ENERGY SAVINGS

How much
your appliances
are really costing
you.

When on the hunt for a new fridge or TV, what sways your decision? Do you look for what’s affordable? Or splurge on the flashiest model on the market?

In truth, the price tag is just the beginning of the story.

Many consumers often overlook the long-term impact of appliance running costs on their energy bills. In this guide, we'll delve into the true cost of household appliances, considering both upfront expenses and ongoing energy consumption when using the Energy Ratings Calculator.

Picking the most energy-efficient model can guarantee long-term savings. Get ready to make informed decisions that can save you money and discover handy energy saving tips to make your appliance use more efficient.

Fridges
A new medium-sized 381-450L fridge can be an investment, especially if you’re opting for a larger size or one with smart features. So considering how to reduce its running costs is a handy money and energy saving tip.

10-year running costs: a 418L fridge with a 2-star Energy Rating would cost around $912 to run over ten years, while a fridge of the same size with a 5.5-star Energy Rating would cost only $622.

Fridge energy saving tips: for maximum efficiency, fridge compartments should be 3°C, according to the CSIRO. Use a thermometer to maintain this temperature. A faulty seal can lead to energy wastage as the fridge works harder to maintain its temperature, so regularly inspect the door seal for any gaps or damage. Every so often dust off your fridge’s rear coils to prevent it from having to overwork, too.

Washing machines
If you’re in the market for an upgrade or need a replacement, choosing an energy-efficient washing machine can help you save.

10-year running costs: when doing five washes a week, a 1-star Energy Rated washing machine with a 5kg capacity will cost around $1694 over ten years. Meanwhile, a 5-star Energy Rated washing machine with a larger, 7kg capacity will cost significantly less at $466 over ten years.

Washing machine energy saving tips: ensure your washing machine is properly maintained by cleaning the filter and rubber seal to prevent mould growth, which can reduce the efficiency of the machine. Wait until you have a full load of laundry before running the washing machine – if you can, program it to come on late at night or early morning to take advantage of off-peak pricing. Pre-treat yucky stains to avoid running longer wash cycles and use a cold wash or eco-mode as much as possible.

TVs
TVs are getting smarter by the minute and thankfully this also means they’re becoming more energy-efficient overall.

10-year running costs: when viewing for an average of five hours a day, a 43-inch TV with a 2.5-star Energy Rating would cost around $453 over ten years in running costs. In contrast, a 43-inch TV with a 7-star Energy Rating would cost over twice as less at $178 over ten years.

TV energy saving tips: lower the brightness settings on your TV to reduce energy consumption, especially when watching in a dimly lit room. Flip on the power-saving or eco-mode, which automatically adjusts brightness and other settings to save energy. Turn off your TV at the mains rather than leaving it on standby mode. Keep your TV's software up to date, as manufacturers often release updates that improve energy efficiency.

Dishwashers
Washing dishes by hand is no doubt time-consuming, so it’s unsurprising that many Australians opt for a dishwasher. The good news is, they can save you energy too. According to CHOICE, dishwashers are more water-efficient than using a sink to wash dishes.

10-year running costs:based on using once daily, a standard-sized dishwasher with a 2.5-star Energy Rating Label will hit your wallet to the tune of $805 over ten years. However, a more energy-efficient model with a 4.5-star Energy Rating would cost $481.

Dishwasher energy saving tips: don’t bother pre-rinsing dishes under running water. The NSW Government advises to scrape off excess food before loading them into the dishwasher. Be sure to load dishes efficiently to ensure proper water circulation and avoid rerunning the dishwasher due to poor cleaning. Regularly clean the dishwasher's filters to maintain efficiency, prevent clogs, and allow dishes to air-dry instead of using the dishwasher's heated drying feature.


Summary

• A 418L fridge with a 2-star Energy Rating would cost around $912 to run over ten years, while a fridge of the same size with a 5.5-star Energy Rating would cost only $622.
• A 1-star Energy Rated washing machine with a 5kg capacity will cost around $1694 over ten years, while a 5-star Energy Rated washing machine with a larger, 7kg capacity will cost significantly less at $466 over ten years.
• A 43-inch TV with a 2.5-star Energy Rating would cost around $453 over ten years in running costs. In contrast, a 43-inch TV with a 7-star Energy Rating would cost over twice as less at $178 over ten years.
• A 2.5-star Energy Rating Label will hit your wallet to the tune of $805 over ten years. However, a more energy-efficient dishwasher with a 4.5-star Energy Rating would cost $481.

ActewAGL's energy saving tips are designed to help you take control of your energy use, while reducing your bills and environmental impact. Save with great value energy plans backed by our sustainability promise, supported by 100% local, award-winning service - so you can LIVE A Good Life now and into the future.

For more information about how you can transition to an energy-efficient home visit the SolarHub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub today.

Sources

https://www.energyrating.gov.au/
https://www.actewagl.com.au/energy-savings/energy-rating-labels
https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/kitchen/fridges/review-and-compare/fridges
https://www.getprice.com.au/category/washing-machines/capacity/5-7-kg
https://www.getprice.com.au/category/televisions/screen-size/40-50-inch?order=price-desc
https://www.getprice.com.au/category/dishwashers/height/800-900-mm-height/width/500-600-mm-width
https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/guides-and-helpful-advice/being-more-energy-efficient/choosing-energy-efficient/dishwashers
https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/kitchen/dishwashers/articles/dishwasher-vs-washing-by-hand

Disclaimer: These Energy Savings tips and articles are for information purposes only. Please ensure you are aware of any safety precautions before operating appliances or products.