Put the brakes on energy bills

Energy star ratings give a clear guide to how much electricity an appliance is likely to use. A higher star rating usually means lower running costs over time compared to similar-capacity products with fewer stars.

Fortunately, higher energy efficiency no longer needs to come at a hefty premium, as the technology behind it has become more affordable and accessible over time. Even if a more efficient model does cost a little more upfront than a less efficient one, it’s likely to cost you less in the long term due to its lower energy use.

In terms of environmental impact, using less energy also means fewer emissions linked to electricity generation, which is important when you’re looking to reduce your household’s carbon footprint.

Let’s take a look at some of the kitchen and laundry appliances that can make a difference in your household.

Your fridge is one of the few appliances that’s always on in your home, so even small efficiency improvements can make a difference. Newer high-efficiency Haier fridges are designed to reduce power use without compromising cooling performance.

In some cases, they use close to half the energy of older models with similar capacities. The market-leading 8 energy star 517L 500 Series bottom mount, for example, uses 169kWh per year compared to the 306kWh per year of its predecessor, the 5-star 493L bottom mount. 

This is achieved with a mix of smarter engineering and better insulation. Inverter compressors adjust their output depending on demand, rather than constantly switching on and off at full power. Vacuum-insulated panels, meanwhile, help keep cold air inside, so the fridge doesn’t need to work as hard to maintain the set temperature. This results in more stable cooling, which can help food last longer, so less produce ends up in the bin.

Cooking is another area where you can make efficiency gains, particularly by switching to an induction cooktop.

Unlike gas or traditional electric cooktops, induction cooking uses electromagnetic energy to heat pots and pans directly, rather than the surface on which they sit. Essentially, it cuts out the middle man, so less heat is lost to the cooking surface and the surrounding air.

This makes for a more comfortable kitchen environment, especially when you’re cooking in the summer and really don’t want extra heat in your home. The cooler cooking surface also makes it easier to clean because spills don’t get instantly cooked on, and reduces the risk of burns, which gives peace of mind when kids are in the kitchen.

Haier’s low-current induction cooktops take all this convenience a step further with their easy installation. In many cases, they can be connected to existing wiring, which isn’t always the case when transitioning to induction, especially in older Aussie homes. Cooktops need to be hardwired by an electrician, but a low-current model can save you the extra cost of an electrical upgrade*. On the subject of easy installation, Haier also has a ‘plug and play’ built-in oven that, unlike most ovens, doesn’t require hardwiring*.

*Specific electrical situations may vary. Please consult with a licensed electrician.

Dishwashers have become more efficient over time, often using less water and energy than washing by hand, especially when run with full loads.

In Haier’s 600 Series dishwashers, the improved spray arm design increases water coverage throughout the dishwasher, helping to clean dishes properly without the need for extra cycles, which would otherwise use more water and electricity.

The combination of this clever functionality and a careful water management system gives the 600 Series an impressive 4.5 star energy rating and 5.5 star water rating.

The laundry room is another area where efficiency improvements can make a real impact, particularly in busy households where the concept of a weekly ‘laundry day’ is laughable, because every day is laundry day.

Haier’s 500 and 600 Series front load washers combine strong 5-star energy and water ratings with clever features that reduce waste. Instead of guessing how much detergent to add, smart dosing systems automatically use the right amount for each load, which can save detergent and improve washing performance.

The clever Ultra Fresh Air feature keeps air circulating for hours after a wash cycle ends, which reduces the need to re-wash clothes that have been left sitting in the drum.

Drying has also undergone something of a revolution in recent years, with heat pump dryers now the go-to choice if you’re looking for energy efficiency. Rather than constantly heating new air and expelling the hot damp air like vented models do, heat pump dryers reuse the warm air. This allows them to run at lower temperatures, which is gentler on fabrics and uses significantly less electricity. Over time, the savings can be substantial, particularly for busy households that use a dryer several times a week.

While Haier’s 500 and 600 Series dryers have incredible 10-star energy ratings, their appeal isn’t just their lower energy use, but also their smart features. App connectivity allows you to remotely monitor loads, receive notifications and schedule drying cycles with off-peak electricity or solar generation.

Reducing energy use at home doesn’t have to mean giving things up. From fridges that maintain steady temperatures, to laundry appliances that avoid unnecessary re-washing, and cooktops that direct energy exactly where it’s needed, it’s about choosing appliances that use less electricity to do the same amount of work - or more. With its innovative, energy-savvy kitchen and laundry companions, Haier is perfectly positioned to help you achieve this.