Expert Tips on Energy Efficient Appliances

Fuel prices are constantly changing in the market, fluctuating electric rates in effect. In a world full of economic uncertainties, Sydneysiders embrace efficient appliances for electricity. This way, you can trim the increasing digits in your energy bill without affecting your lifestyle. 

In 2009, some Australian governments focused on energy efficiency initiatives where energy retailers help households reduce their energy consumption. On the continuing effort, different companies are innovating for more energy-efficient appliances. These appliances are part of the movement to reduce energy use and greenhouse gases emission.

Moreover, using energy-efficient appliances equate to lesser energy usage. Some of these appliances have energy star labels as guides indicating more stars are extra energy efficiency. But the efficacy of these materials depends on how you use them. 

That said, here are the expert tips on using your household appliances for an optimal energy-efficient role:

Active Home Heating and Cooling

The effort to heat and cool your household contributes 45 per cent in your bill. On that, a programmable thermostat is a smart move to reduce your billings by 10 per cent. It is set to tailor the heating and cooling in the specific hours of the day. 

What’s the best part is you can control it using smartphones to keep you on track. You can turn it off in an instant click when you’re not at home. It can even memorize the daily routine you’re dialling after a week then automate the trend you’ve set.

But an efficient thermostat isn’t practical when dust builds up, reducing airflow. Consider cleaning your air conditioner regularly or having professional clean-up annually. Also, always keep in mind the recommended home temperature is 24°C -27°C for heating while 18°C-21°C for cooling. 

Smart Lighting

The inefficiency of incandescent bulb results in banning it while replaced with LED lights. LED bulbs can last 50 times longer than typical incandescent bulbs, 8-10 times longer than CFL bulbs and 20-25 times longer than halogen bulbs. A single 50,000-hour bulb of such type used in a half-day basis can last for approximately 11 years.

Buying energy-saving lights can generate huge savings as it reduces 80 per cent of lighting bills. You don’t need to stumble yourself from a dark room to save energy. Cleaning your lamps and turning it off when not in use are enough to make a big difference. 

TV Upgrades

It’s not trivial that a larger TV guzzles more energy. But you don’t need to invest in smaller models to deprive you of the entertainment you want. Opting for an LED or LCD TV uses 25 to 50 per cent less electricity than plasmas and old TV types, thus cutting the bill into halve.

Efficient Washers and Dryers

You should select an efficient washing machine that has a 3.5 energy rating. Also, opt for a front loader as it uses half the energy that a top loader consumes. When washing, try using the cold water cycle to reduce running costs up to 80 per cent while it does an equally good job as hot water. 

Moreover, a dryer should have at least two stars. An energy-efficient dryer can cut 15 per cent of the running cost in washing. But it’s no brainer that there’s a better option than a dryer: using your clotheslines to hang and dry your clothes.

Refrigerator

Having a decade-old refrigerator can skyrocket your bills. Undoubtedly, it needs replacement with the newer energy-efficient models having a 4-star rating. Only buy the right size that you only need.

Keep your refrigeration in optimal temperature by setting 3°C-5 °C for the fridge and -18°C in the freezer for efficient use of energy. Regular cleaning of the coil is necessary to remove dust that might cause heat build-up. Also, check if there are no gaps in the seals of your fridge to conserve energy.

Dishwasher

Upgrading your dishwasher into a heat-pump type can reduce your running cost for around 30 per cent. An energy-efficient dishwasher also has key features that you need to see before buying like half-load settings and economy options. With the fact that a dishwasher cleans dishes but not itself, it’s also crucial to clean the filters regularly for optimal operation.

Cooktops and Ovens

Induction-models are most advisable when it comes to power-efficient cooktops and ovens. You can turn it off before the food cooks as the panel has enough residual heat to finish the process. With this ability, using the appliance can save a considerable amount of money from your reduced energy bills.

In a Nutshell

The ultimate goal of using energy-efficient appliances is to slash your energy bills further. But these are only efficient when you maintain and use it carefully, thus boosting its optimal function. Whether it has an energy star rating or not, the efficiency in using energy can also depend on your habits in using home appliances.

Sydney East Suburb Electrician can help you install and inspect your wiring system to connect the energy-efficient appliances in your home securely. We also offer smart metering and LED lights installation to help you save energy on the next level. Our team has more than a decade of experience, making sure you’re provided with top-notch electrical services.

Call us at (02) 8378 2827 as our expert electricians help you achieve an energy-efficient home.