Have you ever looked at your electricity bill and wondered where all that power was going? You’re not alone. According to the Parliament of Australia, there has been a 14% increase in household electricity and gas costs, with a projected increase of up to 40% in cities like Sydney. Electricity bills can send your household bills through the roof, and the first step to managing them is understanding what appliances use the most electricity.
The information gathered in this article varies between households depending on habits and appliances and the appliance’s model. However, following thorough research, we have a general guide to the most expensive appliances to run.
WHERE DOES THE ELECTRICITY GO?
According to finder.com.au, heating, and cooling chews up 38% of an average household’s power; coupled with water heaters, they form a total of 63% of your average power consumption. Appliances and equipment including refrigeration and cooking make up another 10%; lightning takes up to 7%, with other appliances summing up to 16%.
Let’s break it down.
1. Heating and cooling
Heating and cooling account for 38% of household energy use, making it the largest energy user in the average Australian household. Though heating and cooling are extremely important for survival and comfort, steps can be taken for maximum energy efficiency to reduce its impact on your bills. One way to do this is by installing heating and cooling systems in only the rooms required. Another option is to alter the temperature settings to only minimum requirements, like 18-20 degrees in the summer and up to 25 degrees in the winter.
Heating and cooling options have pros and cons, and energy labels should inform choices on type and size. Electricity compare helps you choose the best and most appropriate energy labels for your specific location and individual home.
2. Hot water service
Heating water accounts for 25% of the energy used in Australian homes and is a large source of greenhouse gas emissions from energy use. The use of renewable energy sources to heat water is an effective way to reduce the cost of your electricity bill. In addition, reducing the amount of time spent in the shower could significantly reduce energy usage over the month. The most appropriate and efficient predicament service are often found for your household size, water use patterns, and climate.
3. Refrigeration and cooking
Fridges and freezers also eat into that electricity bill as they are up in the list of the most expensive appliances to run. Because they need to be on consistently, it is expected that they contribute by a great amount to your energy usage. Energy consumption depends on the size, capacity, make, model, and age of the appliances. However, Australian homes usually have a 600L fridge, which has an annual running cost of up to $180.
When replacing a fridge, it’s better to buy an energy-efficient fridge online to save money in the long run.
4. Swimming pool pump
A swimming pool pump that runs for up to 4 hours daily can increase your power bill by $1500 a year, according to finder.au.com. Although not everyone has a swimming pool, Australia has the highest per capita ownership in the world. The use of pool covers to reduce water evaporation is recommended. Also, reducing your pump size or using a pump powered by solar energy is a good way to reduce your electricity bill.
5. Lighting
Lighting in homes takes up 10-15% of the electricity budget of an average Australian household. However, this may differ depending on the lighting technologies used, energy provider, lighting design, and user behavior. Efficient and well-designed lighting helps with energy savings. Creating a lighting design strategy that meets your needs is the most efficient way to saving on electricity bills.
When deciding on lighting, the right choices need to be made; using an appropriate energy provider usually makes things easier; electricity compare lets you know what energy provider best suits your home.
6. Washing machine and dryer
The running cost of a dryer is usually dependent on how often you use it and the model of the dryer, but they usually add up to 200$ to your annual electricity bill. Washing machines cost less, about 70-100$ per year, as most washing machines come with an eco-setting.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Renewable energy and other forms of energy are more cost-effective than others. Renewable energy technologies follow learning curves, reducing the price each time the cumulative installed capacity is doubled. With the right energy provider, you could save big on electricity. Find out how much you could save when you electricity compare plans from our various providers.