Energy saving tips

Gas saving tips

Below are some changes you can make that may help lower your costs.

Father and daughter organising clothes into a washing machine
Father kid washing machine

Hot water usage

  • Washing with hot water can add up on your gas, electricity, and water bills. Most washing machines and dishwashers will have an "eco" mode, which washes clothes or dishes for a shorter time at a lower temperature. This feature can make a difference on your bills.
  • You can save even more hot water by switching to a low-flow shower head.
  • There's nothing better than a hot shower on a cold winter's day - but you can have too much of a good thing. Shorter showers can help you keep your gas bill under control - and they're even better for your skin.
  • Reducing your hot water usage may result in savings. On a 2-star hot water system at 60°C, reducing your daily usage from 200 litres to 160 litres brings your daily running cost down from $3.07 to $2.52*. That's a saving of around $200 each year!^
Grey sofa and blue carpet in bright airy lounge
Lounge image

Heating

  • Keep doors closed to rooms you're not using - this will keep warm air in the room you're in and save you heating rooms that aren't in use. You can also draught-proof your home by sealing any gaps or cracks to stop heated air from escaping.
  • Try not to overheat your room too. As tempting as it may be, overheating your room - even by a couple of degrees - can make an impact.
  • If double-glazing your windows isn't an option, the next best thing is to keep curtains or blinds closed when you're not home to keep the warm air in. This will ensure you come home to a warm house.
  • If you have a pool, make sure your pool heater isn't switched on all the time. A 250MJ gas pool heater has an estimated running cost of $10.92 per hour*, so the costs can add up quickly!
Mother and toddler cooking together and smiling
Mother child cooking

Cooking

Next to heating and hot water, cooking is where most households use their gas.

  • If a recipe calls for the oven to be pre-heated, consider skipping this step. Gas ovens reach temperature much quicker than electric ovens, so limit the total amount of time you have the oven heating by turning it on five minutes before you're ready to cook.
  • If your oven has a fan-force option, use this for your cooking. Most recipes will give the option to cook fan-forced at a lower temperature settings, which results in savings on your gas bill.

If you've tried the basics and are willing to invest more time or money for the prospect of future savings, you could try some of the following options.

Insulate your home

This one involves a bit of an up-front cost but may result in potential savings in the long run. Insulation will keep your home warm in the winter but also cool in the summer, saving money on your electricity bill as well.

For extra points, think about double-glazing your windows. This can reduce heat loss or gain by 30% compared to single glazing, as well as reducing noise from outside.

Switch your hot water system

The kind of hot water system you run can make a big difference to your gas bill. There are two main kinds - an instantaneous system and storage system. A storage system heats a large amount of hot water - usually between 135 and 170 litres - and keeps it hot ready for use throughout the day. An instantaneous system only heats the water as you use it, so the system doesn't waste gas on heating water that's not being used. Because of this, instantaneous systems are much cheaper to run and - even better - they won't run out halfway through your shower.

Hot water systems also have star ratings determining their level of efficiency. Even just swapping a 2-Star System to a 4-Star System could provide savings in the long run.

Usage per dayRatingEstimated Running Cost*Savings per year^
100 litres at 60°C2-Star System$1.89$116.80
4-Star System$1.57
160 litres at 60°C2-Star System$2.52$116.80
4-Star System$2.20
200 litres at 60°C2-Star System$3.07$146.00
4-Star System$2.67

Lower the temperature

Even if you have made the switch to instantaneous, you may save money by lowering the temperature it heats to. If you don't mind lowering the temperature a few degrees, you can save in the long run.

While you're there, consider patching any leaks and insulating your pipework - this will save any wasted hot water or heat when the water is transported. If you're not sure how, contact a qualified plumber.

When it's time to upgrade, choose energy efficient appliances

Energy efficient appliances may come with a higher price tag, but the potential savings from lower running costs are worth it over time. A higher rating means the appliance is more energy-efficient and costs less to run.

You can also estimate and compare running costs by using tools like this Energy Rating Calculator.

* Estimated cost only, actual cost may differ. It's recommended to calculate costs based on your unique usage patterns and appliances. Additional factors that may influence your appliance's gas costs include its brand, model, energy efficiency, and settings.

^ Savings calculated using the difference in estimated daily running costs multiplied by 365 days in a year.

Grey sofa and blue carpet in bright airy lounge
Lounge image

Heating and cooling

  • In Winter, keep the heating below 20°C. In Summer, keep the thermostat between 24-26°C. Every degree of difference will increase running costs by around 5-10%.
  • Close rooms you’re not using, so you only heat and cool the rooms in use.
  • Fans increase the efficiency of air conditioning and heating systems by circulating the cool or hot air they create. Using a fan with both means you can lower your heating in Winter and maintain your air conditioning at higher temperatures in Summer.
  • Draught-proof your home by sealing any gaps or cracks to stop heated or cooled air from escaping.
  • In Winter, prevent heat loss by keeping windows shaded with awnings or blinds. In summer, close curtains during the day to keep the heat out.
  • Open the doors and windows to ventilate the house when the outside temperature drops on summer evenings.
Spacious lounge with corner light illuminated
Energy saving tips lighting image

Lighting

  • Switch off lights when you leave a room.
  • Use natural lighting wherever possible. If it's light ouside, open the curtains or blinds rather than switching on a light.
An illuminated lamp on a bedside table
Bedside Lamp Table

Home entertainment and small appliances

  • You could save up to 20% of your current household energy consumption by simply switching off or unplugging lights and appliances when they’re not in use. Many appliances and gadgets, such as phone chargers, game consoles and microwave ovens continue to draw power when they’re not in use. Remember, if it’s got a little light or clock, it’s using power.
  • Use the radio rather than the TV for background noise.
  • If you are going to buy a new appliance, choose one with a high efficiency rating. You will save on running costs over the life of the purchase.
Mother and toddler cooking together and smiling
Mother child cooking

Cooking

  • Only boil what you need. Boiling a full kettle when you’re only making one cup of tea takes longer and wastes energy.
  • Keep lids on pots and pans when cooking and use the right sized pot for hob.
  • Cook in bulk and freeze the excess for later.
Father and daughter organising clothes into a washing machine
Father kid washing machine

Washing

  • Save energy and water by washing in cold water, using the shortest cycle possible and waiting till you have enough clothes for a full load. Also, don’t forget to spin them thoroughly before putting them in the dryer.
  • Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible. If you do need to use the dryer, wait until you have a full load.
Pool lounger by pool in back garden with house in background
House outdoor pool

Outdoors

  • Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation, keep debris out and minimise the energy needed to clean your pool.
  • Your pool’s filter should only need to run for 8–12 hours in summer and 6–8 hours in winter. If possible, set it to run at off-peak time.
  • Turn the temperature of your pool down or off completely when you know it won't be used for several days.
  • Make sure your pool heater isn't switched on all the time. A 250MJ gas pool heater has an estimated running cost of $10.92 per hour*, so the costs can add up quickly!
App Store    Google Play Store

View your usage with the Alinta Energy app

Download to monitor your energy consumption, pay bills and manage your account.

If you've tried the basics and are willing to invest more time or money for the prospect of future savings, you could try some of the following options.

Insulate your home

This one involves a bit of an up-front cost but may result in potential savings in the long run. Insulation will keep your home warm in the winter but also cool in the summer, saving money on your electricity bill as well.

For extra points, think about double-glazing your windows. This can reduce heat loss or gain by 30% compared to single glazing, as well as reducing noise from outside.

Switch your hot water system

The kind of hot water system you run can make a big difference to your gas bill. There are two main kinds - an instantaneous system and storage system. A storage system heats a large amount of hot water - usually between 135 and 170 litres - and keeps it hot ready for use throughout the day. An instantaneous system only heats the water as you use it, so the system doesn't waste gas on heating water that's not being used. Because of this, instantaneous systems are much cheaper to run and - even better - they won't run out halfway through your shower.

Hot water systems also have star ratings determining their level of efficiency. Even just swapping a 2-Star System to a 4-Star System could provide savings in the long run.

Lower the temperature

Even if you have made the switch to instantaneous, you may save money by lowering the temperature it heats to. If you don't mind lowering the temperature a few degrees, you can save in the long run.

While you're there, consider patching any leaks and insulating your pipework - this will save any wasted hot water or heat when the water is transported. If you're not sure how, contact a qualified plumber.

When it's time to upgrade, choose energy efficient appliances

Energy efficient appliances may come with a higher price tag, but the potential savings from lower running costs are worth it over time. A higher rating means the appliance is more energy-efficient and costs less to run.

You can also estimate and compare running costs by using tools like this Energy Rating Calculator.

More information and tips to save energy can be found on the Australian Government website.

* Estimated cost only, actual cost may differ. It's recommended to calculate costs based on your unique usage patterns and appliances. Additional factors that may influence your appliance's gas costs include its brand, model, energy efficiency, and settings.


Acknowledgement of Country
Alinta Energy acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and conduct our business operations.  We acknowledge the continuing connections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples to Country and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

campfire