Reducing Brisbane Home Energy Costs This Summer
Are you looking to save energy costs in your Brisbane home? Many of us try to be conscious of our energy usage, but did you know which appliances are the biggest culprits when it comes to wasted energy?
We’re going over the top 6 home appliances that consume the most energy in Brisbane homes. From washing machines and dryers to refrigerators and air conditioners, learn what items drain your wallet so that you can make wise decisions about how much water and electricity is being used each month.
Brisbane home appliance energy guzzlers
Brisbane’s temperatures are generally warmer than its southern counterparts. Heating is not a major requirement unlike in the colder states of Victoria and Tasmania.
Thankfully Queenslanders can save around 31.7% of their energy by not having to heat their homes, although a reverse cycle air conditioner can come in handy during some nights in winter.
Water heaters
using 13.6% of your energy bill, water heaters demand a lot of energy and are high on the list of energy-sapping appliances.
That’s why it’s best to choose an efficient model like a tankless water heater that heats water as needed, instead of consistently using energy to keep hot water in a storage tank.
If you’re looking for maximum efficiency, you can opt for a solar water heating system.
Cooling appliances
Air conditioners and refrigerators are big culprits for draining energy accounting for 10.7% of your bill.
Opt for high-efficiency models with the best energy ratings, or consider installing a programmable thermostat that can be set to automatically turn off when no one is home.
Another option is to invest in ceiling fans and window treatments to reduce the need for air conditioning.
Clothes washers and dryers
The best way to save on energy costs with these appliances is to use them only as needed, instead of running them all day long when no one’s home.
They can account for up to 3.2% of your energy bill which can be reduced by relying more on the Queensland sunshine rather than a dryer.
It’s also best to use cold water when washing clothes.
Dishwashers
When purchasing a dishwasher, look for an energy-efficient model with the best energy star rating.
You can also save on energy costs by using only full loads of dishes and setting it to run during off-peak hours
Refrigerators and freezers
Refrigerators are one of the largest consumers of electricity in our homes.
They use around 4% of our total energy bill.
Look for energy-efficient models with the best energy star rating, and be sure to keep them clean and well-maintained.
You can also save on energy costs by avoiding placing hot items in your refrigerator or freezer, as this will force the appliance to work harder to cool down.
If yours is more than 10 years old, consider upgrading it with an energy-efficient model that uses less electricity and has better temperature control.
Lighting
Lighting accounts for approximately 2.8 – 4% of our total energy bill.
Replace your traditional incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs to reduce the amount of electricity being used in your home.
You can also use natural light instead of artificial lights during the day, and install dimmer switches so you can adjust the brightness in each room.
6 best ways to reduce your energy bill that won’t cost a thing
1. Unplug all your appliances when not in use – even electronics which are on standby can use a lot of energy.
2. Don’t leave the lights on unnecessarily – turn them off when you leave a room to save on electricity costs.
3. Turn down your water heater temperature – this will help reduce your energy bill without sacrificing hot water.
4. Dry your clothes outside – the best way to reduce the cost of drying clothes is to take advantage of our Brisbane sunshine.
5. Invest in energy-efficient appliances – they may cost more than standard models, but they’ll save you in the long run.
6. Compare energy suppliers – shop around to find the best energy provider for your needs.
Best energy-efficient appliances to buy (Canstar Blue )
Best energy-efficient fridges
- Hisense 483L Pure Flat Bottom Mount Refrigerator (HRBM483B – 6star energy rating
- Liebherr 350L Bottom Mount Fridge (CNEF4315LH) – 5.5-star energy rating
Best energy-efficient dishwashers
- V-ZUG AdoraDish V6000 Fully Integrated Dishwasher with Heat Pump 4112100007 – 6-star energy efficiency
- Miele Freestanding Stainless Steel Dishwasher (G7104SCCLST) – 5-star energy efficiency
Best energy-efficient washing machines
- V-ZUG AdoraWash V6000 8kg Front Load Washing Machine (1102510010) – 5-star energy efficiency
- Electrolux 10kg Front Load Washing Machine with SensorWash (EWF1042R7WB) – 5-star energy efficiency
Best energy -efficient clothes dryers
- LG 8kg Heat Pump Dryer with Inverter Control (DVH5-08W) – 9 stars energy efficiency
- ASKO 10kg Heat Pump Dryer (T410HD.W) – 9-star energy efficiency
Best energy -efficient air conditioners
- Kelvinator 2.5kW Split System Reverse Cycle Inverter Air Conditioner (KSD25HWJ) – 5 stare energy efficiency
- Fujitsu 6kW Reverse Cycle Split System Inverter Air Conditioner (ASTG22KMTC) – 5-star energy efficiency
Conclusion
With energy bills on the rise, we need to be more diligent about when and how we use appliances in our homes.
We’ve identified 6 of the biggest energy guzzlers in Brisbane homes including cooling, refrigeration, washing, dishwashers, clothes dryers and lighting to keep an eye on.
There are several free ways to reduce your bills focused on when and how you use your appliances. Adopt them and you’ll save this summer
By purchasing energy-efficient appliances we’ll save in the long run. Now that makes a great investment
Looking for an energy-efficient home? Chat with one of our consultants at Hutton & Hutton
