Buy energy efficient appliances

Buying energy efficient appliances can save you money on your bills and reduce your environmental impact without making a difference to your lifestyle.

Here are some ways to start reducing your energy use and save money.

Energy rating labels

Many electric appliances sold in Australia carry an approved energy rating label to help you compare the energy efficiency of different models. Energy rating labels are included on air conditioners, clothes dryers, washing machines, dishwashers, fridges, freezers and more.

Choose appliances with more stars on the energy rating label - the more stars the more efficient the appliance.

You can use the EnergyRating website to find and compare appliances.

Fridges and freezers

Efficient fridges and freezers can save you a lot of money over time. Fridge and freezers can use the most power of any appliance in Australian homes.

Consider these tips before you choose a new fridge or freezer:

• Use the EnergyRating website to compare different fridge and freezer models before you buy a new one.
• Match your fridge's size to your needs. Big fridges usually cost more to run and use more energy.

How to use your fridges and freezers more efficiently:

• Keep your fridge set to between 3 and 4 degrees Celsius and set your freezer to between minus 15 and minus 18 degrees Celsius. Every degree lower requires 5 per cent more energy. Use a special thermometer to check that the internal temperature is set correctly.
• Position your fridge away from direct sunlight and other heat sources like ovens, heaters and dishwashers.
• Keep the fridge door closed as much as possible to keep the cold air in.
• Provide good air circulation around the top, sides and back of your fridge.
• If there is a condenser coil on the back of your fridge, make sure there is good air circulation around it. Restricting ventilation around the back of the fridge can add 15 per cent to the fridge's operating costs.
• Check the door seals with a piece of paper. Insert the paper in different positions around the fridge door. If the paper pulls out easily when the door is closed, you could be losing cold air through gaps. Replace the seals to prevent wasted energy and money.
• Defrost the freezer whenever the ice builds up to half a centimetre thick to keep it working well.
• If you have a second fridge switch it off when it's not needed. Check the maintenance instructions or ask the manufacturer about how fridges should be stored when turned off. If you don't need a second fridge, ask your local council how to dispose of it correctly.

Dishwashers

Using a dishwasher efficiently can save you a lot of water, energy and money.

When choosing a new dishwasher:

• Use the EnergyRating website to compare different dishwasher models.
• Use the WELS water rating website to compare the water efficiency of dishwashers.
• Look for a model with economy cycles.
• Choose a dishwasher size that meets your needs.

How to use your dishwasher more efficiently:

• Wash only when the machine is full.
• Use the cycle with the lowest temperature and the shortest time when you can.
• Check the manual to see if you can open the door to let dishes dry naturally instead of using the drying cycle.
• Clean the filter between washes.

Washing machines

Different models of washing machines can vary greatly in energy use, water use and operating costs.

Think about the following points when buying a new washing machine:

• Use the EnergyRating website to compare different washing models.
• Use the WELS water rating website to compare the water-efficiency of washing machines.
• Buy a front-loader if you can. Front-loaders are usually more water-efficient and energy efficient than top-loaders and use less detergent.
• Choose a size that matches your needs. You might not always need to do large washes, so look for a model that can wash smaller and larger loads.
• Look for a model that has separate hot and cold water connections, or that uses a cold water connection and internal water heater.
• Look for a model with a cold water cycle and wash with cold water whenever possible.
• Look for a model that has an economy cycle, auto load sensing and high spin speed to help prevent unnecessary energy and water use.

Clothes dryers

If you are buying a new clothes dryer:

• Use the the EnergyRating website to compare different clothes dryers.
• See if you can get a gas-fired or heat pump model. They are more expensive to buy and install but cheaper to run.

To dry your clothes more efficiently:

• Dry your clothes on a rack or outdoor clothes line when possible.
• Don't overload the dryer or over-dry your clothes.
• Spin the clothes well before putting them in the dryer.
• Run the dryer on medium, not high.
• Clean the clothes dryer's lint filter after each load and keep the room well ventilated so that the clothes dryer runs more effectively.

Other appliances

Before buying any appliance, think about:

• Do you really need it or are there other, less costly, ways to do the same thing?
• What will it cost to run the appliance?

When you buy, remember:

• Buy the right size appliance for your needs.
• Check the energy efficiency label on the product. The more stars highlighted means the more energy efficient the product is. Highly efficient appliances will cost less to run under the same circumstances.
• Check the water-efficiency if you are buying a washing machine or dishwasher. Look at the number of stars on the sticker - the more stars, the more efficient the product and the more you can save on energy costs and water use.
• Consider alternatives to electric powered appliances such as gas-fired or heat pump clothes dryers.

More information

See these resources for more information on energy efficient appliances:

• Your Home Technical Manual - Appliances
• Energy Rating
• WELS water rating

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