Lower Your Bills: 5 Ways to Save On Hot Water

I’ve spent years looking at hot water systems, and have seen households literally "pouring money down the drain" without realising it. Hot water usually accounts for about 30% to 40% of your total energy bill, and with a few smart tweaks, you can significantly cut those costs.

1. Install Reducers in your Showerheads

Older showerheads can pour out up to 15–20 litres per minute. Modern "low-flow" or "eco" showerheads use air-injection technology to maintain high pressure while using only 6–9 litres per minute.

Tim’s Pro Tip: Don't worry about "weak" pressure. Modern aerated showerheads mix air into the stream so it still feels like a luxury soak while using half the water.

2. Adjust the Thermostat

Many water heaters are factory-set to 65°C or higher.

Tim’s Insight: Setting your heater to 60°C is the "Goldilocks" zone. It's hot enough to kill bacteria like Legionella but low enough to stop "standby heat loss"- which is basically you paying to heat a tank that nobody is using.

3. Fix Leaky Taps and Overflow Valves Promptly

A tap dripping once per second might seem minor, but it can waste over 25 litres of water a day. If that drip is hot water, like out of a constantly dripping overflow valve, you are literally watching money evaporate.

4. Insulate Your Pipes and Tank

If your water heater is warm to the touch, it’s losing heat. Adding an insulating "blanket" can reduce heat loss by 25% to 45%.

Tim’s Pro Tip: Focus on the first two metres of pipe leading out of the tank. That's where most of the heat escapes before it even reaches your tap.

5. Upgrade to a Heat Pump Water Heater

If your tank is over 10 years old, it’s likely a "dinosaur" in terms of efficiency.

Tim’s Pro Tip: Heat Pump units are the future. They act like a fridge in reverse, pulling heat from the air. They can be 3 times more efficient than standard electric tanks.

Tim’s Final Word

If you’re seeing high bills or running out of hot water mid-shower, don't just ignore it. Often, your system is just crying out for a bit of maintenance or a simple valve replacement.

Still have questions? Feel free to give us a call. I’m here to help you keep your showers hot and your bills low!

Hot Water Shop shower man