Cutting energy costs with appliances: Discover smart spending and savings to lower utility bills
Living Savvy: Slash Your Energy Bills with These Tips
In today's economically challenging climate, many households are searching for ways to minimize expenses, particularly utility bills. When it comes to energy consumption, certain appliances in your home have considerable potential for reduced energy consumption. Check out these home appliances that can help you save a fortune!
Game-Changing Home Appliances for Energy Efficiency
Clothes Dryers and Washing Machines
While big-ticket investments like washing machines and dryers may initially seem like enormous energy (and money) drains, recent advancements in technology have considerably improved their energy efficiency.
When buying a dryer, prioritize investing in a top-tier, energy-efficient heat pump model. Although the upfront cost may initially appear daunting, its long-term operating costs can make up for it. Even small households stand to benefit significantly from an energy-efficient dryer, not just from energy savings but also by reducing the risk of water damage and mould in poorly ventilated rooms.
Washing machines also rank high among water and energy use culprits in a home, with top loaders being less efficient compared to front loaders. Fortunately, modern washing machines are designed with water and energy efficiency as key priorities. Spending a bit more for a high-quality model means future savings on both your water and energy bills. This handy tool can help you evaluate the water efficiency of washing machines when you're in the market for an upgrade.
Modern washing machines are designed with water and energy efficiency in mind. Image: Getty
LED Downlights
Though old-fashioned incandescent lights are long extinct in Australia, there remains a huge difference in energy consumption between halogen or fluorescent lights and LED downlights. The average LED light can last up to 40 times longer than an equivalent halogen light, translating to both energy and cost savings.
Dishwashers
Although dishwasher energy consumption isn't particularly varied, an energy-efficient dishwasher will save you big on your water bill. Choose a dishwasher that matches your household's needs—one that is not only energy efficient but also water-efficient.
Pro tip: Save even more on your water bill by ensuring your dishwasher is full before running a cycle. Since the water consumption remains the same regardless of the number of dishes, filling up your dishwasher guarantees the most savings.
TV
Not many might suspect, but your TV can consume more energy than your fridge or freezer. To cut down on power consumption while still enjoying excellent picture quality, keep an eye out for energy star ratings when shopping for a new TV. The higher the rating, the more energy-efficient your TV will be.
Additionally, consider the screen type when selecting a TV, since this can impact your household energy bills. Organic light-emitting diode (OLED), light-emitting diode (LED), and liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs generally consume less energy than plasma TVs.
Air Fryer
While an air fryer might seem out of the ordinary, this small convection oven can save you big bucks on energy costs. Ideal for reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals, air fryers require no preheating, making them a valuable addition to any energy-conscious kitchen. Plus, air fryers consume less energy overall than traditional convection ovens since you're cooking a smaller space rather than an entire oven.
Despite their energy efficiency, however, don't swap out your oven just yet. Air fryers are more compact, making them less suitable for tasks that require more space, such as roasting whole chickens or baking for large families.
Dehumidifier
If you live in a damp or flood-prone area, investing in a dehumidifier can help prevent mould growth and save your wallet from potential flooding costs. Dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air by drawing it in, filtering and cooling it, condensing the moisture, reheating the air, and finally releasing warm and dry air.
Investing in a high-quality dehumidifier yields greater benefits, as it offers larger tank capacities and enhanced efficiency over cheaper models with fewer features. However, consider the size of the space you need a dehumidifier for before making your purchase, as a large, bulky dehumidifier consumes substantially more energy compared to a smaller model, which may suffice for your needs.
The fridge could be an appliance where you might be able to save some money. Image: Getty.
Budget-Friendly Home Appliances
Fridge and Freezer
In terms of energy efficiency, fridges and freezers are fairly standard across various makes and models. As long as you buy a fridge that suits your household's needs, you can enjoy the luxury of a larger fridge with additional bells and whistles without incurring substantial energy costs in the long run.
Oven
When it comes to size, features, and build quality, ovens can considerably vary. But when considering energy-saving options, any modern electric oven will suffice for budget-conscious households.
Toasters and Electric Kettles
Like fridges, your toaster, kettle, and even coffee machine don't have to break the bank to save energy. If you're seeking a special aesthetic or additional functions, such as a preview window or custom temperature settings, go for it. However, if all you require is a toaster that toasts and a kettle that boils water, recent models will meet your energy-saving needs.
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Total Appliance SavingsSeveral home appliances present significant opportunities for energy savings, especially through the utilization of energy-efficient models. The following appliances exhibit the greatest potential for reducing energy consumption in most homes:
Top Appliances for Energy Efficiency Savings
1. Water Heaters- Potential Savings: Traditional water heaters consume a substantial amount of energy. Switching to an energy-efficient heat pump water heater can reduce energy consumption by a significant margin.- Why: Heat pump water heaters utilize less electricity than conventional models by transferring heat instead of generating it.
2. Heating and Cooling Systems- Potential Savings: Energy-efficient smart air conditioners and smart thermostats can reduce energy use by adapting to occupancy levels, weather conditions, and user habits, resulting in 10–23% savings on heating and cooling costs[1][4].- Why: These systems conserve energy by minimizing unnecessary operation and operating only when necessary.
3. Refrigerators- Potential Savings: ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators can save 10–50% in energy consumption compared to less efficient options[2][4].- Why: Even marginal enhancements in insulation and compressor efficiency lead to substantial long-term savings.
4. Clothes Washers and Dryers- Potential Savings: Upgrading to high-efficiency washing machines and dryers, such as front loaders and heat pump dryers, can result in thousands of gallons of water and considerable energy savings annually[4][5].- Why: These appliances are significant energy users, especially when operated frequently or at higher temperatures. Opting for lower temperature cycles and air drying whenever possible maximizes savings[5].
5. Cooking Appliances- Potential Savings: Induction ranges and cooktops are more energy-efficient than traditional electric or gas stoves.- Why: Induction cooking transmits heat directly to cookware, boasting up to 80–90% efficiency.
6. Dishwashers- Potential Savings: ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers consume less water and energy than hand washing and standard options—often just 1–3 gallons per load compared to 10–15 for hand washing[4][5].- Why: Efficient dishwashers optimize water and energy use, especially for households that run multiple loads per week.
Additional Energy-Saving Opportunities
- LED Lighting: LED bulbs consume up to 75% less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs and can be integrated throughout the home for noteworthy savings[2].
- Ceiling Fans with DC Motors: DC motor-powered ceiling fans consume significantly less electricity compared to traditional fans, helping to reduce reliance on air conditioning[1].
Summary Table
| Appliance/Category | Top Energy-Saving Upgrade/Feature | Potential Savings/Notes ||-------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Water Heaters | Heat pump models | Significant reduction in electricity use || HVAC Systems | Smart air conditioners, smart thermostats | 10–23% savings on heating/cooling || Refrigerators | ENERGY STAR certification | 10–50% savings in energy use || Washers/Dryers | High-efficiency, low-temperature cycles | Substantial water and energy savings || Cooking (Stoves/Ovens) | Induction ranges/cooktops | 80–90% energy efficiency (vs. 55–65%) || Dishwashers | ENERGY STAR models | Lower water and energy use compared to hand washing || Lighting | LED bulbs | 75% lower energy consumption for homes || Ceiling Fans | DC motors | Reduced electricity consumption |
Updating these appliances and adopting energy-efficient habits can yield substantial energy and cost savings in most homes.
- Incorporating energy-efficient appliances in home-and-garden renovations can significantly improve a lifestyle focused on minimizing expenses.
- The home-and-garden sectors offer numerous energy-saving appliances: from energy-efficient clothes dryers, washing machines, and LED downlights to water- and energy-efficient dishwashers and modern TVs with energy star ratings.
