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Home Utilities

The hidden costs of home ownership and why they're on the rise

Paying a mortgage is just one part of home ownership. Here are some of the other expenses to factor in.
A home buyer looks at documents. In the foreground of the image is a model house and keys.

Is it bad to drink warm water from the tap or is that a myth? An expert weighs in

It has the ring of an old wives' tale, but should we really be concerned about drinking warm tap water?
A woman holds a glass to fill up a glass of tap water, a cartoon fire behind it.

The 10-minute task that will make your air-con unit cheaper to run (and warmer too)

This simple task can help save you money and keep you warm in winter. You've just got to remember to do it. 
A hand adjusts a knob on an air conditioning unit.

Kim's power bills went from $450 to $64 a quarter. Here's how

Kim Loo grows her own food, gets eggs from her chickens and has improved her home's energy efficiency. It's all helping her reduce her carbon footprint, and it's saving her money, too.
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Kim Loo smiles for the camera while wearing a doctor's gown and a stethoscope.

What to do if you're hit with a big energy bill

You might be in for an unexpected shock when you get your next energy bill. Here's what you can do about it.
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Woman looks at laptop screen, for a story about energy bill shock.

Meet the people you'll pay when buying a property

From solicitors and pest inspectors, to buyer's agents and brokers, if you're buying a home, you'll make a bunch of expensive acquaintances. Who are they and what do they do?
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Illustration of real estate agent, building inspector, solicitor with shaded-out home buyers in the background.

Finding the right heater for your home and budget

From knowing roughly how much your heater costs to run, to cheap ways to stop draughts, here are some options for staying warm in winter.
Woman in winter clothes covering her eyes for a story about how to keep warm in winter with heating