Common Items Secretly Costing You Hundreds on Your Energy Bill
Many everyday appliances are driving up energy costs, but simple changes can help you save money and reduce your bills
Australia, Energy Bills, Household Appliances, Savings
Melbourne: You might not realize it, but common household items like fridges and washing machines can really hike up your energy bills. It’s crazy how much they can add up over time!
Research shows that a lot of Aussies are feeling the pinch, with many saying their energy bills are one of their biggest stressors. On average, folks are shelling out around $408 just for power.
And it’s not getting any better. In places like NSW and South East Queensland, electricity prices have jumped by 25% in just a few years. If you’re in Victoria, you’re facing an even bigger hit with a 27% increase!
Even with government incentives to lower costs, many households are still worried about their bills. But here’s a silver lining: some recent data shows that electricity prices have actually dropped by 35.6% compared to last year, thanks to rebates.
Chris Madikian, an electrical expert, suggests that being mindful of energy-hungry appliances can lead to some serious savings. Simple tweaks, like washing clothes in cold water or keeping your vacuum filters clean, can make a big difference.
Let’s talk about fridges. They run all day, every day, and can add about 8% to your energy bill, which translates to around $172 a year. Keeping your fridge in a cool spot and not overloading it can help cut those costs.
Then there’s the washing machine. If you’re using hot water or running it too often, you could be adding another $65 to your bill. Switching to cold water and only doing full loads can really help.
Microwaves can also be sneaky. If you’re using them a lot, they might add around $30.66 to your yearly expenses. Try batch cooking instead of reheating multiple times to save some cash.
Even your toaster can be optimized! It might not cost much, but using it back-to-back can waste energy. Unplugging it when not in use can save you about $25.55 a year.
Lastly, vacuum cleaners. Older models can be less efficient, costing you about $10.92 a year. Opting for energy-efficient models or sweeping instead can help keep those costs down.