How to Run Your Appliances More Efficiently

by Carlisle Homes

Temperatures are rising – and so are energy prices. Here’s how to run your appliances efficiently and take the sting out of power bills!

Energy prices are on the rise (again), so now’s the time to look for ways to run your home more efficiently. At Carlisle, our homes are designed to help you save money on water and electricity while being kind to the environment.

All our homes are six-star energy rated for overall thermal performance and come with a solar hot water system or rainwater tank, at no extra cost. They also boast a range of great green features, such as AAA-rated, water-efficient shower heads, five-star, gas-boosted solar hot water systems, draft-resistant exhaust fans and Enviroseal entry door frames, to help keep running costs down.

But you can reduce costs further by operating your major appliances wisely – here’s how:

Fridges

As fridges and freezers need to be plugged in and running 24/7, they are the most energy-hungry appliances in your kitchen and account for around eight per cent of an average home's energy use, according to Choice. But you can bring costs down by:

• Setting the right temperature: Running your fridge at 3–4°C and your freezer at -18°C will boost energy efficiency without compromising on food safety.
• Upgrade to a new fridge with more stars: Today’s models are far more efficient than those of 10-plus years ago, and you’ll quickly see the savings rack up.
• Choose the size you need: The bigger the fridge, the more electricity it consumes.
• Keep it shut: Every time the door is opened, cold air escapes.
• Pull out the vacuum: Dust the coils at the back of your fridge regularly.
• Ensure it’s full: The less air inside your fridge to cool, the less power consumed.
• Make sure the seals work: Check this by placing a sheet of paper between the door and the fridge, closing the door, and pulling the paper. If the paper slips out easily, it’s time to replace the seals.
• Rethink that second fridge in the garage: If you don’t want to let go of it, turn it off when it’s not in use and only switch it on when it’s needed.

Top tip: Leaving appliances such as TVs and laptops on standby rather than switching them off at the plug can be a surprising money waster. Get into the habit of switching all your small- and medium-size appliances off at the wall at night

Washing Machines and Dryers

• Choose a washer and dryer with more stars: While a higher star-rated model will generally cost more, each extra star will save you money on running costs – up to 25% on washing machines.
• Wash at a lower temperature: Washing your clothes in cold water uses less energy than hot water, and it’s gentler on the fibres.
• Opt for a heat-pump dryer:Heat-pump machines have an average six- to eight-star energy rating (some as high as 10 stars), compared with around 1.5 to two stars for a traditional vented dryer. 
• Ditch the dryer on hot days: Drying clothes on the line is kinder on your clothes and costs nothing.
• Clean the dryer’s lint filter: … every time. This allows heated air to pass through the filter, so your dryer doesn’t have to work so hard, which saves you money.
• Run full loads: Washing machines and dryers run more efficiently when they are filled up correctly.

Dishwashers

• Upgrade to a heat-pump dishwasher: These clean your dishes using steam technology and have impressive water and energy ratings. 
• Run full loads: At the same time, avoid over-filling the machine, which can lead to dishes coming out dirty, resulting in more cleaning (and more time, water, and energy wastage).
• Use the eco features: Some dishwashers come with settings such as ‘eco-load’ or ‘half-load’ that run more efficiently.
• Choose quality dishwasher detergent: Chances are your dishes will come out cleaner, reducing the need for a re-wash.

Cooling

• Plan the right-sized air con: At Carlisle, we design the correct sized units that will need to sufficiently cool your new home. But it is always a good idea to check with us how you are planning to live and work in your new home to ensure your needs are met.
• Check the star rating: The more stars, the cheaper the machine will cost to run so be sure to talk to us about your preference for prioritising the best star rated systems.
• Don’t overcool: Setting the air con temperature between 23 and 26 degrees is comfortable without being energy wasteful.
• Only cool the rooms you’re in: Turn your air conditioner on early before the worst of the heat, and keep doors closed.
• Regularly clean filters: Your air con won’t have to work so hard, which can reduce energy usage between five and 15 per cent, according to The Good Guys.
• Have it serviced annually: According to The Good Guys, this can save up to 30 per cent on running costs.
• Shade your windows: This can reduce heat gain inside your home by up to a third.
• Install a ceiling fan: Some cost as little as one per cent an hour to run and the perceived cooling effect can be as much as 6 degrees, and
• Insulate: Insulation can keep your house seven degrees cooler in summer and reduce energy costs by up to a third, according to Ausgrid.

Learn more tips and tricks on how to run your appliances more efficiently and reduce your power bills in our latest Home Files blogs below: 

Bright Idea: Slash Your Power Bills by Building With Solar

Five Ways to Save on Energy Bills