What it costs to run your stuff

UNDERSTANDING how much it costs to run your home during winter is the first step in saving money on energy bills.

Technological advances such as smart meters and smart plugs are helping to give households clarity, but even people without smartphone apps telling them how much power is chewed up by their washing machine can benefit from some general knowledge.

MoneysaverHQ asked Origin Energy to crunch the numbers on the costs of running our appliances. While prices vary between states, these estimates show what you can expect to pay.

• dryers (5kg) between $1.06 and $1.86 a load, or up to $72 during winter for drying three loads a week;

• loading washing machines 39c to 69c a load;

• washing machines 17c to 29c a load;

• depends on usage, but for a 2.5kW reverse cycle system suitable for a bedroom and running nine hours a day on cooler days, 16c to 27c an hour or $97 to $211 a quarter.

• space heaters 23c to 40c an hour, or up to $174 over winter in cooler states where power costs are higher.

Origin spokesman Stuart Osbourne said heating and cooling made up 40 per cent of household energy use and the largest appliances were usually the largest power guzzlers.

“The biggest savings to be made are by monitoring the temperature you set your

CLOTHES TOP FRONT-loading AIRCONDITIONING PERSONAL

heating to – the ideal temperature for a heater is between 18C and 20C as every degree above that will cost you 10 per cent more to run,” he said. “Washing clothes in cold water, and using the eco mode on your dishwasher will save energy and save on your bill.”

Energy retailers and the Federal Government’s energy.gov.au website provide practical tips for cutting costs.

A second fridge costs about $170 a year to run, the website says. Switching off gaming consoles after use can save up to $195 a year, and water-efficient shower heads can save a couple $160 a year in water and power.