How to Reduce Electricity Bills with Energy-Efficient Appliances
Household appliances account for a significant portion of your electricity bill. In Australian homes, the fridge runs 24/7, the hot water system is a major consumer, and air conditioners can spike your summer bill dramatically. Choosing energy-efficient appliances is one of the most effective long-term ways to reduce running costs. Here's how.
Understand the Energy Star Rating System
Australia uses a mandatory Energy Star Rating label on most major appliances. The more stars, the more efficient the appliance. When comparing two appliances of the same type and size, more stars means lower running costs.
Each extra star typically represents around 10% improvement in energy efficiency. Over 10 years, the difference between a 2-star and a 5-star fridge can be $300–$500 in electricity costs.
Fridges: Buy Efficient and Right-Sized
The fridge runs constantly, so efficiency compounds every day. Key tips:
- Don't buy a bigger fridge than you need — bigger uses more energy
- Choose a model with 4+ energy stars
- Look for inverter compressor models — they vary speed based on cooling demand, using less energy than fixed-speed compressors
- Keep the fridge at 3–4°C and freezer at -18°C — colder than needed wastes energy
Washing Machines: Use Cold Water and High Star Ratings
Heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy used in a hot wash cycle. Switching to cold wash can save $50–$100 per year on its own. Choose:
- Front loaders over top loaders — front loaders use 40–70% less water and energy
- Models with high WELS water efficiency ratings
- Always run full loads
Dishwashers: Run Full Loads and Use Economy Mode
A full dishwasher uses less energy and water per item than hand washing. Tips:
- Use the economy or eco cycle for lightly soiled loads — it uses less water and runs at a lower temperature
- Use the delay start to run overnight on off-peak electricity rates if your tariff supports this
- Always run full loads
Air Conditioners: Buy High Efficiency and Zone Wisely
Air conditioning is one of the biggest summer electricity costs. Tips:
- Choose a reverse cycle split system with a high star rating (5–6 stars)
- Inverter technology adjusts output to maintain temperature, using less energy than non-inverter models
- Set temperature to 24–26°C in summer — each degree lower increases running cost by about 10%
- Use ceiling fans to feel cooler at a higher temperature setting
- Close doors to rooms you're not using
Dryers: Use Sparingly and Buy a Heat Pump Model
Dryers are one of the highest energy consumers of any appliance. Tips:
- Air dry when possible, especially in Sydney's warm climate
- If buying a dryer, choose a heat pump dryer — it uses 50–60% less energy than a vented dryer
- Clean the lint filter after every load — a blocked filter reduces efficiency
How Much Can You Save?
Upgrading an old 2-star fridge to a modern 5-star model can save $80–$120 per year. Switching from a top loader to a front loader washing machine saves on both water and energy. Replacing a 10-year-old reverse cycle unit with a modern high-efficiency model can halve your air conditioning costs.
Over 10 years, these savings add up to thousands of dollars.
Find Energy-Efficient Appliances at Oceania Appliances
We carry energy-efficient models across our entire range. When you visit our showroom, our team can show you the star ratings and estimated annual running costs for each model so you can make an informed comparison.
Visit us at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park — open 7 days, 10am to 8pm. Free delivery across Sydney.