
Our Product Experts from Appliances Online have compiled their favourite tips and tricks to help you create an energy-efficient home, especially during the cooler months.
Colin Jones, our Appliance Category Expert says, “Apart from wanting to keep warm this winter, these are some tips that Australians can use all-year-round to help keep costs down and minimise their environmental impact. At Appliances Online, we not only look for the latest technologies and innovative products, we also want to provide our customers the information they need to ensure their appliances are optimally operated.”
Wash at the right temperature - For everyday clothes and lightly soiled garments, wash with cold water so your machine uses less energy. However, as cold water does not always remove stubborn dirt and stains, we recommended setting the temperature at 30 degrees, when needed. This temperature is suitable for most garments, while still minimising energy use. You can also pre-soak heavily soiled garments to help break down grime before putting it in your machine.
Wash at the right time - Take advantage of off-peak rates and find a washing machine with a Delay Start feature or programmable timers. This allows you to set the washer to operate at a specific time, which is not only a cost-saving benefit, but can also help you plan your washing around your schedule.
Use Quick cycles and Eco programs - Eco programs are specially designed cycles that optimise energy and water use to help you cut down usage with every load. When you need to wash a small, lightly-soiled load, opt for Quick or Fast Wash cycles, which uses less energy than an everyday cycle.
Opt for a heat pump dryer - Heat pump dryers are very economical on energy consumption and most have a high energy rating. Heat pump technology recycles hot air back into the dryer to reduce energy consumption. If you intend to use your dryer more often, this means greater savings on power bills over time.
Clean the lint out - Clean your dryer filter after each use. This allows air to pass through efficiently for optimal operation. When your lint tray is full of particles, your dryer needs to work much harder to push heated air through your drying clothes. Some heat pump dryers have a self-cleaning condenser, which can save you both time and money.
Fill your appliances effectively - Washers and dryers are most efficient when you use it with an appropriately-sized load. Loading your dryer correctly according to garment size and weight means your dryer will take less time drying each load. Look for smart washing machines with sensor technology, which detects the size of the load and optimises the water level in the wash.
Need help selecting an energy-efficient laundry appliance? Read our Eco-Friendly Laundry Appliances Buying Guide.
Upgrade to a fridge with a high energy star rating - Look for a high energy star rating when selecting an energy-efficient fridge. As refrigeration technology continues to develop, newer fridge models tend to use the least amount of energy. Look for models with optimal airflow as this circulates the air inside the fridge and freezer, to ensure even and efficient cooling.
Keep it full - Fridges and freezers work by cooling the air inside, therefore you can save energy by keeping your fridge as full as possible. This ensures less air inside the fridge that needs to be continuously cooled. Make sure you have the right size fridge to suit your household. Larger fridges that are always empty can waste power over time.
Keep it sealed - Try and keep your fridge as airtight as possible. Older fridges may need replacement seals around the door. Also, refrain from opening your fridge unless you need something, as the more you open the fridge door, the more cold air will escape.
Opt for induction cooktops - Induction cooktops are considerably more energy-efficient than standard electric cooktops. This is because induction uses a magnetic field to heat your cookware. This means faster heat-up, minimal heat loss, and precise temperature control.
Upgrade your oven - When upgrading your oven, look for one that offers greater door insulation, such as oven doors with multi-glazed glass. This helps to keep the heat inside. Fan forced ovens are also more efficient as they speed up the cooking process by circulating the hot air inside the oven cavity.
Invest in a heat pump dishwasher - Heat pump dishwashers are designed to be energy-efficient, with some models awarded an impressive 6-star energy rating. This innovative technology enables heat to be reused to reduce energy consumption.
Fill it effectively - The most effective thing you can do to conserve energy with a dishwasher is to make sure it is fully loaded before you run a cycle, instead of running multiple small loads. If you only want to clean a few items, look for dishwashers with a half load function.
Use the right program - Getting to know your dishwasher’s features ensures cleaner dishes and efficient operation. Some models have features like an Eco program, which is engineered to efficiently clean your dishes. Try using the rinse or pre-wash cycle of your dishwasher, instead of rinsing your plates under the running tap.
Air dry - Some dishwashers offer heated dry functions. But try to minimise the use of this feature as it can waste a lot of power. Instead, open the door of the dishwasher to let your dishes air dry naturally. Some dishwashers offer a handy automatic door-open feature to let moisture escape after the cycle.
Select the right heater - Gas and convector heaters are the more energy-efficient options. Selecting the correct size heater for the room is also important. A heater that is too small for a large area will not heat up the area properly.
Keep the heat in - Covering your windows and doors at night with coverings such as curtains and draft stoppers to keep the cold out, and the heat in. Remember to close doors between rooms not being used to retain heat.
Ensure your home is well-insulated - Having insulation installed in your roof will ensure your home will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter, providing comfort all-year-round.