How to Reduce Your Energy Bills with Smarter Appliance Use

Sydney electricity prices are some of the highest in the world. Major household appliances — fridges, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers — account for roughly 30–40% of a typical home's energy bill. Using them smarter can save $200–$600 per year without buying new products.

The Fridge

Your fridge is on 24/7, making it one of the biggest continuous energy consumers in your home.

• Keep the door seals clean and intact. Worn or dirty seals let cold air escape and warm air in, forcing the compressor to work harder. Clean them with a damp cloth regularly, and replace them if they're cracked or no longer seal properly.
• Set the temperature correctly. Fridge at 3–5°C, freezer at -18°C. Many people set fridges too cold, wasting energy.
• Don't put hot food directly in the fridge. Let it cool to room temperature first. Hot food forces the fridge to work much harder.
• Keep the fridge at least 2/3 full. A full fridge retains cold better than an empty one.
• Vacuum the condenser coils annually. Located at the back or underneath, dusty coils reduce efficiency. Clean them once a year.

The Washing Machine

• Wash in cold water. Up to 90% of a washing machine's energy goes into heating water. Cold-water detergents work very well for most loads. Use warm or hot only for heavily soiled items or hygiene washes.
• Always wash full loads. A half-load uses almost as much water and energy as a full load. Wait until you have a full load before running the machine.
• Use the shortest effective cycle. Daily light loads don't need a 2.5-hour heavy wash cycle. Use the quick wash or daily care program.
• Run at off-peak times. If you're on a time-of-use electricity plan, running the machine overnight or early morning can reduce your electricity cost by 30–50% per cycle.

The Dishwasher

• Only run full loads. Same as the washing machine — a dishwasher uses roughly the same energy and water whether it's full or half-empty.
• Use eco mode. Modern dishwashers' eco cycles use less energy and less water, taking longer but saving significantly. If you're not in a hurry, use eco.
• Turn off the heated drying function. Instead, open the door after the wash cycle and let dishes air dry. This alone can save $30–60 per year.
• Keep the filter clean. A clogged filter makes the dishwasher run longer cycles. Clean it monthly.

The Clothes Dryer

Dryers are among the most energy-intensive appliances in the home. Use them only when necessary and always at full capacity.

• Use the moisture sensor setting, not a timed dry. The sensor stops the cycle when clothes are dry — no more over-drying.
• Clean the lint filter every load. A blocked filter reduces airflow and dramatically increases energy use and drying time.
• Spin clothes at high speed before drying. The more water the washing machine removes, the less the dryer has to do. Use the highest spin speed that's safe for the fabric.
• Dry loads back to back. The dryer retains heat between loads. Running two loads back-to-back uses less energy than two separate sessions.

The Oven

• Use the fan-forced setting rather than conventional, where possible. Fan-forced cooking uses about 20% less energy and reduces cooking time.
• Don't preheat longer than necessary. Most ovens reach temperature in 10–15 minutes. Preheating for 30 minutes is unnecessary and wasteful.
• Use residual heat. Turn the oven off 10 minutes before the end of cooking time. The residual heat finishes the job.

Upgrading for Bigger Savings

If your appliances are more than 10 years old, upgrading to a new 4–5 star energy-rated model can save significantly more than behaviour changes alone.

• An old 2-star fridge vs a new 5-star model: potential saving of $100–$150/year
• A vented dryer vs a heat pump dryer: 60–75% less energy per load
• A non-inverter washing machine vs an inverter model: 30–40% energy saving

At Oceania Appliances in Wetherill Park, we can help you identify where upgrading delivers the best return on investment. Visit us any day, 10 am to 8 pm, at 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park. Free delivery across Sydney.