a typical home, hot water accounts for about one third of the energy consumed. Read our hot water guide to find out more about how hot water is used in your home, how to select the most cost-effective hot water system and reduce on your energy bills. Here are some tips to help you start saving.
Saving with your existing hot water system
There are many low cost ways you can save on your hot water bills without having to change your hot water system.
- Fit a low flow showerhead and save up to $140 each year off your energy and water bills
- Have a short shower instead of a bath
- Use cold water in the laundry whenever possible
- Turn the power off on your hot water system if you are going away for an extended period
- Fix leaking taps. A leaking tap can waste hundreds of litres of water every month
- A leaking pressure relief valve (on the side of the hot water tank) can waste hundreds of litres of hot water. Check it regularly
- Wrap the pipework in insulation to minimise heat losses.
Saving with a new hot water system
If you are considering changing your hot water system, the following tips may help to save.
- Natural gas high efficiency hot water systems produce around two-thirds lower greenhouse gas emissions than electric hot water systems and can save you hundreds of dollars in energy bills over the lifetime of the system
- Use the sun's energy to heat water. A solar hot water system can reduce your household hot water bill by around 65%. Solar hot water systems also conserve our natural resources and are less harmful for the environment
- If possible, when installing a new hot water system try to locate it close to your bathroom, kitchen and laundry so less heat is lost in the pipework.
Use our hot water calculator to estimate the savings you could make.