Silent Assassins that Drive Up Your Household Bills

Unbeknown to us, there are stealthy saboteurs lurking in the shadows, quietly driving up our household bills. Insiduously stealing our hard-earned money. These silent assassins come in various forms, from seemingly harmless habits to sneaky appliances, and can have a significant impact on our household expenses, personal financial bottom line and environmental footprint. With our property management expertise in Western Australia, we have identified ways you can help you stretch your dollar.

So which appliances at home consume the most amount of electricity typically? Power guzzlers include:

1. Refrigerator/Freezer: 13-17% of total energy consumption
2. Air Conditioner: 12-15%
3. Electric Water Heater: 9-12%
4. Clothes Dryer: 6-8%
5. Oven/Stove: 4-6%
6. Dishwasher: 2-4%
7. TV/Computer: 2-4%
8. Washing Machine: 2-3%
9. Microwave: 1-2%

The silent assassins include:

1. Phantom Power

One of the most insidious silent assassins is phantom power, also known as standby power or vampire power. This refers to the energy consumed by appliances and devices when they’re turned off but still plugged in. Common offenders include:

• TVs and computers
• Phone chargers
• Microwaves
• Coffee makers

Solution: Unplug appliances when not in use, or use power strips to easily switch off multiple devices at once.

2. Leaky Faucets

A single dripping faucet may seem harmless, but it can waste up to 20 liters of water per day, leading to increased water bills and a heavier environmental impact.

Solution: Check your faucets regularly and fix any leaks promptly. Install low-flow fixtures to minimize water usage.

3. Inefficient Lighting

Traditional incandescent bulbs are energy-hungry and short-lived, contributing to higher electricity bills and more frequent replacements.

Solution: Switch to LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last up to 25 times longer.

4. Energy-Guzzling Appliances

Outdated or inefficient appliances can quietly inflate your energy bills. Common culprits include:

• Old refrigerators
• Inefficient washing machines
• Power-hungry air conditioners

Solution: Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR rating, and adjust usage habits (e.g., washing clothes in cold water).

5. Unwanted Subscriptions

Unused or forgotten subscriptions can sneakily drive up your bills, from cable TV, magazines to gym memberships.

Solution: Regularly review your subscriptions and cancel any unused or unnecessary services.

6. Water-Wasting Habits

Long showers, running taps while brushing teeth, and using water-intensive appliances can all contribute to higher water bills.

Solution: Adopt water-saving habits, such as taking shorter showers, turning off taps while soaping up, and installing low-flow showerheads. This is especially important for Western Australians!

7. Inadequate Insulation

Poor insulation can lead to heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, forcing your heating and cooling systems to work harder and driving up energy bills.

Solution: Check your home’s insulation, and consider upgrading to energy-efficient materials like fiberglass or cellulose.

8. Hidden Fees

Unnoticed fees on bills, such as bank charges or credit card interest, can add up quickly.

Solution: Regularly review your statements, negotiate with service providers to waive fees, and consider switching to fee-free options.

Make a quick-list of actions to implement today:

1. Switch to Energy-Efficient Appliances: Look for ENERGY STAR-rated models.

1. Adjust Usage Habits:
   • Run full loads in washing machines and dishwashers.
   • Air dry clothes instead of using a clothes dryer.
   • Use microwaves or toaster ovens for small meals.
2. Optimize Lighting:
   • Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs.
   • Install smart lighting systems or timers.
3. Insulate and Seal:
   • Properly insulate your home to reduce heating/cooling needs.
   • Seal air leaks to prevent heat loss.
4. Unplug and Power Down:
   • Unplug appliances and electronics when not in use.
   • Turn off lights, TVs, and computers when not in use.
5. Upgrade to Smart Power Strips: Automatically cut power to idle devices.
6. Conduct an Energy Audit: Identify areas for improvement in your home.
7. Weatherize Your Home: Install energy-efficient windows and doors.
8. Use Natural Light: During the day, open curtains and blinds to reduce lighting needs.
9. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review your energy bills and adjust your habits accordingly.
10. Fix Leaks: Address any leaking taps immediately
11. Water use: Be mindful of wise water usage.

Additional Tips:

• Consider installing solar panels or investing in renewable energy credits.
• Use power-saving features on your devices, like low-power modes or sleep settings.
• Plant trees or install awnings to reduce summer cooling needs.

By recognizing and addressing these silent assassins and power guzzlers, you can significantly reduce your household bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. Remember, every small change adds up to make a big difference.