ENERGY CONSERVATION

How to save
on your
energy bills

Saving energy in the home can be so easy. This booklet shows you
how. At a glance, you will see typical running costs for hot water,
heating and household appliances. There are lots of handy hints
which will make a big difference to your household energy costs.
Using less energy also means less pollution and reduced greenhouse
gas emissions. So start now and save energy, the environment and
hundreds of dollars on energy bills.
The information provided in this publication relates to a ‘typical’ household. Each individual household
will vary. The information is intended only to provide guidance to the householder.
All costs refer to winter costs, and all costs are quarterly. Bear in mind that winter energy bills are usually
higher than summer bills.
 The living room
Costs about $128 per winter quarter
(It could cost you over $360 or as little as $52)
Three
Space heater* 60 watt lamps, Ceiling fan
costs $80 a 5 hrs/day costs $8 4hrs/day costs $3
quarter a quarter a quarter

Stereo 3 hrs/day
costs $2.90 a
quarter
Heated
aquarium costs
$11 a quarter

Video recorder
5 hrs/day costs
$7 a quarter
Colour TV Cat’s heat
8 hrs/day output worth
costs $16 60c a quarter
a quarter
* Natural gas, off-peak electric or reverse cycle air conditioning

Approximate maximum Approximate extra

savings per quarter costs per quarter
You could save on these costs if you: You would spend more if you:
Put in ceiling insulation Leave the heater on 24 hours a day $72
Save up to $40

Block off the open fireplace to stop Leave windows open while the heater is on $40
warm air going up the chimney Heat an area twice as large for 8 hours a day $80
Seal gaps around external doors and Raise the thermostat setting by 1°C $12
windows to stop draughts
Save up to $60

Leave curtains open at night $2

Prevent heat loss through windows by
using heavy drapes fitted with pelmets
Keep all doors to unheated areas closed
Use the heater on a lower thermostat setting
Choose an energy efficient model if installing
a gas heater or reverse cycle air conditioner—
one that has a 5 or 6 star rating
(some are up to 40% cheaper to run)
Use a ceiling fan to help distribute heat
Regularly maintain the heater
Change to more efficient lighting by:
• replacing 60 watt globes with
compact fluorescent globes
2
Use central heating 8 hours a day
(to heat the entire house) $122
Use more lighting
(e.g. numerous downlights or spotlights) $23
And remember:
• If your heating bills are higher than those
shown here, each energy saving measure will
result in bigger energy and money savings.
• Insulation, sealing out draughts and effective
window coverings improve comfort as well as
energy efficiency.
save $7.00 • Check Other Fuels and Appliances on page 8
for information on the costs of other heaters
and fuels.
 The kitchen
Costs about $75 per winter quarter
(It could cost you over $140 or as little as $40)

Electric kettle Three 75 watt lights Microwave oven

5 times/day costs $6 for 3 hrs/day costs $6 used for 10% of
a quarter a quarter cooking needs costs
Automatic toaster $2 a quarter
costs $1.50 a quarter Each sink of hot
water costs about 4c
Regular washing up Two-door
Fan and light costs $8 a quarter cyclic-defrost
in rangehood
refrigerator costs
costs $3
$18 a quarter
a quarter

Gas cooker
costs $20 a
quarter

Dishwasher with
hot water
connection costs
Radiator
$9 a quarter
1 hr/day costs
$9 a quarter

Approximate maximum Approximate extra

savings per quarter costs per quarter
You could save on these costs if you: You would spend more if you:
Use an energy-efficient Use a non energy-efficient
5 star rating refrigerator $6.00 1 star rating refrigerator $5.00
Replace spot lights with compact Install a freezer (however bulk buying
fluorescent globes $5.00 of food could save you more than the
Use energy efficient cooking methods: $5.00 extra cost of running the freezer) $22.00
• minimum grilling Are careless about refrigerator use and
maintenance, such as: $5.00
• minimum water in pots
• lids on pots • restricting ventilation around refrigerator coils
• simmer instead of boil • poorly fitting door seals
• leaving door open unnecessarily
Use the microwave whenever possible $5.00
Have an older model gas cooker with
And remember: a pilot light $8.00
• When purchasing a refrigerator, freezer, Use an electric cooker (non-microwave) $20.00
dishwasher, dryer, washing machine or air Allow the hot tap to drip
conditioner, check the energy rating label and (at 30 drips a minute) $3.00
save yourself hundreds of dollars on energy
Leave lights on for an extra 3 hours a day $6.00
costs over the lifetime of the appliance.
The more stars, the more energy efficient. Rinse dishes under running hot water and
frequently use small amounts of hot water
• Costs of other kitchen appliances are included
from the tap $2.00
in Other fuels and appliances on page 10.

3 3
 The laundry and bathroom
Costs about $68 per winter quarter
(Could cost you over $212 or as little as $28)

Open Exhaust fan (good

One light Hot water at getting rid of One light
window when the trough costs $5
1 hour a day moisture) costs 1 hr/day costs
dryer is running per quarter
to get rid of costs 75c a 20c a quarter 70c a quarter
moisture quarter

Electric strip
heater
1/2 hour/day
costs $4.60
Hair dryer,
a quarter
electric shaver
cost $4 a
quarter

Clothes
dryer used 3
times a week
at 25c a load
Costs $18
a quarter

Hot
water (basin)
costs $2 a
quarter
Three 3 minute showers
a day costs $15
Iron a quarter
Washing machine daily use costs One bath a day costs
used daily on $3 a quarter $7.50 a quarter
warm cycle costs
$7 a quarter

Approximate maximum Approximate maximum

savings per quarter savings per quarter
You could save on these costs if you: You could save on these costs if you:
Use cold water for machine washing $2.50 Fit an AAA rated shower head $3.00/person
Use ‘suds save’ to reuse washing water $0.70 Take 3 minute showers
Run the dryer on medium instead of high $2.00 instead of baths $5.50/person
Use a clothes line or drying racks instead Approximate extra
costs per quarter
of a dryer $18.00
You would spend more if you:
Use an energy efficient 5 star rating
washing machine $2.00 Take long showers $12.00/person
Use an energy efficient 5 star rating Use more bath water $4.50/person
clothes dryer $2.50 Leave hot water running while washing $2.00
Replace conventional globes with compact Leave a hot water tap dripping $2.50
fluorescent globes $0.60 Use a heated towel rail $29.00
Approximate extra (depends on wattage)
costs per quarter
Use a spa or sauna $49.00
You would spend more if you:
Use hot water for machine washing
all the time $3.00
Use a lot of hot water in the trough $2.50
Use the washer when it’s not fully loaded $6.00
Use a non-energy efficient 1 star rating
washing machine $2.00
Use a non-energy efficient 1 star rating
clothes dryer $2.00

4
 The bedrooms
Costs about $39 per winter quarter
(They could cost you over $146 or as little as $20)

Three lights
Cassette radio
Light 3 hrs/night 1.5 hrs/night
costs $1.00 a
costs $2.00 Electric costs $3
quarter
a quarter clock costs a quarter
50c a
quarter
Desk lamp
2 hrs/night
costs 40c a
quarter

Home
computer used
10 hrs/week
Cost $12.60 a
quarter

Single electric
blankets cost $1 Fan heater
3 hrs/night on Double electric
each a quarter blanket costs $2
medium setting
costs $40 a a quarter
quarter

Approximate maximum Approximate extra

savings per quarter costs per quarter
You could save on these costs if you: You would spend more if you:
Switch off the lights as you leave each room $3.00 Had a heated waterbed $10.00
Insulate and seal out draughts $13.00 Left the lights on for long periods $6.00
Used the heater for long periods,
And remember: e.g. all night on low setting $43.00
• Protect your family and your home from Used the home computer for 4 hours
electrical accidents by installing safety every night $23.00
switches in the home. These switches will cut
off (or ‘trip’) power to a circuit if there is an And remember
electrical fault or leak. Contact a registered
electrical contractor or your local electricity • Electric blankets should be inspected for
distribution business for further advice. safety at the start of each winter. Contact the
manufacturer directly, or take it to an
electrical appliance repair centre.

5
The garage/workshop
Costs about $17 per winter per quarter
Car fuel costs them about $269 per quarter
(These could cost you over $718 or as little as $39)

Light
Car fuel costs 40c
6 cylinder family car, a quarter
Drinks refrigerator costs 3800 kms at
$15 a quarter 12.5 litres/100 km costs
Beer, 1 can a day costs about $269 a quarter
$75 a quarter

Power
tools cost
$1.00 a
Bike used quarter
1 hr/day
costs
nothing!

Electric lawn
mower used
1/2 hr/week costs
$1 a quarter

Approximate maximum Approximate extra

savings per quarter costs per quarter
You could save on these costs if you: You would spend more if you:
Turn off the drinks fridge except when Run a large home workshop with
many visitors are expected $13.00 heavy equipment $44
Use the car less and use alternatives such Own a thirstier-than-average car $98
as walking, cycling and public transport. Drive above-average distances or $72 per
Use local shops, cinemas etc. instead use two cars extra 1000 km
of distant ones up to $182
Leave a roof rack on the car all the time $27
or
Leave extra weight in the car
Change to a more fuel-efficient car $141 all the time $7 per 100 kg
Have the car converted to LPG $178 Use the choke excessively $27
Drive smoothly with the flow of traffic $27 Drive on under-inflated tyres $14
Drive at 90 km/hr when cruising 10% of Drive a badly tuned car $14 – $25
instead of at 100 km/hr country fuel costs

6 6
Other fuels and appliances
For each room in our room-by-room guide we have
made the running cost calculations using the most
common types of electric and gas appliances.
Compare these costs with the lists showing how you
could save and how you would spend more and you will
see how you can make savings on energy costs.
But what if you use other
fuels or other appliances?
The information on the following pages should
help you work out your likely costs over the winter
quarter. You may need to refer to the room-by-
room guide to make cost comparisons.
Space heating
The cost to heat the average living room is $80
per quarter.
• Natural gas space heaters, off-peak electric storage
heaters and high efficiency (4 – 6 star rated)
reverse cycle air conditioners have similar
running costs to this figure.
• Lower efficiency (1 – 3 star rated) reverse cycle air
conditioners, space heaters using LPG and slow
combustion wood heaters cost about 50% more
(so multiply this cost by 1.5).
• Heating oil and LPG space heating is about
double this cost (multiply by 2.0).
• Portable kerosene heaters supply heat at two to
four times this cost, depending on the price of
kerosene (so multiply the cost by 2.0 to 4.0).
• Portable and fixed electric heaters which run on
the day rate tariff, and pot belly wood heaters,
supply heat at approximately 3 times this cost
(multiply the cost by 3.0).
• An open fire provides heat at about eight times
the cost (so multiply by 8.0).
For wood bought at $160 per tonne
7
Central heating
Using a space heater to heat a typical living
room costs approximately $98 per quarter. If
central heating is used to heat an entire house,
costs would increase.
• In-slab heating (electric or hydronic) costs around
twice this amount, if kept at about 18°C.
• Natural gas ducted heating using a high efficiency
(4 – 6 stars) furnace, and hydronic heating with
radiators using natural gas also costs around
twice this amount.
• Natural gas ducted heating using a standard
efficiency furnace (1 – 3 stars), electric radiant
ceiling heating and ducted reverse cycle air
conditioning cost around three times this
amount.
• Ducted or hydronic heating using LPG costs
around four times this amount.
• Remember, central heating costs vary widely,
depending on the temperature set, the area
heated, the length of time a system is on for,
and the efficiency of the model.
8
Other factors
Although running costs of heaters are important,
other factors can affect the overall cost of heating.
• Sleeping or formal living areas often do not need
to be heated to the same temperature, or at the
same time, as informal living areas. If you are
considering purchasing a central heating system,
look for one which can be ‘zoned’ to heat
different areas of your home at different times.
This can easily halve your central heating costs.
• If, for instance, you have an area that is heated
only for short periods, the purchase cost of your
heater could be far more than the running costs.
In such areas, a portable heater may be a more
practical alternative than a fixed space heater.
• Different types of heaters provide comfort in
different ways. In a large draughty room a
radiant heater which warms you directly will be
more effective and economical than a fan type
heater which tends to heat the air before the
person. Radiant heating is especially useful in
bathrooms.
Other fuels and appliances
Hot water
The average hot water cost is $60 per quarter.
• High efficiency natural gas storage hot water systems and
electric off-peak systems are similar in running cost to the
above figure.
• High efficiency natural gas continuous flow or
instantaneous hot water is cheaper to run (multiply the
above cost by 0.85).
• LPG hot water is up to 2.5 times the cost of the standard
gas or off-peak units (so multiply the cost by 2.5).
• Peak tariff electric hot water systems (instantaneous and
continual reheat) are about 2.5 times the cost of off-peak
electric hot water (so multiply the cost by 2.5).
• A solar hot water system will reduce annual costs on
average by 50%* saving an average family up to $150 a
year.
* In northern NSW, this saving can be up to 80%

Cooking
The average cost for cooking is $15 per quarter.
• For a smaller household the cost would be $12
while for a larger household the cost would be
closer to $20.
• Conventional electric cooking costs over double
(multiply the cost by 2.5).
• LPG cooking costs over twice that of natural gas
(multiply the cost by 2.5).
• However, electric frying pans and deep fryers cost
about 15 cents an hour. When used for short
periods, they are more economical to run than
an electric or gas stove. Using a microwave for
most of their cooking saves Brian and Katherina’s
over $5 a quarter.
Cooling
The cost to cool a typical living room with a fan
is $3.00 per quarter.
Used for 4 hours a day on hot days:
• refrigerated air conditioning will cost around
$36 per quarter while an evaporative cooler will
cost $12-15 This will be better suited to western
NSW.
• a ducted evaporative system to cool the whole
house will cost up to $36 a quarter; and
• a ducted refrigerative system will cost around
$100 a quarter.
Appliances that hit the hip pocket
Some other seemingly innocent appliances can
have surprisingly large effects on energy bills.
These include:
Quarterly cost
• Swimming pool filter pump up to $55
• Swimming pool heater (natural gas-fuelled) up to $325
• Sauna up to $55
• Spa $165
• 100 watt security light left on 16 hours a day $14

9
Buying a new appliance?
You can save energy, money and our environment

Look for an energy rating label

Energy rating labels will help you to buy an
energy-efficient model which could save you
hundreds of dollars over the lifetime of the
appliance.
Every energy rating label has from 1 – 6 stars
marked on it. The more stars you see the more
efficient the appliance and less energy it uses.
This equates to significant savings on running
costs every year.
They can be found on all:
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Dishwashers
• Air conditioners
• Gas space heaters
• Gas ducted heating furnaces
• Gas hot water services
• Clothes dryers
• Washing machines
For more information, visit
www.energyrating.gov.au

10
The greenhouse effect
How saving energy helps reduce the greenhouse effect

Almost all of the energy we use, whether for

heating, cooking or transport, contributes to the
greenhouse effect. Energy sources such as coal,
petroleum and natural gas produce CO2 (carbon
dioxide) when burnt to provide us with useful
energy.
By wasting energy in our daily activities we
contribute unnecessary quantities of CO2 to the
atmosphere.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to help reduce
CO2 emissions.
• Turn off the heater at night before you go to bed
(save 600 kg CO2 per quarter)
• Use a microwave for most of your cooking needs
(save 810 kg CO2 per quarter)
• Use a clothes line rather than a dryer
(save 260 kg CO2 per quarter)
• Drive smoothly with the flow of traffic
(save 140 kg CO2 per quarter)
Any fossil fuel based energy you save will help
reduce the greenhouse effect.
NSW contributes over 80 million tonnes of CO2 to
the atmosphere per year. This is equivalent to the
combined weight of 210 000 jumbo jets, or about
18 tonnes for every person in the State.
Sun
so ing

Some heat
om

radiation escapes
rad ar
ion
Inc

but gases trap

iat

the rest
Troposphere

Earth

Carbon dioxide CFC’s Halons Ozone

Water vapour Methane Nitrous oxide

Coal Aerosols Household

Many sources Cattle Fertiliser
cleaners
Paddyfields Fossil fuels Oil Fire extinguishers
Electrical
Gas distribution Petrol Refrigerations
equipment
losses Gas
11
 The Energy Smart Information Centre is a free advisory service provided by the NSW
Government. Energy experts can provide information on a wide range of topics
including Energy Smart design for new homes and renovations, appliance selection,
solar and wind power systems, choosing heating and cooling systems, insulation,
lighting and water saving devices. www.seda.nsw.gov.au

Energy Smart Information Centre

Sustainable Energy Development Authority
Level 6, 45 Clarence Street, Sydney
PO Box N442, Grosvenor Place, NSW 1220
Telephone 1300 138 638, or (02) 9249 6125
Facsimile (02) 9290 3483
Email esic@seda.nsw.gov.au
www.energysmart.com.au
The information printed in this brochure was derived from various sources and was believed to be correct when published. Printed on 100% Australian made recycled paper. March 2002.