Hot water cylinders can be quite expensive, depending on your energy needs, location, supply constraints and the age of the heater. If you’re trying to stick to a more frugal way of living, then minimising the cost of your utilities is the perfect place to start. Your utilities can eat up a lot of your monthly paycheque, so we recommend devising strategies that will help you lower your utility usage. You can always talk to a financial planner, who can assist with more practical techniques you can implement in your household to achieve these goals. If that isn’t an option, then check out some of these thrifty ways you can save money, specifically relating to having a good hot water cylinder.
Limit shower times using a timer
One of the best ways to reduce your reliance on your hot water cylinders is to spend less time in the shower. We understand that this can be quite difficult, especially during those chilly winter months. However, if money is tight, it is more than worth it. Limiting your showers to 4-6 minutes can go a long way, especially if you’re someone who likes to indulge a bit (i.e. 15+ minutes). Installing a timer will ensure that you adhere to the time restrictions in place.
Replace your washing machine or dishwasher if they are old
It’s also worth verifying how old your washing machine and dishwasher are. Older appliances aren’t anyway near as energy-efficient as modern alternatives, meaning they tend to eat up more energy (which means more expensive utility bills). If you are in the market for new hot water cylinders, a washing machine or dishwasher, then make sure you compare energy ratings to maximise your purchase. While it might cost more, the long-term cost savings make it more than worth it!
Monitor the thermostat
Another critical way to save money on your utilities is to monitor the thermostat attached to your hot water cylinders. The manufacturer will ship the heater to you and set the thermostat at a pre-determined level. If possible, we recommend lowering the prescribed temperature by a few degrees (e.g. 2-4). This won’t have a demonstrable impact on the quality of your showers, and more importantly, it can save you a lot of money on your bill.
Lowering the thermostat temperature attached to your hot water cylinders can also have several positive effects on your maintenance needs. Because the overall heat going through the device will be lower, there will be less mineral build-up and lower levels of scalding. This means your plumber or local technician won’t need to an excessive amount of time maintaining the machine (which means more money in your back pocket).
Deal with leaks promptly
If you notice any leaky faucets or a leak from one of your hot water cylinders, then you must deal with the issue as quickly as possible. This is because leaks can lead to a lot of aqua wastage, which will add to your monthly bill. Check outdoor faucets as well as indoor taps and shower heads for any signs of leaks. If you find any, get them repaired quickly by your local plumber.
Have your plumbing checked
Finally, if you have tried the above tips and your bill doesn’t seem to be lowering significantly, then it might be time to have your entire plumbing system checked by a professional. You might be losing money because of old pumps or a poorly designed system, which will require more invasive work. While this will be more expensive, it will guarantee that your money woes are well and truly washed down the drain.