Six major tips on how to Get saving for your gas plans

With the rising costs of energy in Australia, it’s the perfect time to review your energy use at home. Using gas appliances can make you reduce your gas bill and save money.

Check out our top tips on where you can start saving now:

Hot water

According to the Australian Government’s Your Home guide, approximately 21% of a typical household’s energy use comes from heating water. Finding ways to reduce the amount of water you use at home could immediately help you reduce your gas bill. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Temperature

Often, the hot water that comes out of your taps is mixed with cold to bring it to an ideal temperature for showering or doing laundry. Lowering the thermostat on the gas hot water system to a more ideal temperature can reduce your gas usage and this can help you reduce your gas bill.

2. Hot water system

Nearly half of all hot water systems in Australia use gas to heat the water. These days, you can choose from two main types of gas hot water systems: Storage and Instantaneous

Gas storage systems keep water heated in an insulated storage tank for use whenever needed, while instantaneous systems heat water as it is used.

 

3. Water efficiency ratings

When buying or upgrading an appliance, taking note of the water rating label can save you money. The Australian Government regulates products under the Water Efficiency Labeling and Standards scheme. Buying appliances with a star rating may help you save money on your gas bill.

4. Heat loss

Even though hot water storage tanks are insulated, they still waste about 30% of energy used through heat loss. Insulating the hot water pipes attached to the system can help to reduce this and save you money – better yet, try switching to an instantaneous system?

5. Dishwashers

Dishwashers often have an economy mode that washes your dishes at a lower temperature. Try using this mode to save more money on water heating and make sure to only turn the dishwasher on when it’s full. When buying a dishwasher, be sure to check the water rating labels and choose one with a better rating.

6. Washing machines

Washing your clothes with heated water may cost more but switching to cold can easily save you money, while still effectively cleaning your clothes. If you prefer to use heated water, always match the water level to the size of the load and try to only wash your clothes when the machine is full.

7. Showering

Using less hot water in the bathroom may reduce your Compare gas bill. Simply having showers instead of baths, have shorter showers and fix any dripping taps immediately. You could also save over $300 per year just by choosing a low-flow shower head.

Gas cooking

Here are our top tips to save on your gas cooking:

8. Ovens

Recipes that call for preheating usually have electric ovens in mind, as they take longer to heat up. By keeping it directly on the flame, a gas oven heats up fast, so you can usually skip the preheating stage and save gas in the process.

When heat escapes while you’re cooking, it increases the amount of gas needed to cook your food. Keeping the oven door closed during cooking helps to keep heat contained.

9. Stove tops

Simply making sure pot lids fit snugly when boiling water can reduce the amount of gas you use. By using round bottom pans may allow the flame to more efficiently heat the food. Why not try turning the gas off just before the food is cooked and allow the residual heat to finish the cooking process.