It’s winter, so you’re probably using a lot more hot water at the moment. And more usage means higher water bills. With rising living costs, the more ways we find to save, the better. Here are some tips to help reduce the cost of your hot water bill.

Use less hot water

While it may seem obvious, it’s still essential to make a conscious effort to reduce your hot water usage. Start by cutting back on your shower time—using a timer can be a helpful way to monitor and limit your duration. Additionally, there are other simple steps you can take to save hot water. For instance, avoid running the hot water continuously when washing dishes by hand. Instead, fill the sink with hot soapy water and use it to wash your dishes. When using your dishwasher, opt for the eco-setting, which uses less water and energy. For your laundry, switch to using cold water for washing whenever possible, as modern detergents are designed to work effectively in lower temperatures.

Insulate your pipes

Consider insulating the pipes connected to your hot water system to help maintain the water temperature. By preventing heat loss through the pipes, the water remains hot for longer periods, which means you won’t need to use as much energy to reheat it. This not only reduces the amount of energy required to keep your water hot but also ensures that hot water is readily available when you need it. Additionally, insulating your pipes can help prevent them from freezing during colder months, further contributing to the efficiency and reliability of your hot water system.

Choose a controlled load tariff

In Queensland, there are two different types of controlled load options offered by electricity utilities. These options for your hot water tank will have a dedicated electricity meter which is installed on a separate electrical circuit from the rest of the house. Because this means you can only keep the water heated between 10pm – 7am, your electricity rates will be cheaper.

Consider a ‘time of use’ tariff

Not every household suits a controlled load tariff, but another idea is to choose the time of use tariff. This puts a timer on your electricity hot water tank so that it only actively heats water during cheaper electricity rate periods.

Switch to solar

One of the most effective strategies to reduce your electricity consumption for heating water is to harness the energy produced by your solar panels. This method is particularly advantageous for households where occupants are typically away during the daytime. In such cases, the solar panels often generate more energy than is used, resulting in a surplus. Instead of letting this excess energy go to waste, you can use it to heat your water. This approach not only maximises the efficiency of your solar power system but also significantly lowers your reliance on traditional electricity sources, leading to considerable savings on your energy bills.

We’ve also got some simple things Queensland homeowners can do to save on their power bills.

Your Solar & Electrical Experts

Established in 2020, Tropical Solar and Electrical Services is a locally owned and operated company servicing homes and businesses throughout Mackay and surrounding areas including Moranbah, Sarina, Proserpine and Rockhampton. Whether it’s power on the roof or within the property, we’ll ensure it’s running as it should. Get in touch with our electrical experts today for a free quote. We’re available 24/7 for your convenience.