7 areas of your home where you could save energy and water

Water heating accounts for a substantial portion of energy consumption in Australian households. Although there are better insulated, more efficient versions now available, traditional style hot water storage tanks, both electric and gas-powered, can be very inefficient compared to modern hot water systems. By upgrading to energy-efficient alternatives like heat pump water heaters or solar water heaters, you can significantly reduce your energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions.

Taking shorter showers is another good way to use less hot water, but if you can’t persuade everyone in your home to do that, you may at least be able to reduce hot water consumption by switching to low-flow showerheads. These limit water flow without compromising water pressure, reducing both water use and the energy required to heat the water. Look for showerheads with higher Water Star ratings, which are assigned to showerheads with lower water flow rates of 9 L/min or less.

Washing clothes can use a lot of energy and water. By choosing the right appliances, you can significantly reduce your usage of both. Opt for front-loading washing machines with high Energy Star ratings and Water Star ratings, as they use less water and require less energy for heating. Look for models with load sensing technology, half-load modes, and adjustable water levels to ensure optimal water usage and lower running costs.

A 7kg front loader with a lower 2.5 Energy Star rating, for example, can use more than twice as much power - and cost twice as much to run each year - as a higher 4.5 Energy Star front loader of the same size. Top loaders are also often less energy and water efficient than front loading washers.

The greenest way to dry your laundry is by taking advantage of natural light and air drying it, either outdoors or inside. When line drying isn't an option, though, a heat pump clothes dryer can be the most eco-friendly drying solution. With Energy Star ratings of 7 or higher, heat pump dryers use less than half the energy of vented dryers.

Unlike vented dryers, heat pumps extract moisture from clothes and reuse warm air within a closed-loop system, reducing energy consumption and expelling less hot air into the surrounding environment. This system means they are also easy to install, as they don’t require external venting to be installed.

Many Aussie households also have a second fridge in the garage, which is typically an old model that’s been relegated from the kitchen. In many cases, these fridges are using a lot of energy keeping a few beers and other items cold. An important job, don’t get us wrong, but is it worth the $100 a year or so to run, or could you make more efficient use of the space in your main fridge and chill some of those non-perishables in smaller batches as needed?

Some models with higher energy ratings have sensors that adjust water usage based on the load size and level of dirtiness, further reducing consumption. A lot of dishwashers now also have half-load modes, so you can wash a half load of dishes without using a full load’s worth of water and electricity. However, half-loads don’t only use half the amount of energy and water, so it’s more efficient to run full loads when possible.

Reverse cycle air conditioning can be the most energy efficient and cost-effective way of heating your home if you live in a moderate to warm climate, as most Aussies do. Most split system, ducted, and window air conditioners are reverse cycle, and so are a few portable units, meaning you can use the same system to warm your home in the winter as you use to cool it in the summer.

While cooking itself doesn't contribute significantly to energy or water waste, choosing energy-efficient cooking appliances can make a difference. Induction cooktops, for instance, are more efficient than traditional electric or gas stoves, because they use electromagnetic fields to directly heat the cookware, which reduces energy consumption.

A convection microwave ovens can also be a more energy efficient option than a regular oven for cooking smaller quantities of food. By combining microwave power with circulated hot air, they can achieve the oven-baked textures and flavours of a traditional built-in or freestanding oven, but in less time and using less power. If you usually cook for no more than two or three people, a convection microwave oven can therefore be a faster and more energy efficient option for putting dinner on the table.

By targeting these seven areas of domestic living that contribute to energy and water waste, you can reduce your impact on the environment. While new appliances with better eco credentials can often cost more to buy than less efficient options, the reduced energy consumption will result in ongoing savings on your utility bills, which over time can more than recoup the initial extra purchase cost.