Saving Money on Utility Bills

For those renting, it can feel almost impossible to save money on utility bills when you have already cut your usage of electricity and water as much as seems possible. Without the cooperation of your landlord or property manager to make other improvements to the actual home it’s impossible the further reduce utility bills right?

Despite common belief, there are some effective ways you can approach the subject of an energy efficient home with your landlord or property manager. Don’t be discouraged doing this since investing in energy efficient features throughout their home will also benefit the property owner and add considerable value to their investment.
The Australian Tax office also offers tax deductions for efficiency improvements made to rental properties. Any maintenance, repairs and costs like sealing cracks and repairing insulation can be claimed at the end of the financial year. Depreciation benefits of installing a new hot water system and other improvements are available and are worth reminder the property manager or by writing to your landlord directly. Here are some suggestions to make changes to some of the biggest things which determine the costs of quarterly utility bills.

Reducing Heating and Cooling Costs

1. Check that there are no gaps under doors by plugging gaps with draughts runners.

2. Fit window furnishings if there are none to reduce heat loss and heat gain.

3. If air conditioning is included in the property ensure the landlord arranges regular servicing and cleaning of filters to maintain efficiency.

4. Reduce your reliance on artificial heating and cooling by wearing clothing appropriate for the season.

Reducing Lighting Costs

1. Replace halogen and incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s.) Many of these can be replaced yourself, but seek the advice of an electrician to make sure you choose compatible lamps.

2. Trim vegetation blocking natural light into the home and open curtains and blinds to allow as much natural light into the home as possible.

Reducing Water Costs

If the rental home does not include water as part of the rent and the cost of water consumption is passed onto the tenant, it is the requirement of the landlord to ensure the property is water efficient. This means in Queensland the landlord is obligated under the RTA (Residential Tenancy Authority) to fit water efficient fixtures throughout the property.

If these have not been fitted, you are allowed to arrange to fit these yourself and be reimbursed for the cost. Your property manager should coordinate this on your behalf.

Other measures to reduce water costs include:

• Reducing the temperature of hot water in the hot water system to 60 degrees.
• Reducing your hot water consumption by changing usage habits.

Are Your Utility Costs Increasing?

If utility costs in your rental home seem to be increasing for no explicit reason it may be because of a gas or water leak on the property. You can check the readings of water meter and gas meter when both are not in use. If the reading increases overnight, there is a likely to be a leak and must be repaired at the cost to the landlord. Any gas leaks can be dangerous and must be repaired quickly. Find out more about detecting gas leaks here.

Other things you can do:

• Energy Efficient Tariffs – If a lot of energy is used in your home outside of peak hours (4-8pm) it’s worth connecting to an energy efficient tariff. The electrician your property manager deals with should be able to arrange this connection for a small charge.
• Air Conditioning – If your home is rented with air conditioning it is the responsibility for the landlord to ensure the unit is maintained and efficient. Homes command a higher rent with air conditioning, making the landlord’s responsibility to provide a system that works efficiently for the space it is to heat or cool.

For more advice and strategies to reduce your utility bills for people renting, the Australian Government has developed the RENTERS GUIDE TO SUSTAINABLE LIVING. For the professional services to repair, replace, improve or upgrade the way your home uses utilities, the Fixzit’s electricians, gasfitters and plumbers can offer more advice to reduce your utility bills to save you considerably. To find out more call us today on 1300 726 806.