On this page:

• General tips to keep energy costs down
• TV energy consumption
• Soundbar energy consumption

If you’re looking to lower your energy bill, the good news is you don’t have to limit the number of binge-worthy shows you’re watching.Ìý

We’ve crunched the numbers on the most and least energy-hungry appliances we’ve tested to show you how much you could save by choosing a more efficient model.Ìý

Plus, we share some general tips for making sure your home entertainment set-up is as efficient as possible.

General tips to keep energy costs down

1. Switch things off

Switching your TV and other devices off at the power point, instead of leaving them in standby mode, is a classic cost-saving measure.Ìý

It won’t make a huge difference to your energy bills but it will add up over time, especially if you own a lot of electronics. It’s better for the environment too.

(To make this easier, use a powerboard that has individually switched power outlets; this way you can turn off the devices you want without pulling each plug.)

This is particularly important for more power-hungry devices. For example, PVRs (personal video recorders) and smart speakers use a lot of energy in standby mode, as they are always in an “in use” state. Smart speakers are never completely off as they’re always listening for your voice commands. Instead, they shift into a low power mode which can gradually add to your energy bill.

Home entertainment tech has become more energy efficient over time, so newer devices will generally save on your power expenditure (although upgrading before you need to is usually a false economy).Ìý

It’s also worth noting that a lot of newer devices, like smart TVs, are now online by default and may also be connected to other smart devices in your home, meaning they are constantly draining power. Switching them off when they’re not in use can help you save on your energy bill.

Alternatively, consider using a standby electricity controller for your home entertainment equipment. These devices automatically switch off appliances when they’re not being used.

You can also check out the network settings on your TV, and disconnect your TV from other smart devices such as your security camera, air conditioner or lights if you don’t need or want them to be connected.Ìý

While it’s not home entertainment-related, it’s also worth noting that even appliances like your fridge, dishwasher and washing machine may also be constantly sending data to the manufacturer. If you don’t feel like giving these companies free market research, turn off all wireless settings and just let your dishwasher wash your dishes.

2. Check the energy rating label

TVs are required by law to meet a minimum level of energy efficiency and to display their energy rating label in stores. The more stars a TV has, the more energy efficient it is.Ìý

But beware: you can’t use the number of stars to compare different-sized TVs, because the size of the TV is taken into account to calculate how many stars it gets. So a 65-inch TV may have the same number of stars as a 32-inch model, even though it uses more energy.

When looking for an energy-efficient TV, take into account both the stated energy consumption and the number of stars.

3. Cut down on devices

The average home has 25 connected devices, so the running costs can really stack up.ÌýÌý

Depending on what your AV preferences are (and what you’re willing to sacrifice), reducing the number of home entertainment devices you own could really put a dent in your overall energy costs.Ìý

TV energy consumption

According to IBISWorld, Australians spend an average of . Plus, most people leave TVs permanently plugged in and on standby when not in use, which adds to their energy costs. But there are ways you can reduce the amount of electricity your TV uses.

Ditch the plasma

Manufacturers have stopped making plasma TVs, but if you’re still hanging on to an older model we recommend you make the switch and upgrade.Ìý

“Not only do LCD and OLED TVs use less electricity, but they’re also lighter and less bulky and aren’t as prone to burn-in (this is when an image becomes permanently imprinted on the screen),” says ÌÇÐÄVlog TV and home entertainment expert Denis Gallagher.Ìý

Do you really need a bigger TV?

When buying a TV, choose a model that’s the right size for your room rather than the largest screen available. A bigger TV means you have to sit further away from it to avoid seeing the pixels – and not everyone has the space to do that.

“Plus, generally speaking, the bigger the screen the greater the energy consumption,” says Denis.

Even if you are after a larger TV, you can still find models that use less energy. For example, we found 24 different 65-inch TVs that cost at least $100 less to run each year than the energy-hungry 74-inch example below, with one of the more efficient models costing a whopping $255 less in annual running costs.Ìý

Least energy-efficient

Sony K-75XR90

• RRP: $6995
• Display size: 74 inches
• Annual running cost: $351*

Most energy-efficient

Hubbl TVPFX065OCB

• RRP: $1595
• Display size: 65 inches
• Annual running cost: $96*

_{*Annual running costs = Running costs per year standby. Based on 40c/kWh with the TV in standby mode for 14 hours a day.}

More TV energy-saving tips

No matter which TV you have, there are extra steps you can take to help lower the amount of energy it uses.Ìý

“Check the specifications of your TV to see if it comes with an energy-saving mode and follow the instructions to turn it on,” says Denis.Ìý

You can also reduce electricity consumption by turning down the brightness, contrast and even the volume. “This will help reduce your energy costs, but don’t adjust them so much that they ruin your viewing experience,” Denis adds.Ìý

And if you use your TV for background noise, try switching to the radio instead. “It has the same effect and is more energy efficient,” he says.

“Another option would be to turn off all the wireless connectivity features that may be churning through energy on your TV, such as Wi-Fi.”

Soundbar energy consumption

Not all soundbars are created equal when it comes to energy use. We tested 52 models in our latest review and, of those, 21 received a standby energy score of 0%.

In fact, when we compared the annual standby energy costs, we found the most energy-guzzling model cost more than 23 times as much to run as the most efficient model.Ìý

Most of this inefficiency is due to the extra smart features such as Wi-Fi, which mean the soundbar is never truly in standby mode (which uses energy too, but less than devices connected to Wi-Fi).Ìý

If you already have one of these fully featured soundbars, you may want to turn off the Wi-Fi connectivity, as most of the content you’d need Wi-Fi for would be available on your smart TV anyway.

Least energy-efficient soundbar

Polk Magnifi mini

• RRP: $499
• Type: Soundbar and sub
• Annual standby energy cost: $28.10

Most energy-efficient soundbar

Kogan 2.1Ch 80W Dolby Soundbar with Built-in Subwoofer

• RRP: $199
• Type: Soundbar
• Annual standby energy cost: $1.20

We found 22 soundbar and sub models (with differing dimensions) that would be at least $22 cheaper to run every year than the least efficient model.

The post How to keep energy costs down on your home entertainment system appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Fridges and freezers
• Dishwashers
• Ovens
• Benchtop kitchen appliances
• Other energy-saving tips

The biggest offenders are the kitchen appliances that simply aren’t energy-efficient, and those that are switched on all day, every day.Ìý

We crunch the numbers and look at some of the most and least energy-hungry appliances, and ÌÇÐÄVlog experts share their advice on saving money and energy in the kitchen.Ìý

Fridges and freezers

Because fridges and freezers need to be plugged in and running all the time, they’re the most energy-hungry appliances in your kitchen and account for around eight percent of an average home’s energy use.Ìý

But there are ways you can reduce the amount of electricity that your fridge guzzles.Ìý

Do you really need a big fridge?

ÌÇÐÄVlog whitegoods expert Denis Gallagher says bigger fridges will use more energy because of the larger space they have to coolÌý– so ask yourself whether a huge French-door fridge is really necessary for a household of two.Ìý

When we review appliances, we calculate the running costs over 10 years to give you an idea of how much you’ll pay for electricity over the lifetime of the appliance.Ìý

For fridges, the most energy-hungry model will cost you $2500 over 10 years, while at the other end of the scale you’ll pay just $376. That’s a whopping $2100 difference!ÌýBut to give you a better idea of running costs, we need to compare apples with apples. So let’s take a look at the energy costs of similarly sized fridges:

Least energy-efficient extra large fridge-freezers

³§²¹³¾²õ³Ü²Ô²µÌý³§¸é³§656²Ñ³Ò¹ó±á4Ìý(657L)

• RRP: $2500
• 10-year running cost: $2500

Most energy-efficient extra large fridge

This LG model, like the Samsung mentioned above, is part of the extra-large fridge category and is comparable in size to the Samsung.ÌýHowever, it costs much less to buy and less to run over the 10-year period.

LG GF-B505MGLÌý(530L)

• RRP: $2099
• 10-year running cost: $1360

Rethink the second fridge in the garage

In garages across the country, you’ll sometimes find a second fridge, usually reserved for beer or other beverages. It’sÌýhandy if you’re short on fridge space in the kitchen, but you pay a premium for the convenience.Ìý

“In many cases people will replace their existing fridge and move the old one into the garage to use as the beer or entertaining fridge,” says Denis.Ìý

“But these ‘second fridges’ could be around 10 to 15 years old by the time they’re moved into the garage, which means they won’t be as energy-efficient as the latest models. And it will be working extra hard to keep your drinks cool as garages aren’t insulated as well as homes.”

If you can’t give up your second fridge, Denis suggests only plugging it in when you’re entertaining.Ìý

“Most of the time they’re only used for big gatherings, so there may be no need to keep it plugged in all year,” he says.

More fridge energy-saving tips

Whichever fridge you buy, there are a few extra things you can do to keep it from using more energy than it needs.Ìý

“Ideally, you should set your fridge’s temperature to 3°C and your freezer to -18°C, though this can be difficult to do unless your fridge has a digital display,” says Denis. “Purchasing a thermometer to help you measure can assist and using these settings increases your fridge’s energy efficiency without compromising food safety.”

Limit the number of times you open your fridge door. Whenever cool air escapes, the fridge will use more energy to replace it.Ìý“Grab everything you need in one go,” Denis adds.Ìý

It’s also worth checking the seals and replacing any that are faulty or damaged as they can let cool air leak out.ÌýAnd keep your fridge fully stocked.

“A full fridge has a higher thermal mass, which means your compressor won’t cycle as often, leading to a small reduction in energy use,” says Denis.Ìý

But don’t overfill the fridge, as the cool air still needs to be able to circulate.

Dishwashers

These labour-saving devices are also more energy- and water-efficient than washing by hand. But not all dishwashers are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency.Ìý

Looking at our latest dishwasher reviews, the model with the highest running costs will set you back $2107 over 10 years. The least energy-hungry model will cost you just $605 over 10 years. That’s a difference of more than $1500!

Again, let’s compare apples with apples and look at standard-sized dishwashers to see how much energy you could save by choosing a more energy-efficient model.Ìý

Least energy-efficient dishwashers

Haier HDW13V1W1

• RRP: $629
• 10-year running cost: $2102

Most energy-efficient dishwasher

This Asko dishwasher is comparable in size to the model above, but costs more than $1200 less to run over a 10-year period.Ìý

Asko DB1343ID.S.AU

• RRP: $1699
• 10-year running cost: $840

Even taking into account the higher retail price of the Asko model you’ll be ahead after 10 years because of the savings you’ll make on the running costs.

More dishwasher energy-saving tips

“Use the eco mode function on your dishwasher,” says Denis. “It will save you energy and if you use aÌýgood-quality detergentÌýit should still do a good job of cleaning your dishes.Ìý

“And wait until it’s full before you run it – this will save on water, too.”

Ovens

There are multiple factors to take into account when choosing the right oven for your needs.Ìý

But if you’re looking at reducing your energy in the kitchen ourÌýwall oven reviewsÌýshow which ones are the most and least expensive to run over 10 years.ÌýFor this comparison we”ve looked at standard 60cm-wide wall ovens.Ìý

Least energy-efficient oven

Miele H2861BP

• RRP: $3499
• 10-year running costs: $559

Most energy-efficient oven

This Haier oven is comparable to the Miele model, but costs $149 less to run over 10 years and it’s more than $2000 cheaper to buy.Ìý

Haier HWO60S14EPX

• RRP: $1299
• 10-year running costs: $410

More oven energy-saving tips

ÌÇÐÄVlog home economist,ÌýFiona Mair, also suggests baking or roasting on multiple trays to save on time and energy.Ìý

“Anything that cooks at roughly the same temperature is ideal,” she says. “Such as a tray of potatoes while your chicken roasts, or cooking one tray of muffins and another of biscuits.”

You can also lower your energy use by minimising the number of times you open the oven door, only preheating your oven when a recipe says to, and replacing any broken seals that let heat escape.

Benchtop kitchen appliances

Kitchen appliances (including ovens and cooktops, but excluding fridges and dishwashers) are responsible for about five percent of your home’s energy use.

Smaller appliances generally use less energy than larger ones. So instead of turning on the oven, consider using slow cookers, microwaves and air fryers instead.

“Slow cookers use very little energy, and air fryers can cook meals in a shorter amount of time, and in most cases, you don’t need to preheat.ÌýAvoid using the airfryer if you are cooking more than one batch, use your oven instead,” says Fiona.

Microwaves will cook or reheat food faster than an oven, but there can still be a difference in energy use between models. Looking at just the standard models in our latest microwave reviews, that difference can be as much as $5.32 in yearly running costs.Ìý

Other appliance swaps you might consider are using a toaster instead of a grill, or a kettle instead of boiling water on a ceramic/electric cooktop. “Using an induction-compatible kettle to boil water on an induction cooktop has a similar boil time and running costs to an electric kettle,” says Fiona. “And only boil as much water as you need in the kettle.”

Other energy-saving tips

Use a plug-in power meter

You can find out how much energy your kitchen appliances are using by plugging them into a power meter and use that knowledge to either run them when prices are low (if you’re on a flexible pricing plan). Alternatively, it could be the justification you needed to buy a more energy-efficient model.

Standby for switch-off

Many kitchen appliances are only plugged in at the point of use (food processors, blenders, stand mixers etc), so don’t use much if any standby power.Ìý

But for others such as kettles, toasters and coffee machines, you may want to switch them off at the power point when they’re not in use. It won’t necessarily lead to huge energy savings, but every little bit helps. Plus, it’s better for the environment.

Of course, it’s not always practical to switch off every kitchen gadget – not having to work out how to reset the clock on your microwave every time it’s switched on is surely a small price to pay.

The post How to avoid power-hungry kitchen appliances appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Throughout this time, we’ve started and stopped testing products for a range of reasons. For example, air fryers have taken the world by storm over the last decade and ÌÇÐÄVlog now regularly tests them.

On the other hand, we’ve stopped testing standalone scanners after they were incorporated into multi-function printers.Ìý

In making these decisions we are always guided by our vision: fair, safe and just markets that meet the needs of Australian consumers.Ìý

It’s this vision that also prompted our decision to stop testing gas appliances (with the exception of BBQs of course, that would be un-Australian). We stopped testing gas heaters in 2017 and gas cooktops in 2022. We feel that continuing to test them is no longer in line with what Australian consumers need from us.

Households shifting to electricity

Australia is in the midst of an energy transition and many households are making the shift from gas to electric – not only for environmental reasons, but because modern electric appliances are safer, more efficient and cheaper to run over time.Ìý

Products like heat pump hot water systems and reverse-cycle air conditioning now outperform their gas counterparts in both performance and running costs.Ìý

Modelling by Energy Consumers Australia estimates that going all-electric could cut the average household’s energy bills by $2250. Gas cooktops have also been linked to health risks.Ìý

As a consumer organisation, we think this is reason enough for many consumers to choose electric over gas appliances. The fact that gas is a fossil fuel and electric appliances also support a cleaner energy future is an added bonus.

Government role in transition

We also know that governments are starting to phase out gas appliances. Victoria has already banned new gas connections in certain new homes and is in the process of exploring options to ban new gas heaters and hot water systems in all homes.Ìý

The ACT will also phase out gas by 2045, and we’re proud to have partnered with the ACT Government to help Canberra residents .Ìý

ÌÇÐÄVlog would like to see all state and territory governments develop similar plans to phase out gas to help give consumers certainty when making decisions about their household appliances.

ÌÇÐÄVlog will continue to advise on gas

ÌÇÐÄVlog will continue to provide trusted advice and information about gas appliances, recognising that for some consumers they may still be the best – or only – choice.Ìý

This could be due to upfront costs or because they can’t make big changes to their home as they rent or live in an apartment.Ìý

But we won’t invest our limited resources to lab test gas appliances.

Don’t take my gas barbecue!Ìý

No one is coming for your gas BBQ. They use a small amount of gas, are located outside, which mitigates safety issues, and they’re an iconic feature of the Australian backyard. ÌÇÐÄVlog will continue to test gas and electric BBQs.

The post Why ÌÇÐÄVlog has stopped testing gas appliances appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

Whether it’s switching from grid power to solar, from petrol cars to electric transport, or phasing out gas appliances altogether, ÌÇÐÄVlog share their advice to help you make choices that will really pay off.ÌýÌý

1. Switching away from gas cooktops and heaters

When it comes to cooking, many of us feel stuck with what’s built into our benchtops. But for those who can afford the initial outlay for a new cooktop, there’s a growing list of reasons to switch off the gas for good.

While most people already know about the environmental issues with gas and the health risks associated with gas appliances in the home, our latest cooktops comparison also found that induction cooktops beat out their gas counterparts in terms of both cooking performance and running costs.Ìý

Our kitchen expert Fiona Mair conducted a ‘boil time test’ measuring the time it takes to boil one litre of water on different cooktops. One of the top performing induction cooktops took just 2.37 minutes, while a gas cooktop can take up to 4 minutes or longer. This faster cooking time is not only convenient, it also means you’ll be using less energy in the kitchen.Ìý

“Because the heat is coming from the cookware itself, rather than the cooktop, your cookware reaches the desired temperature more quickly, cooking your food faster,” says Fiona.Ìý

While the upfront cost of switching from gas to induction is considerable, making the switch will likely save you money in the long run. The has calculated that Australian households can save between $500 and $1900 a year (depending on the price of gas in your area)Ìýby cutting off the gas completely.Ìý

“I don’t think we’ll ever again see the cheap gas prices of past decades that once made gas attractive,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog expert, Chris Barnes.

“Gas appliances such as heaters, stovetops and hot water systems are generally less efficient and less favourable options in Australian homes, particularly when you consider the health risks associated with gas appliances and look at the cost benefits for switching in homes that have solar installed.”

2. Getting started with solar

Millions of Australian homes have made the switch to solar in an effort to bring energy costs down. Panel prices are dropping and the technology is as good as it has ever been, so it’s a great time to get solar installed and save money on your energy bill.Ìý

Worried about installation costs? For most households, solar is well worth the upfront cost. The cost of installing a solar system has fallen by around 58% in the last six years and research shows that a typical system will pay for itself in around four to six years.

“Households paying hundreds of dollars per quarter for electricity will definitely benefit from looking into solar. So will households with low electricity consumption, though their payback time might be a bit longer,” says Chris.Ìý

If you’re considering going solar and don’t know where to start, check out our four step guide.

3. Switching from petrol to electric

The interest in electric vehicles in Australia continues to boom and it is estimated there are now more than 180,000 EVs on our roads, with the majority of those vehicles purchased in the last year (8.45% of all new cars sold in 2023 were EVs).

The number of electric vehicle models available to Australians has also expanded to almost 100, while there has also been increase in the number of public charging locations.

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles makes sense – electric vehicles and hybrids have much lower running costs than petrol and diesel-powered vehicles. Over a ten-year period you could save around $13,060 in fuel for a full electric vehicle and about $10,640 for a hybrid.Ìý

And the electric vehicle (EV) owners we’ve spoken to are also happy with their car’s performance.

“We chose an EV that had enough range to get us from Canberra to Sydney without having to re-charge along the way. We love the performance and the quiet of the Kona,” says Donna, who drives a Hyundai Kona EV.

Transport accounts for approximately 17% of Australia’s carbon dioxide emissions. Not only will making the switch to electric vehicles benefit your bank account, it will also help to reduce your carbon footprint and improve the quality of the air in our cities. Especially if you’re charging your electric vehicle using renewable energy from your home solar or a green energy provider.Ìý

If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle, check out our electric vehicle quick start guide for facts and tips to get moving, plus check our electric car reviews where we rate a huge range of models for vehicle range, battery performance, efficiency and running costs.Ìý

Drive or ride? Switching to an electric bike

Another cleaner alternative to using a petrol car is using an electric bike to get you from A to B. Electric bikes have a motor that kicks in when you need some extra power, making it easier to cycle over long distances or hilly terrains.

They can be a great alternative if you want to switch from a car to a bike (to avoid traffic jams and enjoy easier parking, reduced emissions and lower costs), without being limited to only short or flat rides.

There are many different types and models available, and the best one for youÌý depends on things such as your budget and how you want to ride it (including how far you want to go and the type of terrain you’ll be riding on).

ÌÇÐÄVlog experts have reviewed a number of different electric bikes to help you easily compare their performance, as well as factors such as cost, weight and how comfortable and easy they are to use and ride.

Find out more on how to buy the best electric bike.

The post Our top 3 tips for switching to cleaner energyÌý appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Where does your energy go?
• Heating and cooling (40%)
• Water heating (23%)
• Other appliances – washers, dryers, TVs and computers (14%)
• Fridges and freezers (8%)
• Lighting (7%)
• Cooking (5%)
• Standby power (3%)
• Total energy savings

Where does your energy go?

It’s helpful to know which parts of your home use the most power so you can see where you may be able to make the most savings.

A typical Australian household now spends around $2330 on electricity every year. Everyone’s usage is different of course, but energy use in your home breaks down like this:

• heating and cooling – 40%
• water heating – 23%
• other appliances, e.g. laundry, TVs and computers – 14%
• fridges and freezers – 8%
• lighting – 7%
• cooking – 5%
• standby power – 3%.

Heating and cooling (40%)

This is where we use the bulk of our energy, so it stands to reason that it’s an area where we can make big savings.

Before you consider heating and cooling appliances, make sure your home is as thermally efficient as possible by:

• installing ceiling, underfloor and wall insulation
• sealing gaps around doors, windows and chimneys to stop draughts
• closing internal doors so you’re only heating and cooling rooms you’re actually in
• using passive heating and cooling (opening the windows to let the breeze in).

These steps help reduce your dependence on heating and cooling appliances. Combining them with energy-efficient appliances will help you save significantly on your power bill.

Air conditioners

The most efficient heating and cooling technology for most homes is a reverse-cycle air conditioner. But they’re still an energy intensive appliance so use them sparingly – every 1℃ adjustment means about a 10% difference in energy consumption. Set your thermostat as high as you’re comfortable in summer, and as low as you’re comfortable in winter.

Size matters, too – our air conditioner buying guide can help you choose the right size air conditioner for your needs. Reverse-cycle air conditioners are relatively efficient, but there’s a big difference in running costs between models.Ìý

^{Note: Based on delivering 3000kWh cooling and 3000kWh heating per year at maximum capacity*}

Ceiling fans

A ceiling fan can help reduce your energy bill by reducing your dependency on reverse-cycle air conditioners. They also make air conditioners more efficient by circulating the hot or cold air.Ìý

When used in ‘winter mode’, where the ceiling fan pushes warm air down from the ceiling area to the living area without creating a breeze, you’ll also find your existing heater doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you warm, reducing your electricity bill even further.Ìý

While all ceiling fans are generally a great energy-efficient solution, fans with a direct current (DC) motor deliver even greater efficiency than fans with an alternate current (AC) motor, further lowering running costs. And DC models have up to seven settings, giving you more control over air movement than most AC models, which have only three settings.

Space heaters

Electric space heaters are cheaper to buy, but far more expensive to run than a reverse-cycle air conditioner. You can move them from room to room, and they’re great for heating smaller spaces. Our space heater buying guide will help you pick the right type of space heater for your needs. But factor in their high energy usage, whichever type you choose.

Water heating (23%)

After climate control, heating water will use the most energy in your home. There’s the daunting choice of which type of hot water service you need – electric, gas, solar, heat pump or instantaneous system. All have their good and bad points, so check out our hot water service buying guide to decide on the right type for you.

Regardless of the type you choose, the easiest way to reduce energy used in water heating is to reduce your use of hot water. The good news is it’s not hard.

Don’t use hot water when cold will do – such as for washing your hands, filling the kettle, or doing the laundry. Have shorter showers, and install a water-saving shower head. Insulating your hot water pipes is cheap and easy, and will minimise heat loss in transit.

If possible, have your hot water service placed close to the bathroom and laundry. This minimises the amount of hot water left that will be left to cool in long pipe runs, and the hot water gets to you sooner when you turn on the tap.

Recently put solar panels on the roof? Ditch the gas on demand hot water service in favour of an inverter electric water heater.

Other appliances – washers, dryers, TVs and computers (14%)

Washing machines are an essential appliance, but in our modern world, home entertainment gear seems just as vital. Washing machines, dryers, TVs and gaming consoles are all power-hungry appliances. It’s worth thinking about the energy consumption when selecting your next big screen TV, Xbox or soundbar, or when choosing a washing machine.

Washing machines

They usually cost more to buy, but most front-loader washing machines use less power, water and detergent than top loaders. Whichever washer you pick, washing in cold water will usually get your clothes as clean as a hot wash, without the energy cost of water heating.Ìý

Also remember that one full-capacity load will use less energy than two half-capacity loads, so try to wait till you can fill your machine. Our washing machine reviews can help you find the most energy-efficient models.

Clothes dryers

The best clothes dryer is the sun and it costs nothing to run, so line dry your clothes wherever possible. That’s not always an option though, so for many of us a clothes dryer is an essential appliance.Ìý

There are different types of dryers, and they vary both in cost and energy efficiency. A good heat pump dryer will use as little as a third of the energy of a vented dryer, but you need to weigh that up against significantly higher purchase prices.Ìý

Our clothes dryer buying guide can help you work out whether a heat pump or a vented dryer is the best option.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers aren’t just a labour-saving device, they’re also more energy- and water-efficient than washing by hand. Because like with your laundry, most of the energy used in doing the dishes goes into heating the wash water, and dishwashers use a fraction of the water of washing in the kitchen sink.

Drive your dishwashing dollar further by waiting till your dishwasher’s full before running it, and try out your eco mode with a good quality detergent. You may find it washes just as well while using less energy.

Although most modern dishwashers do a good job of getting your plates clean, our dishwasher reviews show there are big differences in energy use between them all.

Televisions

Modern LCD televisions are far more energy-efficient than older plasma screens, but they’re still power-hungry. You can reduce their running cost by not leaving the TV on if you’re not watching it. And if you just want some background noise, use the radio instead.

The energy star figure can be a handy way to quickly see how it compares with other TVs. But be sure to compare the same size TV. A 32-inch TV with a 3-star rating will still be using much less energy than a 65-inch TV with a 5-star rating.

Your AV gear is also a cluster of standby power consumers – chances are they’re all in the same power socket, so it’s easy to turn the whole lot off at the wall.Ìý

Personal video recorders (PVRs) used to be the best way to record and watch a live broadcast TV show at a later time, but were also one of the biggest energy users and couldn’t be included in the ‘turn everything off when not watching TV’ rule. With the increased use of streaming applications with video on demand, such as Netflix, Stan, Apple TV and iView, you can now just turn on the TV and watch what you want when you want.

Computers

Computers are another essential in the modern home. While not as power-hungry as an air conditioner, for example, if you have several desktop computers that stay on 24/7, energy consumption will add up.

Power use varies between models, so consider what you’ll be using it for and buy the appropriate desktop or laptop for your needs. If you only surf the net and work on the odd spreadsheet then you don’t need a high-performance energy guzzler.

Also remember your peripherals – computer monitors can draw as much power as an extra TV, and consider the standby power needs of printers, smart speakers and other accessories.

Fridges and freezers (8%)

While you can’t turn them off, there’s a lot you can do to keep your fridge running at its most energy-efficient.

• Adjust your fridge to 3°C and your freezer to -18°C for the best balance between food safety and energy efficiency.
• Keep door opening to a minimum by planning ahead when cooking.
• Full fridges have a higher thermal mass, so keeping it well stocked means your compressor won’t cycle as often, which will reduce energy use a little.

Bigger fridges use more energy because of the larger space they have to cool. Choose the right fridge for your household with our fridge buying guide.

Deep freezers are great if you buy in bulk, but they use a lot of energy, so ask yourself if you really need one. That old fridge you’re keeping in the garage for overflow? It could be costing you a hundred dollars or more a year in electricity and contributing to your carbon footprint, so keep it turned off till you absolutely need it.

Lighting (7%)

Old incandescent and halogen bulbs use a lot of energy compared to LEDs. Switching your bulbs can realise large energy savings almost immediately. A typical household lit with 100W incandescent bulbs will use nearly 700kWh or about $265 in electricity every year for lighting –Ìý but you can double that if your home is lit with halogen downlights, which will see your total energy consumption for lighting climb to around 1400kWh, or $560 a year.

Although halogens are typically lower wattage (between 35 and 50W) than incandescent bulbs, you typically need multiple downlights per room and each downlight also requires a 10W transformer.Ìý

Switching from 100W incandescent to 14W LED lightbulbs gives you roughly the same amount of light, but reduces your energy consumption immediately and could save you around $225 per year.

Smart LED lights also let you automate switching on and off, which you can use to save energy. For example, you can set the lights to all turn on or off at a certain time of the day, or in just parts of the house that you use in the morning or evening.

Make further energy savings by:

• opening the curtains to use natural light where possible
• turning the light off when you leave the room
• installing sensor lights which only turn on when you approach.

How do lumens, incandescent wattages and LED wattages relate? Here’s a rough guide:

Cooking (5%)

We recommend using our reviews to choose energy-efficient kitchen appliances, but the way you use your appliances can also have a big impact on your power consumption.

Smaller appliances generally use less power than larger ones, so use the microwave instead of the oven and the toaster instead of the grill.

Boiling the kettle will use about the same amount of electricity regardless of the model of electric kettle you choose. But you can make significant savings by only boiling what you need – there’s no point filling your kettle for a single cup.

Cooktops also seem to be fairly similar on power usage, but choosing the right size and type of saucepan for a given burner or element on your stove and using lids on pots and pans can help keep energy consumption down.

Standby power (3%)

Just because an appliance is off doesn’t mean it’s not drawing power. Appliances may still be using power hour in standby mode to run internal clocks, or to keep the sensors active to respond to a remote.

The average Australian household uses a staggering 81.8 watts of standby power per hour. That’s 717kWh or around $285 every year, and this is for appliances you might think are not in use.

The good news is you can reduce your standby power consumption easily by turning appliances off at the wall wherever possible. A power board or surge protector with individual switches can make this easier if you need to leave some turned on for any reason, while also giving you the option to flick a single switch, turning everything off for instant savings.

And finally, try to get in the habit of turning your phone charger off at the wall when you put your phone in your bag or pocket.

Total energy savings

You can save energy in your home by choosing more energy-efficient appliances over energy guzzlers, switching them off when not in use, and by using them in more efficient ways (for example doing full loads rather than half loads in your washer).

It’s impossible to put an exact dollar figure on how much you can save, but the difference in energy use for the select appliances in this article add up to $1408 a year. And as we mentioned earlier, home appliances could be costing you on average $285 a year for standing idly by.

So even without factoring in ways you could use your appliances more efficiently, and using those figures as a guide, you’re looking at an extra $1693 a year in your pocket. And of course, any reduction in energy use is not just good for your wallet, but it’s also good for the planet.

^{*Electricity costs calculated using $0.40 per kWh as an estimate. This will vary depending on your own electricity costs.}

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On this page:

• 1. Appliances
• 2. Heating and cooling
• 3. Transport
• 4. Water
• 5. Green power

In 2021, the average Australian household was spending $1593 on electricity each year, and this toll is only likely to be increasing, with the federal government warning combined energy costs could rise by as much as 50% over the next two years.

This means more bill strain in the short term, making it the ideal time to look into how you can reduce your household’s energy consumption and insulate yourself against some of these price hikes.

A good way to start saving is by switching to a cheaper energy provider or renegotiating with your current oneÌýfor a better deal.

But even if you’re getting the best deal available, you may be able to shave more off your bill and lessen your environmental impact with these tips.

1. Appliances

Switch off your appliances when they’re not in use

Your TV, computer, microwave and even some washing machines have a ‘standby’ mode, which means they’re still using energy even when they’re not in use and potentially adding hundreds to your bill each year.

Turn them off at the power point to reduce their energy consumption (you don’t have to unplug them).

Buy appliances with a good energy rating

Time to replace your household appliances? Our calculations show that you could be saving hundreds of dollars a year by upgrading to more energy-efficient models.

And while more energy efficiency stars do deliver extra savings, make sure the size suits your needs. Often it’s easier for a larger appliance to be more energy-efficient, such as a fridge, (and therefore have more stars) than a smaller one. However, since it’s bigger, its overall energy consumption is usually higher.

Pick the right washing machine

Although they usually cost more to buy, most front-loader washing machines save you money over time and are kinder to the environment because they use less power, water and detergent than top loaders.

See our washing machine reviews for the most energy-efficient models.

Choose an energy-efficient fridge

Your fridge is working non-stop, and the energy it consumes adds up quickly. All new fridges sold in Australia must meet minimum energy performance standards (MEPS), so look for a model with a good star rating (the more stars, the more energy-efficient it is).

All fridges on the market are CFC-free, so don’t base your purchase decision on “CFC-free” labels.

2. Heating and cooling

Insulate your roof or ceiling

This will help keep your home at a pleasant temperature in summer and winter. It’ll also save you money on your energy bills and will pay for itself within a relatively short time. For more tips, read our guide to keeping your house cool naturally.

Draught-proof your home

You can draught-proof your home by making sure doors and windows are properly sealed. This can be done cheaply with draught excluders or window seals.

Seal your chimney with a damper

This will help to keep heat from escaping in winter – assuming the fireplace isn’t in use – and help stop hot air from coming in during the warmer months.

Switch to LED lights

LEDs are the most efficient type of light bulb for most uses – you’ve probably already got a lot of LED lights in your home, as they’ve become the standard in recent years.Ìý

But if you still have any old halogen downlights, consider swapping them out for LEDs instead. You might need to get an electrician to replace the drivers (transformers) as well, since even though LED downlights will often work with an old driver, they’ll run better and last longer with a proper LED driver.

Downlights penetrate the ceiling and insulation, potentially causing heat loss (in winter) or gain (in summer), which can mean more energy gets used for cooling and heating.Ìý

Choose downlight fittings with an IC or IC-F rating, as these can be covered with insulation. Other downlights shouldn’t be covered with insulation as the trapped heat can be a fire risk.

Close all external windows and doors

This is especially important when your heater or air conditioner is running.

Shade your windows

Curtains or blinds will help to keep the heat out on hot summer days, and keep it in on cold winter nights.

Turn on your air conditioner early

If you have an air conditioner, try to use it only on really hot or humid days. And if you expect a hot day, turn the air conditioner on early and close up the house.Ìý

This helps the air conditioner cool the house before it gets too hot inside, which will use less energy and will help keep it cool over the day.Ìý

Likewise on cold winter days, start warming early and don’t let the warm air escape. This only works when your home is well-insulated and sealed, otherwise you’ll be wasting a lot of that energy.Ìý

Many air conditioners can now be controlled remotely by an app on your smartphone, so you can switch it on remotely so the house is cool when you get home, rather than having to leave it on all day.

The apps also let you turn the air conditioner off remotely (if you accidentally leave it running) and even check how much energy it’s using. You can also use the air conditioner’s timer function to make sure it comes on at the right time.

Set your air con at the highest temperature setting at which you still feel cool enough (24 or 25ºC is usually adequate). Each 1°C increase of the thermostat setting will save about 10% on your energy usage. Try the Economy mode, if there is one.

The same applies in reverse for heating in winter – settle for the coolest indoor temperature you can and rug up with a jumper rather than just cranking up the heat. OurÌýair conditioners buying guideÌýwill help you choose the right air conditioner for your home.

Install ceiling fans

Ceiling fans are much cheaper than air conditioning and have less impact environmentally. And when winter comes, switch the fan to reverse or winter mode if it has one, which will help mix the warm air more effectively throughout the room.

3. Transport

Embrace eco and electric

If you can afford the upfront purchase price, buying an electric, hybrid or even a fuel-efficient petrol car will lessen your household’s carbon footprint and can even deliver monetary savings in the long run.

For more information on making the switch, see ourÌýguide to buying an eco-friendly carÌýand ourÌýelectric vehicle guide.

Limit your use

Even if you have a fuel-efficient car, whenever possible it’s a good idea to leave it at home and walk, cycle, catch public transport or car pool.

4. Water

Economise on hot water

A hot water system can be one of the biggest energy users in a home, typically accounting for a quarter of household consumption. This makes it an ideal place to make savings.

A good way to do this is to install a solar or heat pump system, if it’s possible to do so at your home. For more tips, see our guide toÌýbuying the best hot water system.

Pick products with a good water rating

The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS)Ìýscheme allows you to compare the water efficiency of different products – like the energy stars on a fridge, the more stars the better. Ratings are compulsory for all new domestic washing machines, dishwashers, showers, toilets, urinals and most taps.

Use rainwater

Collected rainwater is ideal for watering your garden. Contact your water authority and local council for advice on how to install and maintain a rainwater tank.

Use greywater

Recycled greywaterÌýfrom showers, laundry tubs and washing machines can be stored for use in the garden (or even in toilets and washing machines), or it can be diverted to the garden with a plumbed-in diverter. Conditions may apply where you live, so contact your local council for advice.

Buy a water-efficient shower head

Water-efficient shower heads are great water-saving devices for daily use. However, if you have an instantaneous hot-water system, the flow rate of a low-flow shower head may not be enough to start it, so check with your installer.Ìý

If you have a gravity-fed water system (where the water flows from your tank to your taps without being pumped), make sure you buy a shower head that’s designed to cope with low pressure.

5. Green power

The average household emits around 14 tonnes of greenhouse gases every year, half of which is from electricity generation. This contributes to climate change and global warming.

One simple and relatively cheap way that we can all start to make a difference is by switching our electricity to “green” power. This means using power generated from renewable sources such as the sun, wind, water and waste power, rather than coal or gas.

Green power is available to all households and generally costs slightly more than standard electricity. What you’ll pay depends on the percentage of green power and the retailer you choose. Use one that’s accredited by the , an initiative of the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia governments.

Of course, a great way to ensure you’re using green power is to install a solar panel system on your roof. Follow ourÌýfour steps to going solarÌýand use ourÌýSolar EstimatorÌýto get quotes from solar installers.

And, if you’re on a low or fixed income, you may be eligible to receive help from the government to pay for solar and battery installation or, if you can’t install solar at your home, energy efficiency home and appliance upgrades. See what’s available with ourÌýguide to solar and appliance rebates.

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If you’re trying to live more sustainably, making a few changes to the way you buy, cook, eat and dispose of waste are a great way to make a difference. Sustainability begins at home!

The great news is that many of these changes aren’t just good for the planet – they’re good for your wallet and your health, too.Ìý

Kitchen appliances

Heaters and air conditioners might be the biggest energy-guzzlers in our households, but kitchen appliances contribute their fair share to your energy use. Fridges and freezers account for about eight percent of an average home’s power consumption, while cooking is about five percent.

So that’s 13% of your power bill (and associated carbon emissions) coming from the kitchen.Ìý

Here are some tips for using your fridge more sustainably:

• Shop smart: buy the most energy-efficient appliances you can so they’re using less energy to begin with. Our expert fridge reviews include detailed information on energy use and running costs.Ìý
• Dial it down: run your fridge at 3°C and your freezer at -18°C. This is the sweet spot between energy efficiency and food safety.Ìý
• Size it right: a larger fridge uses more energy but smaller fridges can be less efficient.Ìý Ask yourself if your two-person household really needs a huge French-door fridge. Get the balance right and buy the most suitably sized fridge for your household.
• Keep it shut: limit how often you open the door by planning ahead and grabbing a few things in one go, instead of one thing at a time.Ìý
• Keep it full: a full fridge is an efficient fridge. Keeping your fridge well stocked (but not over-full) means your compressor won’t cycle as often, which will reduce energy use.
• Rethink the second fridge: If you have a backup fridge in the garage, chances are it’s an older model that’s not very efficient – and it’s probably working extra hard because garages aren’t well insulated. If you can’t bear to part with yours, consider switching it on only when you’re entertaining – it probably doesn’t need to be on year-round.Ìý

Air conditioners

Air conditioners can really chew through the power, so when it’s hot outside, try to minimise how much heat you’re bringing to the kitchen so you’re not putting extra strain on the air con.Ìý

• Take it outside: cooking on the BBQ means you won’t heat up the kitchen.Ìý
• Keep it small: rather than heating up a big oven, use smaller appliances such as air fryers and microwaves that don’t need to be preheated and won’t raise the temperature indoors.
• Be nocturnal: run the dishwasher at night when it’s cooler instead of during the day.Ìý
• Cool it: opt for cold meals such as salads, antipasto platters, rice paper rolls and the like so you don’t need to heat up the kitchen. As a bonus, salad ingredients are more likely to be in season in summer!
• Double it: if you do need to cook something in the oven, make a double batch or a few extra dishes at the same time so you’ll only need to heat the house up once.

These measures will keep your house cooler, but many of them will also reduce the amount of energy you’re using: smaller appliances generally use less power than larger ones, so opting for the air fryer or microwave rather than the oven will cut your energy consumption (and your bills).Ìý

Get to know how your microwave works: you’d be surprised by just how many different things you can cook in it. And you can always start cooking food in the microwave then finish it in the oven, reducing how long you’ll need to run the oven for.Ìý

Slow cookers are another great way to cook in bulk. They use very little energy, despite cooking for longer periods of time.

Plus, if you make a surplus and freeze it, you’ll have extra meals on hand so you’ll be less inclined to buy takeaway or home delivery – eating at home means one fewer car trip for you or the delivery driver.

Gas cooktops

Natural gas cooktops are popular with professional chefs and home cooks alike, with nearly two in five Australian households using natural gas for stovetop cooking.

While gas has long been considered an environmentally cleaner alternative to wood and coal, it’s increasingly coming under scrutiny for its environmental impact. Nt only is it still a fossil fuel that creates greenhouse gases, but the way it’s extracted and processed is associated with water contamination and air pollution.ÌýIt’s also been linked to health detriments including asthma and respiratory conditions.Ìý

If you have solar or pay for green energy through your electricity provider, cooking with electricity rather than gas can help reduce your environmental impact.Ìý

Electric cooking and heating technology are becoming more and more efficient – think induction cooktops – so electric appliances are becoming better over time.Ìý

Eating more sustainably

Food production accounts for more than a quarter (26%) of global greenhouse gas emissions, so your eating habits can have a big environmental impact. But the sunnier flipside is that making some changes to how you eat can also reduce your carbon footprint.Ìý

Adjusting how we shop and eat can seem challenging at first. After all, food is a source of comfort as well as nutrition. But making a few changes can make a difference.Ìý

Of course, not all these changes are suitable for everyone – finances, disability, access and circumstance can mean that some foods or habits simply aren’t feasible. Even choosing a few things you think are doable can have an impact, though, so just try to do what you can.Ìý

Eat fresh, in season, local food

You’ve probably heard this one before, but it does bear repeating. Choosing food with fewer air miles will reduce your carbon footprint. And the less time and distance your food has to travel, the fresher it’ll be, so it’ll taste better too.Ìý

Although most foods go through some form of processing (even canned lentils are technically ‘processed’ food), the further removed a food gets from its original state, the less nutritious it tends to be. And each food processing step uses energy and creates waste, so the more processed a food is, the bigger its environmental impact may be. So eating fresh, whole foods isn’t just good for your health – it’s also better for the environment.

Eating in this way doesn’t have to be more expensive, as some people claim. You’ll often pay less for produce that’s in season and local – just think about the extra costs involved in transporting fruit and vegetables from other countries.Ìý

Don’t overlook frozen produce, either. Vegetables that are frozen as soon as they’re picked may retain their nutritional value more than veggies that have been in cold storage for weeks.Ìý

You can make the most of seasonal produce that’s in abundance by pickling, canning and preserving. It’s the best way to enjoy fruits and vegetables out of season.

Move away from meat

Meat-lovers, you’re not going to like hearing this – but cutting down on meat is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact.Ìý

While eating locally and seasonally is important, what you eat has the biggest influence on your carbon footprint. Just one kilogram of beef produces 60kg of greenhouse gas emissions, and meat and dairy alone contribute to about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Having at least one meat-free day a week is great, but you can switch meat-heavy dishes for veggie-heavy ones on other days to reduce your meat consumption and up your vegetable intake. Considering a recent health study showed that nine percent of Australian adults aren’t eating the recommended daily servings of fruit and veg, this has double benefits!Ìý

Bulk up with veg

Parents have been hiding vegetables in their kids’ food for years – you can do the same with your meals! Try sneaking grated carrot, zucchini and mushrooms into a spag bol so you don’t need to use as much meat, or thicken up a curry or stew with some pulses to pad it out and stretch the meat you do use further.

If you fill up your plate with delicious, colourful, vegetable-based foods, you probably won’t notice if there’s less – or even no – meat on there.Ìý

Use everything

Food waste is a big problem in Australia – we waste 7.6 million tonnes of food a year. What’s worse is that 70% of this wasted food is perfectly edible. And as food decomposes in landfill, it creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

Storing food properly can extend its life (see below), but getting the most out of your ingredients can minimise food waste, too.Ìý

Here are a few ideas:

• If you’re making roast chicken, save the frame to make chicken stock.
• Turn potato peelings into chips.
• Finely slice broccoli stems and use them in stir fries or as a side dish.
• Put overripe bananas in the freezer to use in smoothies.
• Blitz up limp herbs with olive oil, nuts and garlic to make a delicious pesto.
• Turn bread crusts into breadcrumbs.

And don’t forget your leftovers! Try to make a habit of eating leftover dinners for lunch the next day. Or have a few leftover dinners each week to use them up before they’re past their prime.

The NSW Government’s has some great suggestions for minimising food waste at home if you need some more inspiration.

Other ways to minimise food waste

• Store it correctly: don’t just shove everything in the crisper and hope for the best. We explain how to keep your fruit and vegetables fresh, but remember that some foods don’t need to be refrigerated at all.Ìý
• Harness the power of your kitchen appliances to help fight waste. Your food processor, blender, slow cooker and oven can turn food that’s past its prime into delicious meals. If you have an abundance of herbs, fruits or vegetables, you can extend their life by dehydrating them. You don’t necessarily need to buy a standalone dehydrator – your oven and microwave will work well too.Ìý
• Compost what you can’t eat – or feed some worms! Here are some tips, plus 10 things you didn’t know you could compost.Ìý

Try to cut out single-use plastic

Although it’s hard to break the habit of using cling film, plastic bags and paper towels in the kitchen, there are plenty of products on the market to help – and they’re getting more affordable.Ìý

Here are some ways to reduce single-use plastic products in your kitchen:

• Use plant-based food wrap instead of plastic wrap. We reveal the best and worst eco-friendly cling wraps.Ìý
• Instead of using disposable wrap, try silicone food covers, beeswax wraps or glass containers. Or go old-school and just pop a plate on top of a bowl!
• Take your own containers to the deli instead of using their plastic containers. (You may need to check with your local supermarket, as some won’t accept containers due to hygiene concerns, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.)
• Buy your produce loose, rather than in plastic bags or packaging. When we compared prices in 2018, we found that loose produce is cheaper 53% of the time, so you’ll be saving money too. If you need bags, bring your own fabric bags instead of using the plastic bags in the produce section.Ìý
• If you’re trying to cut out single-use paper towels made from virgin pulp, unfortunately many of the worst performers in our paper towels test were eco-friendly products. Many are also expensive. So you’re better off buying reusable cloths, or repurposing old clothing or material you have around the house into rags you can wash and reuse.Ìý
• If you can’t live without paper towels for some kitchen jobs, there are a few eco-friendly paper towel products that do perform well, including a number made from fast-growing bamboo. Viva Eco 100% Bamboo Fibre scored 74% in our tests, and iCare recycled paper towels all scored 77% and are recommended by our experts. They’re also among the cheapest products we tested – that’s a win for the environment and your budget!
• If you’re brave, you can even do away with plastic bin liners! Honestly, if you’re composting and/or not producing much food waste, then your bin won’t be very gunky, so it’s not as gross as it sounds.

The post How to cook more sustainably appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• What the experts say
• Passive design explained
• Working with the sun
• Insulation
• Sealing
• Windows
• Materials and selection
• Appliances and fittings
• Heating and hot water
• DIY energy
• Water
• Sustainable gardens
• Green your mortgage

Alison Potter sets out to see what sustainable features she can incorporate into her planned reno, including passive design techniques and practical steps around insulation, windows, materials, appliances and even a ‘greener’ mortgage.

An home energy renovation story

It’s late July in Sydney and my three-bedroom timber cottage in the Inner West can get pretty uncomfortable.ÌýWe’re a family of five, and we’re heading towards the Australian mortgage-owner’s rite of passage: a renovation.Ìý

A jet stream of cold air funnels under the front door. It steals through the house, chilling our ankles and chases the warmer air out through the gaps in the unsealed sliding doors at the back. Our unflued gas heater fills the modest living/dining room with a noxious, gassy warmth (OK, so it probably needs a service), but once it’s turned off that precious heat seeps out through the gaps and cracks in the floorboards, downlights, windows, doors and windows.Ìý

Condensation gathers on the ceilings and windows in the cold bedrooms that have no north-facing windows.

On sunny winter days the kitchen is a bright, warm haven thanks to the large north-facing window; in the warmer months it’s a sweatbox, as the cooler southerly breezes cannot penetrate the house. In summer, the main bedroom overheats from the hot afternoon sun through the western window, and without any cross-ventilation, the heat lingers for days.

My gas bill escalates annually and, despite our 1kW solar system on the roof, so does the electricity bill.

The garden, with some plants in pots and a patch of grass, needs a preposterous amount of water in summer to keep it vaguely green. I imagine Warragamba Dam going ‘glug’ each time I guiltily turn on the hose.

In a nutshell, our house is ‘unsustainable’ – it’s forcing us to use a lot of costly energy and water, and it’s uncomfortable. It’s a burden to me, society’s resources and our carbon-overloaded atmosphere.Ìý

We envisage a makeover: a spacious, comfortable, home full of recycled timber, water tanks, solar power and energy-efficient gadgets showcasing modern eco living. However, I’m dubious. I suspect the sustainable features will blow out my budget. Maybe I can add them later?

What the experts say

Luke Middleton from Eme Design thinks I’m taking the wrong approach. He recommends that potential renovators have sustainability in mind from the moment they start. “If the passive design components are overridden by other priorities you end up trying to patch up the problem, bringing more costs,” he says.

“Eighty to 90% of the sustainability of a building comes from the design and the building’s fabric.”

Dr Trivess Moore, RMIT research fellow at the Centre for Urban Research, has some good news. “Research shows that you can get significant improvement for very little additional capital costs.”

The key, he says, is in the layout and design – rather than add-ons after the build.

Choose good design over bigger homes

Matt Day, principal architect with Day Bukh, laments the size and design of many houses these days. “In 1985 the average size of the home was 135 to 140 square metres. Now an average project home is about 240 to 260 square metres.”

Middleton mentions the same trend. “Too often I’ve been in large renovated homes that have living rooms 6 x 5 metres but I could design one that is 30% smaller and far more functional.”

“You are building a home to enjoy it – a home that is comfortable, with a sunny spot in winter, cool retreats in summer. That is far more valuable than one with an extra 30 square metres.”

Spaces should be connected in clever, multifunctional ways, making rooms feel bigger than they are.

Middleton’s theory of less is more brings a bounty of benefits: lower costs in construction and materials, heating, cooling and lighting. And once you’re living in your new home, there’s “less to clean, less to maintain, less vacuuming, and fewer windows to wash”.

Plan for long-term use

Matt Day encourages social sustainability in our houses. This means the home should be both durable (100 years or more) and adaptable to the changing needs of a family for years to come. This avoids the need to relocate and spend on stamp duty, and fosters strong links to the community.

Consider foreseeable combinations of family members and occupants. Older family members may need ground floor accommodation, university students may stay home, and the house may provide income-producing space such as a B&B or home office.

Passive design explained

Passive design is design that’s informed by the home’s site and the local climate to create a structure – or in the case of a renovation, make changes to a structure – that naturally maintains a comfortable temperature range, making the best use of sunlight, shade and natural ventilation throughout the seasons.

It reduces or removes the need for heating or air conditioning, which can be as much as 40% of the average Australian home’s energy costs.

The cost benefit of passive design

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme () measures the energy efficiency of homes on a scale of 0-10 stars. The highest score is 10 stars, and 6 stars is the minimum required under the Building Code of Australia.

Dr Moore has researched the affordability of sustainable buildings and retrofits, looking at the through-life costs of 6- and 8-star homes. “The additional capital cost of a zero energy house with passive design at its core is offset very quickly, within five to seven years, over a standard house,” he says.

A carbon-zero or zero-energy house is one that has no net annual carbon emissions from electricity use or direct fuel combustion e.g. burning natural gas or wood.

A 2012 report from the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency showed that even relatively simple ‘passive’ design can improve the home’s NatHERS energy efficiency rating, without any increase in construction costs.

Working with the sun

A critical element of designing for energy efficiency is the angle of the sun through winter and summer, and its penetration of the house. High summer sun should not hit the window glazing, which should be protected by eaves and other shading. Low winter sun from the north should be able to reach inside the house to warm it.

Our top 9 key passive design features to consider:

1. Install windows to the north to capture winter sun. Use shading and eaves to prevent direct hot summer sunlight hitting north-facing window glazing.
2. Remove or shade the west-facing windows to avoid low-angled, hot afternoon sunshine in summer.
3. Open up ventilation passageways with louvres and openable windows through the house to take advantage of prevailing breezes that can flush out heat, moisture and stale air.
4. Utilise convection (hot air rising) to push hot air up and out of openings in the top of the house in summer, drawing cooler air in from the bottom levels.
5. Choose flooring and internal wall options with high thermal mass (e.g. brick, stone, tiles, polished concrete, compressed earth) to soak up heat to regulate room temperatures. In cold winters (not Darwin), when the lower-angled sun hits the floor or walls, the heat is stored in the material and released at night, regulating room temperatures. In summer, the floor doesn’t get hit with sunlight but instead soaks up excessive heat in the room, cooling the room down.
6. In cooler climates, move living spaces to the north side with north-facing windows (with eaves for protection in summer). In hot climates, move living spaces to the cooler south side.
7. Add internal doors to section off heated and air-conditioned areas.
8. Reduce window to floor area ratios (walls are far better insulators).
9. Insulate the whole shell of the house – floor, ceiling, roof and walls.

Insulation

In winter, 25-35% of an uninsulated home’s warmth is lost through the roof. In summer, an uninsulated home will not be protected from the outside heat.

Insulation can be installed in all parts of the home’s envelope:

• under the roofing material
• in the ceiling between the joists
• under verandah roofs in hot climates
• in bulkheads
• on the inside or outside of solid walls, within stud frames or brick cavities
• on the underside of suspended floors, or use insulation board under floor coverings where the sub-floor is not accessible
• on the sides or the undersides of concrete slabs on the ground in cool climates.

There are different kinds of materials used for insulation, and they have varying ‘sustainable’ qualities. You can find out more at Sustainability Victoria’s guide to choosing .

Sealing

Draughts can account for up to 25% of heat loss from a home in winter. In fact, Australian buildings leak warm or cold air two to four times more than European buildings.

Here are some key areas to look at sealing to save money and energy and create a more comfortable home:

• Doors and windows Gaps around them should be sealed.
• Chimneys Install a damper that can be closed when the fire is off, or a chimney balloon when it’s not in use for a few months.
• Exhaust fans and rangehoods Choose models with louvres that self-close, or install a damper in the ceiling over the exhaust – make sure it doesn’t touch lights and heat lamps.
• Downlights Avoid them. The metal components conduct heat, drawing it up into the roof. And ceiling insulation can’t cover them due to fire risk, creating an ineffective patchwork of insulation.
• Skylights can save on lighting but also leak heat because heat naturally rises to the ceiling. Skylights also allow unwanted heat gain. The Window Energy Rating Scheme website has information on Ìýwith the lowest heat flow.

Windows

The size, position, glazing and frame composition of windows all influence how much heat or cold they gain or lose for the house.

Windows should seal well, the frame should conduct as little heat as possible, and the glazing should resist heat transfer. Thick curtains or blinds will improve insulation.

The design and style (i.e. louvres, outward opening, sliding etc.) should also be chosen to enable passive ventilation pathways, not hinder them.

The sites have more information on choosing the best windows for passive design.

Materials and selection

When specifying materials for a sustainable renovation, look for:

• re-useable, salvaged materials (e.g. timber, stone)
• long-lived materials (brick, timber, stone, earth, steel, cement fibre)
• materials with the highest recycled content (straw, compressed straw with kraft paper faces)
• materials with lowest toxicity (including paints that are low in toxic volatile organic compounds)
• materials that are recyclable
• sustainably harvested or mined materials (e.g. timber from certifiably managed forests).

For more guidance on choosing sustainable building materials:

• YourHome’s .
• – a database of certified sustainable building and household products.
• Forest Stewardship Council’sÌý of certified Australian timber.

Building waste

Each year in Australia, 8.5 million tonnes of building waste ends up as landfill, but much of this could be recycled. Encourage your builder to recycle and find construction and demolition recycling facilities with Planet Ark’s Ìýwebsite.

Recyclable materials include steel, aluminium, gypsum plasterboard, timber, concrete, carpet, bricks, tiles, plastics and most glass.

Watch out for lead-based paints in pre-1970 homes and asbestos in any home built before 1990, and contact your local council for advice about their disposal.

Appliances and fittings

Choose appliances and fittings that rate well in minimising water and energy consumption.

Heating and hot water

Damien Moyse, policy and research manager at the Alternative Technology Association, says the most efficient heating systems are heat pumps – for space heating or water heating.

“No other technologies currently perform at such high levels of efficiency,” Moyse says.

DIY energy

Once you’ve designed your energy-efficient renovation, you can then add the icing on the cake: the ability to generate, store, use and export your own electricity with a solar photovoltaic system.

Consider battery storage when the prices are cost effective to give you greater control of your solar energy use.

Make the best use of your solar PV system and reduce your reliance on imported energy. You could end up using little or no imported energy (zero energy).

Water

Australians use more drinking-quality water per capita than any other country at 100,000 litres per person/year, despite this being one of the driest continents on the planet.

Storage dams deplete river and wetland water flows, affecting the health of local ecologies. Stormwater can degrade rivers, wetlands and oceans, and sewage treatment is resource heavy.

We can reduce our demands on water provision services by using less water, recycling our water, and capturing run-off and rainwater with water tanks for use in your toilets, the washing machine and shower. Also, choose showerheads, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers and taps with a high water-efficiency star rating.

Sustainable gardens

Gardens can soak up 40% of a household’s water use, so choose plants that are suited to the local climate. Pot plants use a lot of water as the roots can’t reach deep into the soil.

Install water-efficient drip irrigation systems to reduce run-off and evaporation.

Lawns are very water dependent but if you really want some, reduce the size or area and choose varieties that are rated low water use. Occasional soaking is better than regular shallow watering as it encourages deep root growth and more resilience to dry conditions.

Storm water run-off can be controlled using landscaping techniques that capture and retain the water onsite. Examples are garden beds, permeable paving and increasing the organic content of soils and its moisture retention.

Greywater is water that has been used in the home through showers, washing machines, basins and taps (not from the toilets). It can be stored in a tank and used on the garden as long as the detergents used are low in sodium and phosphorous.

Green your mortgage

Consider borrowing from, or switching your mortgage to an institution that doesn’t invest in fossil fuels. For many of us, the mortgage is the largest amount of money we’ll have any influence over where it is invested.

There are many lending institutions that steer clear of fossil fuels including Bank Australia, Bendigo Bank, Adelaide Bank, Beyond Bank, People’s Choice Credit Union and quite a few other credit unions.

The post How to create your sustainable sanctuary appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• What is GreenPower?
• What is the Green Electricity Guide?
• What's new in this year's Green Electricity Guide?
• The best green electricity providers
• How do the biggest retailers compare?
• Where does your retailer buy its power?

With household electricity bills already averaging between $1200 and $1800 per year, dependent on your state, paying extra for a greener energy product may not be feasible for many people.

If you do want to support renewable energy and can afford it, the Green Electricity Guide will help you find Australia’s greenest electricity providers.

Greenpeace’s latest review compares and ranks 48 electricity providers according to their green credentials.Ìý

For the fourth release of the guide, small energy companies Diamond Energy and Enova Energy came out on top, and AGL plummeted to the bottom of the list.

On 21 June 2022 Enova Energy was placed into voluntary administration.Ìý

Customers have been advised that their electricity will not be disconnected and they will be transferred automatically to a new retailer. After the transfer, Enova customers can expect to be contacted by their new retailer to arrange payment arrangements moving forward.

What is GreenPower?

GreenPower, a scheme that’s accredited by the federal government, helps you support renewable energy generation. When you buy a GreenPower product from your electricity retailer, you’re paying for electricity produced by renewable power sources that meet a strict set of criteria for accreditation.Ìý

Participating in GreenPower is one way you can reduce your carbon footprint, but it can also substantially increase your energy costs. Based on figures supplied byÌý, the surcharge to your normal power will cost you at least 10% more, but could be up to 50%, depending on what percentage of GreenPower you buy.Ìý

What is the Green Electricity Guide?

The was developed by Greenpeace and the Total Environment Centre (TEC) as a resource for Australian consumers who want to support energy retailers with good environmental credentials.Ìý

Energy retailers are scored on:

• providing clean, renewable energy (35%) – how much dirty coal and gas they rely on
• ending coal use by 2030 (20%) – how much they’re helping to extend dirty coal use
• halting fossil fuel expansion (20%) – whether they’re mining fossil fuels or building new dirty power stations
• support for new renewable energy (15%) – whether they’re helping get new renewable energy into the system
• transparency in marketing (5%) – whether they’re upfront about where their electricity comes from or mask a dirty parent company
• pollution and environmental harm (5%) – whether they’ve breached environmental licenses or are buying electricity from companies that do.

The higher the total percentage score, the greener the retailer. This article summarises the results for 2022.Ìý

What’s new in this year’s Green Electricity Guide?

In 2022 the big three electricity retailers – AGL, EnergyAustralia and Origin – still supply about 61% of Australian households. But smaller retailers are snapping at their heels, and some have built their business models on green energy.

The ‘greenest’ of these – Enova Energy and Diamond Energy – are way ahead of the big three. And there are some reasonably new kids on the block – Energy Locals and Momentum Energy.

But the large energy retailers are gradually getting greener as well, with AGL and Origin committing to a long-term coal-free future. But this hasn’t improved their rankings, with all of the larger energy retailers only achieving one star.

The best green electricity providers

The two best performers are:

Enova Energy – 100%

Partners with Diamond Energy, who only generates renewable energy.

Good points

• Gives half its profits back to the community.
• Sources electricity via customer distributed solar panels.
• Not involved in fossil fuel extraction.
• Lower than average GreenPower surcharge.

Bad pointsÌý

• None to mention.

Diamond Energy – 100%

Relatively small, privately owned, Melbourne-based retailer. Diamond is involved with renewable projects.

Good points

• Only generates renewable electricity.
• Large investment in renewable energy.
• Active support for household solar.
• Not involved in fossil fuel extraction.

Bad points

• Higher than average GreenPower surcharge.

How do the biggest retailers compare?

While Origin Energy, EnergyAustralia and AGL have investments in some green initiatives, those investments are small compared to the money they’ve put into coal and gas generation. Origin Energy and AGL have also invested in coal seam gas (CSG).Ìý

For full results, see the .

AGL – 12%

Publicly listed company that owns gas- and coal-fired power plants. AGL has invested extensively in wind farms and large solar plants, but has also invested in CSG.

Good points

• Strong support for new renewable energy.

Bad points

• Higher than average GreenPower surcharge.
• Australia’s biggest climate polluter.
• Plans to burn coal until 2048.
• Frequently causes local environmental harm.
• Mines coal as well as burning it.

EnergyAustralia – 14%

Foreign-owned private company. EnergyAustralia owns coal-fired power plants and is not clearly opposed to coal or CSG. However, EnergyAustralia also invests in wind farms.

Good points

• Good support for new renewable energy.

Bad points

• Poor marketing.
• Above average surcharge for GreenPower.
• Australia’s second-biggest climate polluter.
• Plans to burn coal till 2040.
• Frequently causes local environmental harm.
• Mines coal as well as burning it.

Origin Energy – 16%

Publicly listed company with more than 4.3 million customers. Origin owns coal and gas plants, but also invests in wind, solar and hydropower.

Good points

• Below average GreenPower surcharge.
• Good support for new renewable energy.
• Good transparency in marketing.

Bad points

• Australia’s fourth-biggest climate polluter.
• Plans to burn coal till 2032.
• Frequently causes local environmental harm.
• Pushes for major gas fracking expansion.

Where does your retailer buy its power?

The retailers that generate energy sell you some of it from their own power stations and they may also sell some to other retailers. They may buy from other power plants and through contracts with third parties. But these purchases are not public.

So, you could buy electricity from a retailer which owns renewable energy power plants, but some of the energy it provides could come from coal-fired power stations.Ìý

And some retailers don’t own power plants and buy all of their power from other retailers.Ìý

While retailers in the UK must make the “fuel mix” of all electricity sales available, Australian retailers aren’t required to do this.

Power-greening tips

The electricity sector is one of the dirtiest industries in Australia, with coal the main culprit.Ìý

If you want to go green and you live in WA, the NT, Tasmania or rural Queensland, where the energy market is regulated, you may still be able to choose a GreenPower option with your retailer.

In the ACT, NSW, SA, South East Queensland and Victoria you can choose a green retailer, but switching plans can be complicated.

Take these steps to reduce your carbon footprint:

• Reduce your energy bills by saving energy and installing insulation.
• Consider rooftop solar power.
• Choose the greenest retailer available.

Jargon buster: Energy terms explained

• Coal seam gas (CSG):ÌýThis is gas extracted from coal deposits. To extract the gas, fluid is usually injected under pressure in the rock in a process called fracking. Some of the risks are unknown, but could involve gas escaping or chemicals entering the groundwater supply.
• GreenPower: GreenPower is government-certified renewable energy. Paying extra for GreenPower means that your retailer sources renewable energy to be added to the grid on your behalf.Ìý

The post How to find the best green electricity provider appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Technology
• Physical environmentÌý
• Laundry
• Kitchen
• General
• Other ways to save money while WFH

Working from home is likely to save you money on transport, takeaways and possibly even office attire (it’s OK, we all wear pyjama pants for Zoom meetings). But you’re almost certainly spending more on your energy bill, with the cost of heating and cooling, lighting and running your home office tech equipment during your workday now coming directly out of your pocket.Ìý

ÌÇÐÄVlog experts weigh in with their tips on saving energy (and money) while working from home.

Technology

If you thought that all that extra tech equipment running from your home office was one of the major costs of working from home, think again. ÌÇÐÄVlog tech whizz Steve Duncombe says tech devices will likely only be making up a fairly small percentage of your total power bill.Ìý

However, there are still some little tricks you can use to save on powering your home office devices.

Don’t leave devices charging all day

When you’re sitting right next to a power outlet, you may be tempted to leave devices like your laptop and phone plugged into the charger, but according to Duncombe, this isn’t a good habit.

“Unplug your devices as soon as they’re fully charged. Leaving them plugged in will not only waste power, it can also degrade your device’s battery.”

Check the settings on your devices

Most modern devices will enter a power saving mode when they’re not being used, but Duncombe says it’s worth checking to see if they can be adjusted to be more efficient.

“Check the settings to see if you can reduce the period of time the device remains on when unattended before switching to sleep or standby mode,” he advises.

“Desktop computers, printers and monitors are the most power-hungry devices in your home office, so pay special attention to them.”

Try a USB desktop fan

Duncombe says desktop fans that plug into your computer’s USB socket can be a very cheap and surprisingly effective way to stay cool while you’re working.

Physical environmentÌý

Climate control and lighting are two of the biggest hidden costs of working from home. But according to ÌÇÐÄVlog expert Chris Barnes, a few simple tweaks can save plenty of energy.

Work with nature

Barnes says choosing a workspace that harnesses natural light and breeze is always a good idea.

“Choose a well-lit, breezy room or even consider working at least part of the day on the balcony or in the garden to make the most of the natural light and air,” he suggests.

Lighting

If you do need to turn on the lights when you’re working, Barnes recommends switching to more energy-efficient LED bulbs in your home office, or even just using a desk lamp to shed some extra light on your workspace.

Climate control

Heating and cooling is where most households use the bulk of their energy, so it’s an area where you can make big savings. Barnes’s top tips for saving energy on climate controlling your home office:

• Make sure your home office is sealed off from the rest of the house before you start heating or cooling the room – use a door snake or draught stopper.Ìý
• In summer, try using a fan and opening the window before you opt for the air conditioner.
• In winter, try some woolly socks, a cardigan or even a heated chair pad before wheeling out the heater.
• Use your reverse-cycle air conditioner for heating rather than a plug-in heater, as they are usually more efficient at heating a room.
• If you are using your air conditioner, set it to a moderate temperature. The greater the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the higher your running costs.

Laundry

One way to offset the increased energy costs from running your home office is to take advantage of being home in the day to save energy elsewhere – and your washing and drying is a great place to start.

ÌÇÐÄVlog Whitegoods Team Leader Ashley Iredale weighs in with his expert energy-saving laundry tips.

Skip the dryer

We all need to take little breaks throughout our work day, so why not make the most of them? Iredale suggests getting some fresh air and sunshine during your workday by taking 10 minutes to hang your washing out instead of using the dryer.Ìý

“Just keep an eye out for rain and make sure you take the washing off the line in the afternoon, before the evening drops below dew point,” he warns.

Wash less often

Iredale says you can probably reduce the frequency of your laundry a little when you’re working from home.

“I’m a huge fan of personal hygiene, but let’s face it: you can get away with sitting about in your trackies for a few days if nobody is going to see you below the waist.”

He even has a laundry saving tip for Zoom meetings:

“Throw on a business shirt or blouse for the occasional Zoom meeting then take it straight off again so you don’t need to wash it every day.”

Kitchen

While it may not be your primary office space, your kitchen will likely get a good workout during the days you work from home, with meal prep, tea and coffee making and of course plenty of staring aimlessly into the open fridge. Our home economist Fiona Mair shares her expert tips for saving energy in the kitchen.

Bulk cook lunches

There’s no doubt that switching from your usual takeaways to a home-cooked meal is likely to save you money and it’s much easier to achieve when you’re working from home. Mair suggests making use of your slow cooker for the best value meals.

“Slow cookers use very little energy, and cooking in bulk also saves on energy, so try making a big batch and freezing individual meals for the week.”

Multitask with your ovenÌý

Pre-cooking your weekly snacks in the oven can also be a clever use of energy, according to Mair.

“Use all the trays in your oven to cook some cookies, muffins or mini quiches all at the same time to save on energy and make workday snacking simple.”

Keep a full fridge

Iredale says there’s plenty of perks of having a fully stocked fridge to cater to all those home-made meals.

“A full fridge is more energy efficient than an empty one because of the higher thermal mass,” he says.

“Plus, if you’re turning over your fridge’s content more frequently there’s less risk of food spoiling and going to waste.”

General

Capitalise on your solar

Working from home is ideal for people with solar panels, because it shifts the energy load of the house to the daylight hours, meaning you’re using more of your own solar power.

Barnes says you should aim to maximise on this benefitÌý when working from home.

“Start running your washing machine and dishwasher during your workday as part of your daily routine,” he suggests.

Switch to more energy-efficient appliances

Pretty much all your appliances will be getting an extra workout when you’re working from home, meaning an inefficient product will end up costing you even more.Ìý

Prioritise switching to energy efficient heating and cooling appliances and fridges and freezers, as these use the most energy.Ìý

Other ways to save money while WFH

Tax breaks

With the increased number of people now working from home, the has introduced a “shortcut method” so that it’s much easier to claim back the extra expenses associated with working from home (including electricity).Ìý

True to its name, the shortcut method is very simple; you can claim a deduction of 80 cents for each hour you worked from home from the period between 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 in your 2020–21 tax return. This saves you the trouble of having to calculate all the individual expenses, although you can still use that method if you’d prefer (or if it’s likely to result in a bigger deduction).

Check if you’re eligible for a government rebate or voucher

Many states offer assistance to those struggling to pay their energy bills through rebates or vouchers.Ìý

For example in NSW you can apply for a if you’re experiencing a short term financial crisis, or alternatively you can apply for an energy rebate if you meet certain criteria such as receiving the .

Switch to a cheaper energy provider

If you’re using extra power because you’re working from home, making sure you’re on the best deal is more important than ever. According to the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), you could save up to $760 a year on your power bills by switching to a cheaper plan.

Read our guide to energy comparison sites to find out the smartest way to switch.

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