ELECTRICITY prices have sky rocketed but at the same time people are running a plethora of devices and appliances that suck power night and day, pushing up bills.
The previous generation likely ran lights, a stove, washing machine and refrigerator whereas now, people run everything from huge televisions, to microwave ovens, and those great gas guzzlers, air-conditioners.
A big range of seemingly small items are on standby like electric toothbrushes, TVs and microwaves while computers, electronic notebooks and phones are often left on charge.
Energex and other electrical providers have worked with Energy Networks Australia to compile a list of what $1 worth of electricity will run in the average home.
An Energex spokesman said that at this time of year cooling the home was popular, but air-conditioning could account for a significant portion of a power bill.
The average split system air conditioner costs about $1 for two hours' use yet a ceiling fan can run for 20 hours for the same price. If you favour the aircon, 24 degrees is the most energy-efficient setting to save money and stay cool indoors.
Any appliance that cools or heats uses more electricity.
The clothes dryer can cost up to $1 per medium load versus the clothesline, which is obviously free and achieves the same result.
Doing your laundry in a front loader is, on average, more cost-effective at five loads per $1 compared to three loads with a top loader washing machine.
And those who love a long shower will be paying about $1 for a 15-minute soak while people who are keen to binge-watch their favourite series will bay a $1 for 20 hours of television.
The figures also show that swapping any old incandescent bulb for LED will cost up to 100 times less to run while charging your mobile phone for a whole year should only set you back $1.
In the kitchen $1 will cook 160 slices of toast, roast a family dinner, run the fridge up to three days. On the road, it will power the average electric car for 18km.
These figures are based upon a retail contract of 30c/kwh before any discounts and will vary depending on the age and size of the appliance.
By switching to off-peak tariffs or PeakSmart, Queensland customers will pay less to run more energy-intensive appliances, like pool pumps, hot water systems and air- conditioning.
