5 surprising ways to cut household costs

The expression ‘tightening the belt’ has so many negative connotations, especially when it comes to the necessities of running a home. But if you are feeling weighed down by energy bills, insurance costs and council rates, there are easy and surprisingly painless ways to save money.

1. Turn down the temperature on your hot water system

Did you know that after cooling and heating your home, your water system is the next biggest energy guzzler?

You can significantly cut your energy bills by turning down the temperature and using hot water more efficiently. If you have an instant hot water system, set it no higher than 50°C. Other water systems should be set no higher than 60°C.

Wash your clothes in cold water and install water-efficient fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom. Old-school shower heads, for example, use around 20 litres per minute, while an efficient shower head will use as little as 6 litres per minute!

2. Use sun protection

While sun protection is important for your skin, it is also important for your home. In summer, your home heats as a result of direct sunlight on its roof, walls and, especially, windows. If you can reduce the sun’s effects, you can cut your energy bills dramatically.

According to the federal government YourHome website, “40 per cent of your home’s heating can be lost and up to 87 per cent of its heat gained through windows”. Glazed windows offer significant thermal and noise protection but can be expensive. Alternatively, try installing awnings or locating plants or trees outside your windows for shade. During very hot days, keep blinds and curtains closed to keep the heat out. During winter, keep them open in the day to let light and warmth stream in and then close them at night to trap the heat.

If you are updating your home, consider using house or roof paint with solar reflection properties. You can choose solar reflecting membranes or glazed tiles for the roof.

3. Increase your home insurance excess

This advice may sound crazy, but by increasing your excess payment rate (the amount you pay in the event you need to claim) you can significantly reduce your compulsory monthly payments or annual payment. Remember, that you will need to pay more than previously should you need to make a claim. This is just one of many ways to cut your home insurance costs.

4. Clean your air conditioner

Air conditioners use huge amounts of energy, but will run much more efficiently if the filters are clean and any condensation is draining. Additionally, don’t let direct sunlight shine on the air conditioner (the external or internal unit) as it will need to work harder. Don’t set the temperature unnecessarily low as this chews up power and, finally, turn the fan down on humid days as this allows the air conditioner to remove moisture from the air more effectively.

5. Check your council rates

Have you experienced a sudden jump in your council rates? Or do they simply seem unduly high? It could be that the value of your home – which is the basis of your council rate calculation – is over inflated. You can lodge an appeal with your local council by submitting an Objection To Valuation  if you disagree with the valuation.

Owning a home can be stressful at times but it needn’t be all-consuming. For more clever, money-saving advice, read our comprehensive Guide To Cutting Homeowner Costs – you won’t regret it!