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In the Laundry and Bathroom

It is possible to save plenty of power and water in the laundry and bathroom, especially when you consider that hot water generally accounts for about 30% of household energy use.

A few small changes here and there can make a big difference to the environment and to your power and water bills and you and your clothing will be just as clean!

What you could do today:

Switch off your hot water system during the day. Water heats quickly and will stay warm for a long time. Or use a hot water timer. Set the timer to heat water only when hot water is required which is usually in the mornings and at night.
If you have an electric hot water system, reset your water temperature: 70˚C is more than hot enough for most people. Kidsafe recommends that the ideal maximum safe temperature for hot tap water is 50˚C.

Download the entire green guide 372kb PDF

Money Saver

Converting to a water efficient shower head can save up to
$185 a year.
(based on a household of
four having two, eight minute showers a day)

epair any leaking taps. A tap leaking at the rate of one drip per second will waste more than 12,000 litres of water a year. If
it’s a hot water tap, it’s also wasting the energy used to heat the water.

Try to wash only full loads of laundry and use the economy cycle if you have one. Use the ‘suds saver’ function if your machine has one and choose cold water. Adjust the water level on the machine so it is appropriate for the size of the load.
Use the clothesline whenever you can to dry clothes. If you use the dryer, load it according to the manufacturer’s directions
and clean the lint filter after each load.
Take a shorter shower and install a water efficient shower head.
Use the half-flush button on the toilet when appropriate.
Don’t turn taps off too tightly. This can wear the washer and cause leaks.
Check for toilet leaks by placing a couple of drops of food colouring into the toilet cistern. If colour appears in the bowl within 15 minutes without flushing, there is a leak that needs to be repaired. A slow leak can waste more than 4 000 litres per year and visible leaks can waste more than 96 400 litres.

Planning ahead

If you don’t already have one, install a solar hot water system. You can receive a significant rebate against what you’ve paid, just ask at any Power and Water Customer Service Centre. You’ll save energy and money in the long-term.
Turn off your hot water system when you go on holidays. If you have a solar hot water system, make sure the electric booster is turned off.
Make sure the hot water system outlet pipe is well insulated to help retain heat.
Have a properly qualified person periodically check your water-heater as recommended equipment such as a hot water thermostat can drain power and boost your bill.
Choose water efficient showers, toilets, taps and appliances.
Have a plumber adjust the flush volume of your cistern.
Install a flow regulator on sink taps.

How much does it cost?

Appliance	Estimated Cost
Washing Machine 4kg front load cold wash	18 Cents/Hour
Washing Machine Large 6kg cold wash	33 Cents/Hour
2400w Clothes Dryer for one hour	33 Cents/Hour
100w Exhaust Fan and Light For 15 Minutes	1.5 Cents/15 min
Toilet with Visible Leak, Constant Hissing (Per Year)	$58.00/Year
These costs are a guide only. Actual costs may vary.

Green Guide References: Synergy Energy, Aurora Energy, The Australian Greenhouse Office, CoolMOB Northern Territory

All costs included in the Green Guide are guides only. Actual costs will vary according to size and brand of appliance as well as where and how the appliance is used.

November 2007