If you’ve been shocked at the increase in the cost of gas and electricity lately, you’re not alone.
Utility prices are on the march along with fuel and food, all of which are feeding an inflation rate that has prompted the Reserve Bank of Australia to hike its target cash rate to 0.85% and increase mortgage repayments.
As an experienced agency that has sold many properties locally over the past two years, we know many of our clients, especially first-time buyers and upsizers, will not welcome these bigger bills.
But there are ways to help reduce your utility bills at home.
Plug the gaps
Walk through your home and spot the gaps where cold air may be entering. Pay special attention to windows, skirting boards and where door frames meet the floor.
Go into batt
When was the last time you updated the insulation in your roof? It decays over time and can be a major cause of heat escaping. Get into the attic and check the batts are doing their job.
Nudge down your heating
If you use your aircon as a heater or have central heating, drop the temperature on your thermostat a couple of degrees. It can make a significant difference to your bills.
Clean the air filter
If your aircon has a dirty filter, swap it out. The warm air that’s costing you money will be blocked by a dirty filter.
Thanks, fans
Have you changed the direction of your ceiling fans from the summer to winter setting? As hot air rises, fans on a winter setting push the warm air back down, increasing your heating efficiency.
Rail strike
If you have a heated towel rail that’s not on a timer, you’re burning money 24 hours a day. Timers are cheap, and an electrician can install one quickly.
Use the sun
In rooms with a northerly aspect, keep the curtains open during the day to capture the sun and warm your home.
Make the switch
If you’ve been delaying a switch from conventional, incandescent light bulbs to halogens or LEDs, now is the time to make your move. They not only use four times less electricity but last around 20,000 hours compared with the 1,200 hours of the old school bulbs.
NOTE: The information in this article is general in nature and provided as a general overview only. Always consult your financial advisor or accountant for advice specific to your personal circumstances.