Kako zmanjšati stroške vašega računa za toplo vodo
Dejstvo preverjeno
Pravzaprav velja, da so grelniki vode na splošno eden najpomembnejših dejavnikov, ki prispevajo k porabi energije v gospodinjstvu in izdatkih – takoj za ogrevanjem in hlajenjem.
Glede na to obstaja veliko načinov za zmanjšanje stroškov tople vode, ne da bi se zjutraj zatekli k prhanju s hladno vodo. V tem vodniku Canstar Blue ponujamo pregled različnih sistemov za toplo vodo in koliko lahko stanejo, če jih uporabljate vsako leto, ter si oglejte, kako lahko prihranite pri računih za toplo vodo.
Na tej strani:
- Vrste sistemov tople vode v Avstraliji
- Kakšni so povprečni stroški tople vode?
- Kako lahko zmanjšam stroške tople vode?
- Načrti poceni zemeljskega plina
- Kateri sistem tople vode je pravi za moj dom?
Vrste sistemov tople vode v Avstraliji
Da bi razumeli, koliko lahko pričakujete, da boste plačali za toplo vodo, morate najprej poznati svoje možnosti, ko gre za sisteme tople vode v Avstraliji.
Za domačo uporabo sta na voljo dve osnovni vrsti grelnikov vode; sistemi za shranjevanje in trenutni (kontinuirani) pretok. Sistemi za shranjevanje, kot že ime pove, ogrevajo toplo vodo in jo hranijo za uporabo po potrebi. Sistem s trenutnim pretokom pa vodo segreje le toliko, kot je potrebno. Sistemi za shranjevanje so običajno cenejši za nakup vnaprej, vendar lahko potrošniki najdejo več dolgoročnih prihrankov s takojšnjim sistemom.
Sistemi za toplo vodo se običajno napajajo na enega od teh načinov:
- Elektrika
- Zemeljski plin
- LPG
- Sončna
- Toplotna črpalka
Sistem za shranjevanje tople vode lahko uporablja katero koli od zgornjih metod napajanja. Trenutni sistem pa se običajno napaja z elektriko, zemeljskim plinom ali LPG.
Kakšni so povprečni stroški tople vode?
Povprečni stroški ogrevanja vode se bodo zelo razlikovali glede na številne dejavnike, kot so; število oseb v gospodinjstvu, za kaj porabite toplo vodo, vrsto sistema, tarifo za energijo in izolacijo priključnih cevi.
Kot splošno vodilo Sustainability Victoria ponuja primer ocenjenih obratovalnih stroškov za različne vrste sistemov tople vode. Te številke temeljijo na izračunih za tričlansko gospodinjstvo v Viktoriji, ki porabi 120 L na dan. Upoštevajte, da je treba te podatke obravnavati le kot splošne. Tekoči stroški se lahko razlikujejo glede na velikost gospodinjstva, pa tudi glede na različne države, ozemlja in distribucijska omrežja po Avstraliji.
| Vrsta grelnika vode | Ocena Energy Star | Letni stroški energije | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plin | |||
| Zemeljski plin – skladiščenje | 5.3 | 245 $ | |
| 4 | 280 $ | ||
| Zemeljski plin – takoj | 7 | 210 $ | |
| 6 | 225 $ | ||
| LPG – shranjevanje | 5.3 | 580 $ | |
| 4 | 660 $ | ||
| LPG – instant | 7 | 470 $ | |
| 6 | 515 $ | ||
| Elektrika | |||
| Največja tarifa – shranjevanje | ni na voljo | 765 $ | |
| Najvišja tarifa – takojšnja | ni na voljo | 645 $ | |
| Tarifa izven obremenitev – shranjevanje | ni na voljo | 605 $ | |
| Sončno | |||
| Okrepljeno z zemeljskim plinom | Visoka učinkovitost | 50 $ | |
| Standardno | 65 $ | ||
| LPG pospešeno | Visoka učinkovitost | 95 $ | |
| Standardno | 130 $ | ||
| Okrepljena električna energija – konična tarifa | Visoka učinkovitost | 215 $ | |
| Standardno | 305 $ | ||
| Okrepljena elektrika – tarifa izven obremenitev | Visoka učinkovitost | 165 $ | |
| Standardno | 230 $ | ||
| Toplotna črpalka | |||
| Največja tarifa | Visoka učinkovitost | 200 $ | |
| Standardno | $320 | ||
| Off-peak tariff | High efficiency | $135 | |
| Standard | $215 | ||
Annual costs based on Melbourne household with average daily hot water use. For gas instantaneous and gas boosted solar water heaters, running costs take electricity use into account. Electricity tariffs based on general usage rate of 26.16 c/kWh, and off-peak rate of 17.93 c/kWh. Natural gas tariffs based on typical declining block structure for house with gas heating, water heating and cooking. Natural gas tariffs used for gas storage and instantaneous water heaters:1.68 c/MJ; 1.65 c/MJ. For solar-natural gas boost, tariff of 1.74 c/MJ has been used. LPG tariff based on bulk supply (210kg cylinder) in Melbourne area:$1 per litre or 4.0 c/MJ. Energy tariffs do not include pay on time discounts or the annual supply charge or cylinder rental fee.
Solar and heat pump water heaters efficiency levels are based on the following STC allocations in Zone 4 (southern Victoria):solar gas boosted – standard (29), high efficiency (33); electric boosted solar – standard (27), high efficiency (31); heat pump – standard (28), high efficiency (35).
How can I reduce hot water costs?
Perhaps the reason many of us overlook our water heating costs is because it seems rather difficult to manage – after all, you can’t just switch off the hot water system when you’re not using it. That’s not to say there isn’t still room to save. Below we’ve shared five easy things you can do to save on your hot water bill.
Find ways to use less hot water
Seems an obvious answer but the fact remains – if you’re looking to reduce your hot water bill, it will probably help to reduce your hot water usage. Now this doesn’t mean you have to go cold turkey. Some quick ways to cut down on usage could be:
- Running your washing machine with cold water.
- Cutting back your shower time.
- Reducing the water used while hand washing dishes.
- Running the dishwasher on an eco or economy setting.
Morda bi vas zanimalo tudi:
- Average water bill in Australia
- Gas hot water system prices and usage costs
- How much does it cost to run a washing machine?
Ensure you have the right sized system
If you have a storage hot water system that always seem to run out of hot water, then it’s probably time to upsize. Not just because running out of hot water is a tragedy that no one should have to endure, but also because the more your hot water system has to fill and heat a tank of water, the more energy it will consume. With that said, you shouldn’t get a water heater that’s larger than necessary either, as it will take more energy to heat the larger volume of water despite you not even using it.
It might also be worth considering a more energy-efficient model too, if you are the market for a new system. Although, keep in mind, this may cost you more upfront.
Consider if you are on the right electricity tariff
Ensuring you’re not spending more than necessary for hot water requires an understanding of your energy tariff.
- If you own a storage hot water system … A time of use tariff might be a cheaper option, assuming your system is set to refill and heat during off-peak and shoulder periods.
- If you own an instantaneous system … A time of use tariff may be the more expensive option if you shower in the morning and night. Flat rates or block flat rate tariffs might be the better option.
Another option for those with electric hot water systems is to have it put on a ‘controlled load’. This refers to a tariff where your hot water is metered and charged at a lower rate to the rest of your home energy usage. Controlled loads won’t be available in all areas, or with certain models of water heaters, but it can be a great choice if you have access to it.
Cheap Single Rate Electricity Plans in Australia
- NSW
- VIC
- QLD
- SA
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Insulate the pipes and heater
It might also help reduce costs if you insulate the pipes running off your hot water system. This can help to keep the water at maximum heat as it makes its way to you. Most insulation jobs can be done fairly cheap and easy as a DIY, but if in doubt, it may be best to reach out to a handyman for assistance. For more information on insulating your hot water system pipes, check out Energy.gov’s guide.
Keep your system well maintained
Hot water systems might be sturdy, but they still need maintenance. In storage models for example, if the sacrificial anode (which attracts rust inducing minerals) inside the hot water tank is not replaced, the system will rust from the inside. At first, your hot water system will have to consume more energy to produce the same amount of hot water, but left too long and your hot water system may blow out completely. This task requires a qualified technician, but you should only have to get it checked once every five years.
Cheap Natural Gas Plans
- VIC
- NSW
- WA
- SA
- QLD
Gas Plans Compared in VIC
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for VIC. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Melbourne and yearly gas usage of 29,830MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in NSW
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for NSW. These estimated annual costs are based on the Jemena Gas Network in Sydney and yearly gas usage of 18,542MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in WA
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for WA. These estimated annual costs are based on the ATCO Network in Perth and yearly gas usage of 27,620 (units), but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in SA
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for SA. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Adelaide and yearly gas usage of 11,875MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Gas Plans Compared in QLD
Here are some of the cheapest gas deals on our database for QLD. These estimated annual costs are based on the Australian Gas Network in Brisbane and yearly gas usage of 6,842MJ, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest estimated cost. This table includes products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Which hot water system is right for my home?
Like many things, the hot water system that’s right for you will depend on a number of factors – there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. If it comes time to buy a new system though, it might be worth considering an energy efficient model. It may end up costing you more upfront but hopefully with time, you’ll start to see some noticeable savings on your next hot water bill.
If you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to hot water system brands and models though, be sure to check out our annual ratings of hot water systems. Here we list the brands everyday Aussies have rated best in the biz across a range of categories – from reliability to effectiveness, value for money and overall satisfaction. Just click the link below to find out more.