Archive for the ‘Energy & Water Saving’ Category

NSW Water Rebate Changes

Thursday, June 26th, 2008

The change to the water rebate. Note that it now covers all of NSW and is for 4.5 ++ star water rated washers only.This is in effect from 1st August 2008.

Therefore the Sydney Water rebate finishes 31st July for 4 star machines. Customers must purchase 4 star machines by the 31st of July or forgo the $150 rebate unless they are buying a 4.5 star machine.

Currently there are only 18 x 4.5 or 5 star washing machines that are eligible for the rebate from 1st August.

Also note that the Wyong shire still have a 4 star rebate of $200 for residents of that shire until 31/12/08.

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Water Efficient Dishwashers

Thursday, March 6th, 2008

The days of dishwashers being water guzzlers are coming to an end, water efficient dishwashers are on the rise. You not only get a better wash from using a new water efficient dishwasher you usually save more water than washing in the sink.

Water Efficient Dishwashers

More and more people these days are just as concerned with water efficiency in a new dishwasher as they are any other aspect. If you are looking to save water when buying a new dishwasher and would like to help our environment purchasing a water efficient dishwasher is the way to do it. Asko, Miele and Bosch are leading the market in water efficient dishwashers. There are many other brands who are also very conscious of the demand for water efficienct dishwashers and are also adding more water efficient dishwashers to their range and in many cases on their way to removing any non water efficient dishwashers from their product offerings.

When looking to renew or replace your dishwasher make sure you buy a Water efficient dishwasher. A 4 star water rating is a good benchmark of a water efficient dishwasher. At Appliances Online we believe that consumers are the ones who set the trends and standards, by purchasing water efficient dishwashers you are sending a message to manufacturers that these are the products people are looking to purchase.

Save water and save money off your water bill by buying a water efficient dishwasher.

Some facts from the Australian Government

-Water efficient dishwashers use half the water of less water efficient dishwasher models.

-By 2016 WELS rated water efficient dishwashers will hopefully save around 1,200 megalitres a year in national dishwasher water usage, this is enough water to fill 600 Olympic swimming pools every year.

-The above points represent a reduction of around 6.5% in water consumption of the dishwashers sold 2003 to 2016.

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Water Efficient Washing Machines

Thursday, March 6th, 2008

Water efficient washing machines

If you’re in the market for a new washing machine and you want to do your bit for the environment. A water efficient washing machine will not only save water but it will also save you money.

Water efficient washing machines are the way most people are going when looking for a new machine. If you buy a water efficient washing machine with a water rating of 4 stars or more you will get a rebate from most state governments. These governments
are putting up these rebates to try and encourage more people to purchase a water efficient washing machine.

Most major brands are building water efficient washing machines now as the demand from environmentally savy customers keeps growing. Asko is a market leader in water efficient washing machines producing well made quality products that use minimal water. Miele, Bosch, Fisher & Paykel, Samsung, LG, Westinghouse, Electrolux, Simpson and Maytag are all making top quality water efficient washing machines.

F&P are the first manufacturers to release a top loading water efficient washing machine. The have made a four star water rated top loader the first of its kind. Electrolux have also released early in 2008 their own top loading 4 star rated water efficient washing machine for the water wise top load customers.

Water efficient washing machines are here to stay so next time your in the market make sure you buy a water efficient washing machine with 4 star water rating or higher and you will be doing your bit for the environment.

Some facts from the Australian Government

-Water efficient washing machines use one-third the water of an older less water efficient washing machines.

-By 2016 WELS rated water efficient washing machines will hopefully save over 25 thousand megalitres of water per year. This is enough to fill over 12 thousand Olympic size swimming pools.

-The above points represent a reduction of around 8.8% in water consumption of the clothes washing machines sold 2003 to 2016.

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Water Saving Products

Sunday, May 6th, 2007

Today there are many water saving products available to consumers which help greatly to reduce the water usage in and out the home. Most of these products are inexpensive and you will generally make your money back by the amount of money you save on your water bill.

Flexispray Shower Heads

Flexispray is a fully Australian/NZ owned and operated company and have a great range of water saving shower heads available for purchase. The majority of these come with a 3 Star Rating, and release no more than 9 litres per minute. View Flexisprays website at www.flexispray.com.au

Water Wizz Water Saving Products

Water Wizz Products produce a range of low cost water saving devices for fitting to existing taps, toilets, dishwashers, front loading washing machines and other fittings. They are great if you wish to keep things such as your existing shower head, however still want to save water. View their website at www.waterwizz.com.au

NoWet Waterless Car Clean

Today washing your car can be a hard task, simply because of the restrictions placed on water usage. However with NoWet Waterless Car Clean, you can do just that, and wash your car with little or no water. You simply spray it on and wipe it off, simple as that. View their website at www.nowetcarclean.com.au

Eco-Care Grey Waste Water Diverter System

The Eco-Care Grey Waste Water Diverter is a compact (1/3 sqm), semi-automatic system that works by collecting water from a household’s shower, bath, and washing machine. It is then diverted into the Eco-Care system and the pump is activated pumping the grey water to the garden. The Eco-Care system automatically discharges residual grey water if it is not used within a 24 hours period to prevent the build up of bacteria. View the product at their website here www.plasticplumbing.com.au

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Simple Energy Saving Tips

Sunday, May 6th, 2007

I will get straight to it.

Below are 10 very simple energy saving tips that anyone can use to help save energy around the home. Remember that putting these simple tips into action you will ensure you do your part for the environment, and you may even see a big decrease in your energy bill, which can save you alot of money in the long run.

1. In summer ensure that window shades are used to prevent excessive heat from entering the house, to reduce the use of air conditioners.

2. When you must use indoor cooling remember that fans are one of the most inexpensive options out there, and can do quite a reasonable job in most scenarios.

3. When not using appliances try to remember to unplug them from the wall-outlet or place them in stand-by mode if at all possible.

4. The use of fluorescent lights in the home, these save power and gas emissions.

5. Ensure all your shower heads are AAA Rated - These will save you money on your water bill and will easily make you back the money you spend purchasing it.

6. Use solar hot water - if you live in warmer areas this is a great option to look at.

7. If possible only have one refrigerator in the home, and if you have any that are not being used, turn them off.

8. When purchasing any appliances take note of the energy ratings listed on the appliance.

9. Ensure your house has good insulation.

10. Switch to using GreenPower, which is a cleaner renewable source of energy.

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Appliance Energy Rating Usage Tips

Wednesday, April 4th, 2007

If energy saving is a concern when purchasing and using your home appliances, then good on you, your doing the world a big favor! The following is a great list of hints and tips that anyone could use to help save water and energy in the home, which of course will save you money and be beneficial to the world and the environment.

FRIDGES OR FREEZERS

  1. Keep it in a cool spot
  2. Ensure ventilation around cabinet
  3. Ensure clean door seal
  4. Set thermostat between 3 and 5 degrees
  5. Do not overload the freezer (leave 20% space free for air circulation)
  6. Defrost regularly
  7. Turn second fridge off when not needed
  8. Avoid placing hot food in fridge
  9. Get local council to dispose of old fridges to avoid ozone damaging CFC’s.

CLOTHES WASHERS

  1. Once again, the right sized machine is essential to prevent energy wastage
  2. If you have the option, front loaders are more energy and water efficient, and are generally gentler on clothes
  3. Try and look for models with dual water connection lend themselves to cold washes and load size selection- saving more water
  4. A high spin speed as well as reverse tumble action save energy
  5. Economy cycle should always be employed when possible.

CLOTHES DRYERS

  1. Auto sensing features means the machine knows when to stop using energy
  2. Use a clothes line or rack when you can
  3. While you should use full loads instead of several small ones, avoid over loading
  4. Do not put wet clothes in the dryer. Part spin dry them first in the washer
  5. Clean the lint filter after each load
  6. Moist air can be removed via externally ventilated machines.
  7. Use the medium setting instead of high

DISHWASHERS

  1. Ensure that you’re buying the right sized machine for your typical loads
  2. Look for dual water connection models- hot connection only models use much more energy
  3. Select the most water and energy efficient models
  4. The design of the model is important- note the basket and rack design and research their performance.
  5. Use machines which employ economy cycles.
  6. Do not rinse under hot water first
  7. Ensure the plates have been scraped well before placed in the machine
  8. Wait until the machine is full before putting a load through
  9. Utilize the cold water wash as often as possible- its uses less energy
  10. Open the door instead of using the drying cycle
  11. Economy cycle should always be employed where possible

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Appliance Energy Rating Guide

Thursday, March 22nd, 2007

Buying a new appliance is an important venture. The machine should be with you for the better part of a decade and in many cases more, so it should suit your personal needs. Money spent on such purchases can vary greatly from machine to machine depending on their individual levels of quality, size and fuel consumption. The expense of appliances are not just specifically related to the initial cost of the machine but also take into consideration the future repairs, maintenance and general operations and upkeep.

Refrigerators for instance range in levels of energy use. The difference between a 600 kilowatt and 800 kilowatt refrigerator is equivalent to $50 to $70 per year. In this way, it may generally be more advisable to purchase a more expensive model to avoid unnecessary future energy costs. Machines displaying energy ratings are greatly helpful in determining how much utilities may cost in the future.

The government imposed EnergyGuide label has been implemented for buyer convenience in energy savings. Fridges, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers are some appliances which now include energy ratings to assist buyers. The law requires that these labels be placed on each product and that they must specify the capacity of any model as well as importantly, its estimated annual energy consumption. Energy efficient machines cost less to run and are better for the environment.

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