Selecting the right appliances

Heating & Cooling Appliances

When considering the purchase air conditioning:

No two homes are exactly alike, so seek customised advice from an expert.
Look at the Energy Rating label and compare efficiencies of similar models. Most new domestic air conditioning units must meet minimum energy performance standards, and their performance will be marked on energy rating labels
Make sure you choose the right size unit for your home or it will cost more than it needs to. First make notes about your home, including:
- a floor plan
- the material your house is built from (e.g. brick, timber etc)
- the direction rooms face
- the size and position of windows
- the size, shape and position of doorways.
An average living area (measuring 25 m2) would require an air conditioner with a cooling and heating capacity around 3.3kW to 4kW. Generally you can allow about 130 and 170 watts per m2 of floor area, depending on the orientation and insulation of the area. Bedrooms that are only used at night need lower cooling capacity.
Check the sound power level and consider the impact on your neighbours, especially if you live in an area with noise regulations. You can limit the noise impact by putting your air conditioner as far as possible from neighbours and sensitive areas, such as bedroom windows, putting up a solid fence, or getting a model with a quieter “night mode”
Make sure your property has enough power for the unit, as some need more than single phase connection
Check installation cost, warranty and any special conditions as installation is rarely included in the price
Find out your manufacturer's authorised service agent and length of time parts for your particular model will be made available.

What to consider when buying a fan:

If you're buying a fan, think about:

whether the unit oscillates or has fixed directional flow
location, because you'll only get air flow in front of or beneath the fan
multi-speed controllers, special switches for more variation, timers and remote control units (remember that remote controlled units will consume standby power if you don't switch them off at the wall)
the size and capacity you need
allowing more than 30cm depth between fan blades and the ceiling for maximum efficiency with ceiling fans
the type of fan that best suits your needs.

What to consider when buying heating:

Decide your most important criteria – energy efficiency, size, portability, convenience, and price of the unit, installation or running costs
Choose the heating that suits your needs, your home and your climate
Consider what you want to heat – is it your entire home (central/ducted heating), a zone in your home (space heating) or just your immediate area (personal heating)?
Look for safety features – over-temperature safety thermostats and tilt sensors/switches turn off the energy supply when activated, helping to prevent fires
Choose electric, natural gas or LP Gas. Electricity is easy and convenient to use anywhere; gas is convenient, energy efficient and lower in greenhouse gas emissions, but only LP Gas is available everywhere
Check installation costs, warranty and any special conditions as installation is rarely included in the price
Find out your manufacturer's authorised service agent and length of time parts will be made available.

On all gas heaters look for:

flame failure devices, that automatically turn the gas supply off if the flame is extinguished
oxygen depletion sensing systems, that turn the gas supply off if the oxygen in the room falls below a set level, and only let you turn the gas back on after the room has been ventilated.

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Hot Water Systems

Energy use for hot water is highest in winter, as thermostats work harder to heat water to set temperatures. Hot water is estimated to use between 25- 50% of annual household energy, depending on where you live in Australia.

Here are some ways to use less energy:

Change to an AAA rated shower rose, and save about 25% of hot water energy.
The less hot water you use showering or bathing, the less you need to heat. A short (four minute) shower is a good shower and a good bath is one you have only occasionally
Remember to turn your hot water unit off if you're going away for an extended period to save wasting energy maintaining set thermostat temperatures

Stop your money going down the drain. Choose a quality hot water system that's right for you and will save on your energy bills.

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Refrigeration

This is the biggest energy user in most kitchens, especially as many people now have 2 fridges and a freezer. Here's some food for thought to keep your energy bills down:

Minimise the time your fridge and freeze door is open by thinking about what you want before you open the door, and memorising where things are kept
Adjust control thermostats to maintain the temperature in the fridge between 2°C and 5°C, and in the freezer, between -11°C and -23°C
Check the internal temperature of your unit is correct by placing a thermometer in the refrigerator section for 5 -10 minutes
Listen to your fridge. Manufacturers advise that refrigeration compressor units should only cycle on 30% of the day, so if you have a continually running unit it's time for a health check
Make sure you replace loose or broken seals. Check seals by placing a piece of paper between the door and the seal and then pulling on the paper. If it moves too easily, you need a new seal
Place food slightly apart on refrigerator shelves for correct air circulation, and remove all heavy wrapping paper before storing foods in the refrigerator
Fridges and freezers operate at peak efficiency when full, so choose one that's the right size for your needs
Defrost chest-type freezers at least 1-2 a year and upright models 2- 3 times a year, and never allow frost build-up to exceed 6mm. Ice can act as insulation, making your freezer work harder than necessary
Turn off, empty and clean the refrigerator and leave the door open when you are away for an extended period
Check the age of your fridge. Refrigeration energy efficiency standards have improved the performance of units by 40% for units manufactured between 1993 and 2006

When buying a new fridge or freezer, the simplest way to see which model is the most energy efficient - and cheapest to run - is to look for the Energy Rating labels. Remember that your fridge and freezer are among your home's most essential appliances. You rely on them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year after year. Take the time to think about what you need, and consider budgeting a little more to get a model that will best suit you and your family now and for the next few years.

What to consider when buying a fridge:

Look for the Energy Rating label as you can compare which products are more energy efficient to run
Well designed frost free refrigerators can use less energy than cyclic defrost models of the same size, and are also easier to maintain
Choose a combination fridge/freezer if you shop at least once a week and don't have a separate freezer
In a combination unit you can choose to have the freezer above or below the fridge section
The total storage area is less important than how usable the space is, and how it meets your needs
Extra purchase cost often means greater convenience and more useful features
Warranty conditions and any special incentives included in the price
The availability of service and length of time parts will be made available.

When you think about energy use for fridges, remember:

Energy Rating labels are given in seven different categories, depending on the fridge's configuration
Average energy costs vary about 20% between similar models when tested
The most popular fridge/freezer combination models rate between 3.5 and 4.5 stars
The best performers generally use the same energy and running costs but have 20-38% more capacity than poorer performers.

Think about the features you need:

Meat keeper – longer storage (up to seven days) for fresh meat
Butter conditioner – keeps butter at spreadable temperature
Vegetable crisper – keeps vegetables and fruit 'garden fresh'
Egg storage basket – for convenience
Adjustable shelves – in the cabinet and on the door, offering flexibility
Shelving – plastic coated wire or crystal glass
Bottle storage –for larger size bottles and tall wine bottles
Automatic ice maker – makes, stores and replenishes ice cubes, giving a continuous supply for instant use (require plumbing, and you might need to install a separate tap and external water filter)
Castors – make refrigerators mobile for easy cleaning
Doors – you can choose left or right hand opening, and some models offer decorative panels.

What to consider when buying a freezer:

Look for the Energy Rating label to compare which products are more energy efficient to run
Size - you can generally store 11–13 kg of frozen food per 28 litres of freezer space, depending on shape and contents
The type of freezer and its features (see more information below)
Warranty conditions and any special incentives included in the price
The availability of service and length of time parts will be made available. The best freezer performers generally use the same energy and running costs but have 20-38% more capacity than poorer performers.

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Oven & Cook Tops

Smart use of these appliances is all that's needed to save energy:

Thaw frozen foods before cooking to save approximately 15 minutes cooking time per 500 grams
Place pans or containers so they don't touch each other or the sides of the oven
Try to keep the oven door completely closed until food is cooked. Every time the door is opened, the oven temperature drops by 14° - 20°C
Use only enough water to create steam when cooking vegetables
Be sure pots and pans completely cover hotplates
It's best to cook with lids on pots and pans. You'll achieve better cooking results, including less evaporation, as well as reducing steam and cooking smells in the kitchen
There's a reason our mums used pressure cookers! Not only is food tender and delicious, a pressure cooker uses about 25% less energy
Clean gas burners regularly to remove food spill caught in the small holes in the burner rings. This ensures a constant and even gas distribution and flame size for more efficient cooking.

What to consider when buying an oven:

How well it will cook the food you enjoy. Many manufacturers offer working demonstrations for potential purchasers
Choice of energy – electricity or gas or dual fuel
Size - how many people you'll be cooking for, and the kind of food you cook
What features you might want
How much space you have – you might prefer an upright, eye level oven built into a wall; a stand alone oven, or perhaps add a microwave or combination oven/microwave
What features and functions you'll use - basic fan oven or a multi-functional oven with up to 5 elements
How many levels you can cook on at the same time
What racks, baking dishes or slides are included or available after purchase?
Your time – automatic control might be an important feature
Can you afford to get one that cleans itself?
How much entertaining you do
How your needs might change in the next 10 years or more – it's an appliance you'll keep for a long time
The balance between purchase price, installation cost and energy costs and enjoyment you will experience over the life of the oven
Cost of installation and any changes necessary to existing cabinetwork
Warranty conditions and any special incentives included in the price
After sales assistance
Find out your manufacturer's authorised service agent and length of time parts will be made available.

Cook tops are an essential appliance, and one we use every day, so it's important to make the best choice for your needs. You'll also want good value, as your cook top should last at least 10 years.

What to consider when buying a cook top:

Consider whether you prefer gas or electric
If you want electric, which type of hotplates you want
How many hotplates you'll need – how many people do you cook for?
How much entertaining do you do? And what types of food will you cook?
How your needs might change in the next ten years or more – it's an appliance you'll keep for a long time
The balance between purchase price, installation cost and ease of cleaning over the life of the cook top
Cost of installation and any changes necessary to existing cabinetwork
Warranty conditions and any special incentives included in the price
The availability of service and length of time parts will be made available.

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Dishwashers

Follow these tips to reduce your energy use, as well as your water use:

Connect your dishwasher to cold water
Wait until you have enough dirty items to fill the dishwasher before operating
Make the most of all functions on your dishwasher. Small load or half load options, short wash cycles, rinse-only cycles and mid-cycle turn off can all save you energy and time
Read the manufacturer's instructions on how to load plates, glasses, cutlery and pots
Check that nothing is preventing the wash arms from rotating properly before you start the dishwasher.
If you want to buy a dishwasher, it's important to choose the right one so you save as much time, money, water and greenhouse gas emissions as possible.

What to consider when buying a dishwasher:

Look for those that can clean everything (such as pots and glassware) at the same time
Check water and energy consumption for the cycle you will use the most
Look for cycle options that save water, detergent and energy, such as half load or one drawer only
Think about what features you want – gentle cycle, normal cycle, half load option, cutlery tray etc
Size – dishwashers range from bench top models, to 45cm wide 7 – 9 place setting, to 60cm wide 12 place setting or larger
Configuration – whether you prefer a bench top dishwasher, or if a larger one, whether you want it permanently installed or mobile (remember that built-in dishwashers should be close to existing plumbing and cleaning areas, and mobile ones need a storage spot)
Whether you want the dishwasher integrated, so it matches your kitchen
That it fits your plates, pots and pans and glasses – you might want the flexibility of adjustable and removable elements
Ensure cold water connection only, for energy savings and a better wash
The electrical, plumbing and drainage requirements
Noise (there's a difference between sound pressure (dB) and sound power dB (A) – you can calculate noting that 45dB approximately equals 33dB(A))
Whether machine components can be recycled
Cost of installation and any changes necessary to existing cabinetwork or plumbing
Warranty conditions and any special incentives included in the price
Find out your manufacturer's authorised service agent and length of time parts will be made available.

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Washing Machines

Your washing machine will be one of your hardest working appliances, and you'll want it to work trouble-free for many years. The energy and water it consumes will be an important consideration given how much it is used, especially if you have (or will have) young children.

What to look for when buying a washing machine:

Energy efficiency – check the Energy Rating label
Water efficiency – look for a high AAAA rating and compare the efficiency of the cycle you'll use most
If it can connect to cold water or dual hose connection and heat its own water, that will save hot water energy
Features like automatic water level adjustment for load sizes, half load options and recommended lower detergent use that save resources and make the machine cheaper to run
Size – plan for the next 10 years or more
Electrical, plumbing and drainage requirements
Features, like wash programs, rinse options, temperature settings, detergent dispensers, fabric softener dispensers, spin speeds (clothes will last longer if spun at a suitable speed – faster spin options can save you time and energy on drying)
The 'computer updatable' feature so you can get your machine reprogrammed for new technology – and take advantage of new energy and water efficiency gains – without having to buy a new machine
Whether machine components can be recycled
Whether you want the washing machine integrated, so it matches your laundry
Installation cost and whether it's included in the price
Warranty conditions and any special incentives included in the price
Find out your manufacturer's authorised service agent and length of time parts will be made available.

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Clothes Dryers

What to consider when buying a clothes dryer:

Dryers with auto sensors (that switch the dryer off when the load reaches the dryness you program) are between 5 and 15% more energy efficient
Match the dryer to the capacity of your washing machine, so you won't be overloading the dryer
Buy the best dryer you can afford
Size – and plan for the next 10 years at least
Do you want it to hang on the wall, sit on the floor, or sit on top of your front loading washing machine (you can easily buy stacking kits)?
Venting and power connection – 10 Amp or 15 Amp socket required?
Installation cost and whether it's included in the price
Warranty conditions and any special incentives included in the price
Find out your manufacturer's authorised service agent and length of time parts will be made available.

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Lighting

Being energy efficient with your lighting doesn't mean living in the dark:

Turn off lights when not in use.
Save over 500 kWh of electricity per year simply by changing six 75 Watt incandescent bulbs for 14 Watt energy efficient compact fluorescent globes (used 4 hours/night) and use fluorescent lighting wherever possible in your home
When replacing existing incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents, take one of the bulbs you want to replace with you when you visit your lighting store to ensure you get the right wattage, connection and size
Clean lamps and shades frequently for better lighting
Use lampshades with a white liner to reflect more light.
If seeking an energy efficient replacement for 12V 50W dichroic lamps, consider models that provide the same level and quality of light while consuming only 35W (a n energy saving of 30%)
When installing new fittings, if you want the mini-flush mounted type units, consider the 240V 7 Watt compact fluorescent models now on the market
Reflect on installing energy efficient LED lighting for garden paths.

What to consider when buying lighting:

Size and light output (the tables below will help)
Colour – compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) can come in different colours
Choose from a colour similar to standard fluorescent, or office lighting, or natural daylight, or a warm colour like an incandescent globe
There are no standard descriptions, but colour temperature is always measured in kelvins – the higher the number, the “cooler” or bluer the colour.
Base type - bayonet or Edison screw type fittings in regular or small circumference
The energy the light will use
The light's rated lifetime, or how long it will last
It's a good idea to take your existing bulb to the shop and get advice to make sure you buy a suitable replacement.

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Plug-in appliances (inculding televisions, DVDs, Stereos, Game Consoles, Computer Equipment etc)

Recent in-home studies show the average household has almost 70 plug-in appliances, many consuming power while performing no function most of the time. This “standing by” power is estimated to account for up to 9% of your home's electricity consumption! You might be surprised at the levels of energy your appliances are using just because they are plugged in. You may find this information in your appliance manuals. An idle electrical appliance can be:

In 'active standby' mode, where it is not performing its main function but is still on – this includes things like VCRs that are 'on' but are not playing or recording, and appliances being charged
In 'passive standby' mode, where it is 'off' but ready to be switched back 'on' (usually with a remote), or is still Performing some secondary function (like showing the time or other display)
'Off', where it still connected, isn't doing anything you can see or hear, can't be switched 'on' with a remote but may be performing some internal functions.

In all three cases, you are consuming energy.

Tip to save energy

Turn off unused appliances at the power point and save up to 800 kWh of electricity per year.
Save energy by switching appliances off at the wall when they're not being used - we estimate that appliances which aren't in use but are just “standing by” account for up to 9% of your home's electricity consumption.