Discover proven ways to lower your gas bill with simple changes to hot water use, cooking habits, heating, and home efficiency. Compare gas plans for extra savings.
Published on 11/09/2025
By Pallav Verma
Gas Comparison
Gas bills can be a significant expense for Australian households, especially during cooler months when heating demands increase. The good news is that reducing your gas usage doesn't require major lifestyle changes. With some simple adjustments to your daily habits and home efficiency measures, you can lower your gas consumption and see real savings on your monthly bills.
Understanding what drives your gas costs is the first step toward better control over your energy expenses. Most Australian homes use gas for hot water heating, cooking, and space heating with hot water typically accounting for the largest portion of usage. By focusing on these key areas, you can make meaningful reductions to your overall gas consumption.
Key Areas to Focus on for Gas Savings
A typical shower uses substantial amounts of hot water, making shower duration one of the most effective areas for gas savings. Aim for 4–5-minute showers instead of longer sessions. You'll save both water and the gas needed to heat it. Setting a timer or playing a favorite song can help you keep track of time while maintaining your routine.
Modern low-flow showerheads maintain excellent water pressure while using significantly less water than older models. A 4 or 5-star water-rated showerhead can reduce hot water usage without compromising your shower experience. The installation is typically straightforward and the savings begin immediately.
Modern laundry detergents work effectively in cold water, and washing machines use approximately 90% of their energy heating water. Switching to cold water washes can dramatically reduce your gas consumption while helping preserve fabric colors and preventing shrinkage. Reserve hot water washes for heavily soiled items when absolutely necessary.
Most dishwashers feature economy or eco-wash settings that use lower water temperatures while still delivering clean dishes. This setting typically takes longer but uses less energy. Additionally, only run your dishwasher with full loads to maximise efficiency, and skip the heated dry cycle by opening the door slightly after the wash completes.
Many water heaters are set higher than necessary. Reducing your water heater temperature to 60°C (140°F) can provide substantial savings while still delivering comfortably hot water for all household needs. Check your system's manual for adjustment instructions or contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
A dripping hot water tap wastes both water and the gas used to heat it continuously. Even a slow drip can add up to significant waste over time. Addressing leaky taps promptly prevents ongoing waste and can reduce your monthly gas consumption.
Instantaneous or continuous flow hot water systems heat water only when needed, eliminating the standby energy losses associated with storage systems. While the upfront installation cost may be higher, these systems can deliver long-term savings, especially for smaller households with lower hot water usage.
Solar hot water systems use the sun's energy to heat water during the day, with gas boosters providing backup heating when solar energy isn’t enough. This combination can help many households reduce gas consumption while still enjoying consistent hot water.
Many households also report lower ongoing energy costs, although actual savings will vary depending on household size, usage, and the efficiency of the system.
Gas ovens reach cooking temperature quickly, making preheating unnecessary for many dishes. Casseroles, roasts, and most baked goods can start cooking in a cold oven with slight adjustments to cooking time. Reserve preheating for recipes that specifically require it, such as baked goods that need consistent temperature from the start.
Using lids while cooking traps heat and steam, reducing cooking times and gas consumption. This simple habit helps food cook more evenly while using less energy. Choose appropriate-sized lids that create a good seal for maximum efficiency.
Matching burner size to cookware ensures efficient heat transfer and prevents wasted gas. Using large burners for small pots wastes energy, while small burners under large pans create uneven heating. Flat-bottomed cookware also transfers heat more efficiently than warped pans.
Electric kettles, microwaves, and small countertop appliances often use less energy than gas stovetops for specific tasks. Boiling water in an electric kettle before adding it to pots can reduce stovetop cooking time, while microwaves excel at reheating and cooking small portions efficiently.
Setting your thermostat between 18-20°C during winter provides comfortable warmth while minimising gas usage. Each degree higher can increase heating costs by up to 10%. Programmable or smart thermostats automatically adjust temperatures based on schedules, reducing heating when you're asleep or away from home.
Rather than heating your entire home uniformly, focus on rooms you're actively using. Close doors to unused rooms and use zoning features if available with ducted heating systems. This targeted approach reduces the volume of space requiring heating, leading to lower gas consumption.
Wearing appropriate clothing for indoor winter temperatures reduces reliance on heating systems. Warm socks, sweaters, and throws can provide personal comfort without increasing whole-house heating costs. This approach is particularly effective during mild cold spells when minimal heating is needed.
Heavy curtains provide insulation against heat loss through windows, while closing doors contains heated air in occupied spaces. Open curtains during sunny winter days to capture natural solar heating, then close them at sunset to trap accumulated warmth inside your home.
Annual servicing ensures your heating system operates at peak efficiency while identifying potential safety issues. Clean or replace filters regularly, as blocked filters force systems to work harder and use more gas. Proper maintenance extends equipment life while optimising performance and safety.
Insulating hot water pipes, particularly the first few metres from your water heater, reduces heat loss as water travels to taps and fixtures. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install, providing immediate improvements in hot water delivery efficiency while reducing the gas needed to maintain water temperature.
Proper home insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce heating and cooling costs. Up to 50% of heating can be lost through uninsulated ceilings, while walls also contribute significantly to heat transfer. Quality insulation keeps homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing gas heating requirements year-round.
Draft sealing prevents conditioned air from escaping while blocking unwanted outside air from entering your home. Weather stripping, door seals, and window caulking are cost-effective improvements that deliver immediate comfort improvements and energy savings. Focus on areas where you can feel air movement for maximum impact.
Running full loads in washing machines and dishwashers maximises efficiency by spreading the energy used for heating water across more items. Avoid overloading, which can reduce cleaning effectiveness, but ensure you're making the most of each cycle's energy consumption.
Modern appliances often use significantly less energy than models over five years old. When replacement time arrives, prioritise high-efficiency models with good energy ratings. While initial costs may be higher, the long-term savings in reduced gas consumption often justify the investment.
Line drying or using indoor drying racks eliminates the need for gas-powered clothes dryers. This approach works particularly well during warmer months and can significantly reduce overall gas consumption for households that rely on gas dryers.
Review your gas bills regularly to ensure meter readings and charges are accurate. Estimated readings can sometimes result in overcharging, particularly if actual usage is lower than estimates. Contact your retailer promptly if you notice discrepancies or unusual increases in usage or charges.
Gas usage can vary due to seasonal changes, household occupancy, appliance efficiency, and external factors like weather patterns. Understanding these influences helps you identify opportunities for savings and explains normal fluctuations in monthly costs.
For extended absences, consider turning off pilot lights or switching hot water systems to holiday mode if available. This prevents unnecessary gas consumption while maintaining system integrity for your return.
Energy plans and rates change frequently, making regular comparison essential for optimal savings. Different plans suit different usage patterns, and what worked ideal for your household previously may no longer be the most cost-effective option.
Reducing your gas bill doesn't require dramatic lifestyle changes or expensive home modifications. The most effective approach combines several small adjustments that collectively deliver meaningful savings. Start with the easiest changes, such as shorter showers and adjusting your thermostat, then gradually implement other efficiency measures as opportunities arise.
Regular maintenance of gas appliances ensures they operate safely and efficiently while extending their useful life. When replacement time comes, choosing high-efficiency models can provide ongoing savings that justify the initial investment.
The final piece of the savings puzzle involves ensuring you're getting the ideal value from your energy provider. Plans and pricing structures change regularly, and comparing options can reveal significant savings opportunities without changing your usage patterns.
Ready to see if you could be getting a better deal on your gas supply? Compare gas plans at electricityprovider.com.au to find competitive rates that match your household's usage patterns. Our platform makes it easy to compare options from trusted retailers and apply online if you find a plan that better suits your needs.
Taking action on gas efficiency measures while ensuring you're on the ideal energy plan creates a comprehensive approach to managing your household energy costs effectively.
