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With Australia as the world’s 24th largest carbon emitter and greenhouse gas emissions expected to keep rising, it’s no surprise that the topic of reducing the environmental impact on our homes is of great concern. The Australian energy market is expected to become increasingly reliant on renewable energy generation.
The average electricity bill in Australia is high, with the average household paying $260 a year in bills. The average Australian household uses 13.5 kilowatts of electricity every day, which equates to $260 a year. The cost of electricity has risen substantially globally in recent years, and Australia has been no exception. And therefore appliances are being designed to run on lower energy usage. Keep a check on the most power-consuming appliances and if possible, make a shift to energy-efficient appliances.
Here are some of the most energy-efficient appliances you can use in Australia.
Light Bulbs:
There are myriad ways to save electricity but lighting is one of the easiest energy efficiency improvements you can make. It’s estimated that it will be one of the largest single energy savings. That’s why many utility companies are offering incentives for homeowners to switch to more energy-efficient light bulbs.
The first thing you can do is change any incandescent or halogen light bulbs in your home to LED lights. If you live in an area where electricity is generated from coal or natural gas, the savings from switching to LED lights can be significant. These LED lights will reduce your energy cost significantly, as much as 25% or more. However, some of the best energy-efficient bulbs are the cheapest! Make sure you purchase the brightest bulbs you can find. Many people think, “I’m saving money on energy, so I should use the dimmest setting I can get away with,” but the opposite is true. You need to use the brightest setting that is acceptable for your situation.
Washers & Dryers:
Newer models of washers and dryers are more energy-efficient than those sold in the early 2000s. If you’re buying new appliances, look for Energy Star-rated washers and dryers. You should know how to read the energy rating label. Some manufacturers have also added new, more efficient settings for high-capacity loads. If you’re buying a new washer, look for an energy-saver setting (which almost all new washers have), and select the shortest cycle that your clothes can handle. If you’re buying a new dryer, look for a high-efficiency sensor dryer. Sensor dryers automatically turn off the heat when they determine clothes are dry. This can save you a lot of money on your electricity bill over time.
What more you can do is buy “all-in-one” models that combine both functions into a single appliance. If you do decide to purchase an all-in-one washer and dryer, make sure you choose a model with the highest energy efficiency rating available.
Refrigerators:
The refrigerator is the second-largest energy consumer in the home, behind only water heaters. Since new refrigerators have come a long way in terms of energy efficiency in recent years, almost all refrigerators sold in 2022 will be highly energy-efficient. And while they’re often replaced with built-in models that are more energy-efficient, it’s also a good idea to replace an old refrigerator with a newer, more energy-efficient model.
There are two main systems used in refrigerators: absorption and circulation. Most refrigerators today use the circulation system. They work by pulling warm air out of the fridge and using a compressor to cool down and re-circulate the air inside the fridge. The circulation system uses a lot of energy, but the newer models are much more efficient than those sold just a few years ago. There are a number of things you can do to save energy, such as ensuring that your refrigerator is properly calibrated, buying the most efficient model available, and keeping your refrigerator clean.
Solar Appliances:
A good solar panel system can cut your annual electricity costs by 50-70%. They can also reduce your carbon emissions, saving you money on your gas bill. The ideal range for a solar panel system is 25 to 30 years which offers the benefit of long shelf life. Solar panel systems that are 15 years old are still providing electricity at a 90% capacity, meaning that you are getting a good deal for your money. Solar water heaters, solar-powered pumps, solar charges, solar garden lights, solar ventilated fans, and solar electricity are some of the solar applications.
The Australian government also offers various solar panel schemes to help reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels. There are schemes for both commercial and domestic customers. If you are looking for some assistance in installing solar panel systems, Jarvis electrical can help you. From selecting the best equipment to installation, we guide you throughout in establishing this energy-efficient setup.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers have evolved a lot over the years, and many new models have features that increase convenience and reduce water usage. Dishwashers are the least energy-efficient appliances in most homes. If you’re buying a new dishwasher, look for an Energy Star-rated model. You can also look for a model that uses as little water as possible. You can find out how much water a particular dishwasher uses by checking its Energy Star label. Models that use less water are more energy-efficient.
Conclusion:
Home appliances are one of the largest energy users in most homes. Newer, more energy-efficient versions of almost every appliance are coming out on a near-daily basis. While some manufacturers have continued to improve efficiency by using more efficient motors and controlling systems to achieve energy efficiency. So make sure to buy energy-efficient appliances next time and do your part for the wellness of the environment and save some bucks as well.
You may also be interested in reading: Gas vs electricity – which is cheaper in Australia?