Smarter use of common household appliances – refrigerators, washing machines and even the toaster – could reduce electricity bills by 2025, says a network of electricians.
The toaster may contribute less to your energy bill, but it’s still worth optimizing, says Chris Madikian, electrical expert at Sydney-based The Local Electrician.
Consumers could also use a toaster with an energy-saving setting and unplug it when not in use to avoid standby power consumption, and large families could prepare multiple slices at once in a high-efficiency toaster.
Refrigerators account for approximately eight percent of a home’s energy bill as they are one of the hardest working appliances in the home and must run 24/7 to keep food safe. , especially during the Christmas season.
Keep your refrigerator in a cool, well-ventilated space, away from heat sources, make sure the seals are airtight, and avoid overloading it to ensure it has adequate air circulation, says Madikian.
Frequent microwave use throughout the day can also contribute to higher energy costs. Although it is an energy efficient option for reheating or steaming vegetables, cooking larger meals in the oven in batches would reduce the bill.
Washing machines can also quickly add up to costs, but energy-saving tips include using full loads instead of half loads.
Australians could save a lot of money by optimizing their home electronics, experts have suggested.
Refrigerators are one of the appliances that consume the most energy and work non-stop.
“By making small adjustments, such as washing clothes in cold water or cleaning vacuum cleaner filters, homeowners can not only reduce their bills but also reduce their environmental impact,” Mr Madikian said.
Choose an energy-efficient vacuum cleaner and, when possible, sweep or mop specific areas to reduce the need to vacuum smaller areas, he added.
Banks and other lenders have access to taxpayer-funded financing to upgrade homes with battery-ready rooftop solar or loans for more efficient appliances and other improvements to keep homes warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Australians have embraced solar energy and panels and batteries are becoming common
Despite the nation leading the world in the adoption of rooftop solar, a recent report from the Australian Energy Regulator found that many consumers are missing out on the transition to cleaner energy sources.
But a new rule from the Australian Energy Market Commission means home and car batteries will have a better chance of competing with large-scale generators as “virtual power plants”.
“This reform is like giving the electrical system a pair of glasses: suddenly it can see and respond to the actions of retailers and customers who were previously invisible,” said commission chair Anna Collyer.
It creates a new “dispatch mode” that allows energy retailers to go beyond the meter and bid these smaller resources into the wholesale electricity market.
This includes virtual power plants that combine home batteries, community batteries, backup generators and commercial or industrial operators that manage their consumption.
Energy customers are also paying ‘loyalty penalties’ and may be able to get better deals by switching to a different plan, according to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s latest report from its ongoing inquiry into pricing, profits and margins.
“We will continue to encourage consumers to shop around for the best deals while making sure retailers know they need to do the right thing,” Energy Minister Chris Bowen said.
For those who can afford a new car, vehicle efficiency standards start on January 1 and aim to put more low- or zero-emission cars on the roads and help save money on the Bowser.
They are designed to encourage automakers to bring more options to yards to balance sales of highly polluting vehicles with electric and hybrid models.