There are many simple, effective ways that you can reduce your household’s energy usage.

Take a look at our energy-saving tips, and learn more about the energy usage of major domestic gas household appliances below.

Hot water

Regardless of the type of hot water heater you have, everyone can save energy and water by following these tips:

• Taking shorter showers.
• Installing a water-saving shower head.
• Less water used means less energy used to heat the water.
• Immediately repair dripping hot water taps.
• When doing the dishes, fill the sink with just the water you need instead of leaving hot taps running.
• Ensure that the temperature on your hot water storage tank is set at 60 degrees Celsius. Higher than this will use gas and electricity unnecessarily, but a lower temperature may allow bacteria to thrive. The temperature on an instantaneous system should be no more than 50 degrees Celsius.
• If you have a hot water storage tank system, turn it off when you go on holiday.
• Maintain your hot water system every five years.

The typical annual running costs for natural gas hot water systems are:

Instant hot water system: $454*

Storage hot water system: $508*

Heating

Save energy used on heating by:

• Lowering the temperature on your heater’s thermostat.
• Buying some thicker curtains. These will help keep the heat in and limit the amount of time the heating needs to be on in winter.
• Putting thicker duvets and blankets on your bed to limit the need for heating.
• Putting the heating on a timer so it automatically switches off. It can be easy to forget to switch your heating off.

The typical annual running cost of a natural gas space heater is $363*.

Cooking

Save energy used on cooking on your gas stove by:

• Ensuring the frying pan or saucepan used fits the size of the gas burner. Avoid using a small saucepan on the larger burner.
• Keep the flame directly under the pot or pan, and don’t let it run up the sides.
• Keep the lid on your saucepan when possible to reduce heat loss.
• Don’t boil more water than is needed—on the stove or in the kettle.

The typical annual cost of cooking with natural gas is $123^.

Lighting

• Turn off lights in rooms you are not using.
• Consider using a lamp rather than overhead lights.
• Change old globes to energy-efficient fluorescent globes.

Washing machine

Some washing machines use hot water via a hot water inlet, whereas others take in cold water and heat it within the washing machine. Washing in cold water will effectively clean clothes and remove stains.

• Consider using warmer water only for heavily soiled clothes or bedding.
• Washing your clothes on a cold water cycle will generally save energy.
• Making sure you have a full load when using your washing machine will also help.

Energy-efficient appliances

By choosing energy-efficient appliances, you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on your gas and electricity bills.

When purchasing new appliances, consider the size and features you need, then look closely at the Energy Star Rating labels. The ratings can help you compare the energy efficiency and running costs of different appliances.

Additionally:

• Don’t leave your appliances in standby mode, turn them off at the wall.
• Check your fridge seals to ensure they are intact and not letting out cool air.

For more ways to beat the chill and bill shock, check out more of our saving energy tips.

*The typical natural gas consumption running costs for water heaters and space heaters are based on data from the 2021 Residential Baseline Study for Australia and New Zealand for 2000 to 2040 

^The typical natural gas consumption running cost for cooking is based on data from Renew’s 2021 Affordable Energy Choices for WA households report.