Using energy-efficient products in your home will help you reduce your energy bills. It isn’t challenging to identify these, providing you know how the Energy Rating Labelling Scheme works.

It would help if you considered that the appliances in your home could be responsible for as much as 30% of the energy used in your home. Undoubtedly, most people rely on these appliances, so you should always choose energy-efficient ones. And it isn’t just buying the “right” appliance. Correct installation and how you use it can also have a marked impact on energy consumption.

Energy Rating Labels

First introduced in Victoria and New South Wales in 1986, the energy rating label is now mandatory throughout Australia and New Zealand for new appliances, including refrigerators and freezers, washing machines and tumbles driers, dishwashers, single-phase air-conditioning units and televisions. The label is optional for pool pumps and three-phase air conditioners.

A star rating from one to ten is displayed on the label so that consumers can compare each domestic appliance’s energy efficiency. The rating is determined by the appliance’s size and its consumption of energy, as defined by strict Australian Standards. Apart from providing consumers with invaluable data to make an educated choice, the idea is that this will also be an incentive for appliance manufacturers to upgrade and improve their products and make them more energy-efficient.

Energy Star Rating Explained Australia

It should be evident that the more stars an appliance has, the more energy-efficient it will be. However, there are other factors that you may need to take into account, including comparative price. If you aren’t sure, you can always speak to a professional plumber about the most suitable options for your home.

In addition to the star rating, the energy-rating label also provides information about energy consumption – usually displayed as kilowatt-hours or years. This is based on energy consumption (as tested according to Australian Standards) and the typical use of appliances in our homes. Your personal needs will also play a role in choosing your new appliance that provides home energy efficiency.

How To Use And Maintain Energy-Efficient Appliances

There are several ways to reduce energy costs once you’ve purchased your new energy-efficient appliances. For instance:

Never have a refrigerator next to a stove because the heat will force the fridge to work harder to stay cold.
Many space heaters require 1,500 watts of energy to run and can cause a spike in the cost of your energy bill. If you choose to use a space heater, look for one that uses fewer watts, only use the heater when you’re in the room and wear layers to help you stay warm even if the room is a bit on the chilly side.
If you leave an appliance in standby mode, it will waste energy.
Washing your clothes and linen in cold water can save as much as ten times the energy you would use if you washed them in warm water – and your items will be just as clean.

Of course, it is also essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the machine remains in good working order and lasts longer.

Energy Saving Tips Climate Council

Saving Energy In Your Home

There are many ways you can save energy (and save money) around your home. Remember to research and check the appliances’ labels before purchasing to have an energy-efficient home.

If you need any assistance with energy-efficient appliances in Melbourne, contact Precision Electrical and Plumbing today.