This Canstar Blue article investigates what home appliances use the most power and provides tips on how to save on your power bills.
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What uses the most electricity in the home in Australia?
Home appliances with low energy efficiency ratings can lead to power bill shock. Some home appliances can contribute more to energy usage than others. The easiest way to check energy efficiency ratings on your appliance is through visiting the Energy Rating website. Some home appliances consume more energy than others, which can be helpful to consider when budgeting for energy bills.
Canstar Blue has listed the top six energy draining appliances below, as well as cost guides for each.
1. Fridges
Refrigerators are appliances that constantly use electricity, which is why having optimal size and energy efficiency can significantly decrease your energy bill. A fridge that is too big can waste electricity, while choosing one that is too small could require purchasing and powering at least one more fridge.
Optimising fridge position and its cooling settings can also help save energy. Keeping fridges in cool spots or adjusting temperature settings can help save electricity in the long run.
Want to know how much running your fridge is costing you? Find out in Canstar Blue’s refrigerator running cost analysis.
2. Oven
If you are a household that uses the oven a lot, it’s important to understand how it could impact your energy bill. Whether you use electricity or natural gas to power your oven can play a significant role in how much your usage will cost you. Oven settings and controls can also impact your usage amounts, so be sure to read and understand your oven features.
To improve your oven’s energy efficiency, use pots with lids and make sure the oven door is closed whenever possible.
How much is cooking your meals costing you? Find out with Canstar Blue’s gas vs electric oven running cost guide.
3. Washing machine
Picking the right-sized washing machine for your household is an important first step when trying to save energy. Energy efficiency can vary for washing machines, mainly depending on whether you have a top loader or front loader model. This might be something worth considering the next time you are in the market to buy a new washing machine for your home.
You can also save energy by using the cold wash option and loading the machine to capacity.
See where you could be saving with your laundry habits in Canstar Blue’s washing machine running cost analysis.
4. Clothes dryer
Household usage habits will directly affect the cost of having a clothes dryer. Avoid overfilling the dryer, this will slow down the drying process and lead to greater energy usage. If you’re on a peak/off-peak electricity plan, schedule washing and drying during off-peak electricity hours to take advantage of lower electricity costs.
Energy use will vary depending on what type of dryer you have. Be sure to research which model may be best for your household next time you are in the market for a new dryer.
See how much it costs to run your clothes dryer with Canstar Blue’s dryer running cost guide.
5. Air conditioner
According to the Energy Rating website, reverse-cycle air conditioners are the most energy-efficient type of heating and cooling system. However, different households require different warming or cooling, so it is a good idea to do your own research before purchasing or upgrading your air conditioning system.
Keeping an eye on temperature and other air-conditioner settings can help reduce some energy costs, particularly during warmer months. Setting a timer for usage and keeping doors and windows closed to minimise cooled or warmed spaces can also help keep costs down.
See what types of air conditioners are the cheapest to run in your home with Canstar Blue’s summer cooling costs analysis.
6. Home entertainment
Entertainment devices are typically left on standby permanently and consume energy in peak times. According to Sustainability Victoria, standby power can account for up to 10% of your electricity bill. With televisions and entertainment systems contributing to energy consumption, opt for more energy efficient options when purchasing a new one. You can also save energy by turning appliances off at the power outlet when not in use.
How much is your entertainment setup costing you? Find out with Canstar Blue’s TV running cost guide.
Compare cheap electricity plans
Identifying high energy users at home is one way to lower your energy plan, while another involves ensuring that you are on the cheapest plan available in your state. Below are some cheap plans according to Canstar Blue’s current database.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Find out which appliances use too much electricity
The government’s Energy Rating website is a good place to start when considering home electricity consumption and running costs. When assessing how much energy appliances use, consider your individual usage requirements that can put costs beyond the “average user” range.
It also helps to know how to read electricity ratings on each appliance to determine how energy-efficient they are. These ratings are in the user manual or on the Energy Rating sticker at the front or side of the appliance.
Alternatively, you may track home appliance usage through a home energy monitor or mobile phone app from your power company.
Tips to save on your home energy bill
Besides installing energy monitoring equipment, you can:
- Find out your large appliance’s energy usage
- Approximate your own appliance usage
- Find out how much your provider charges per kWh of electricity
- Calculate approximate running costs for those energy-drainers
- Encourage natural ventilation
- Check for draughts
- Install efficient appliances and fittings
- Check the hot water system
- Minimise hot water use, especially when washing clothes
- Shade your home
- Invest in solar panels
- Insulate your property
- Consider double-glazed windows.
Searching for energy-drainers at home can contribute to a more manageable electricity bill next quarter. You can also consider more energy-efficient appliances.
Image Source: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com
Refrigerators, freezers and ovens are arguably the most frequently used and energy hungry kitchen appliances. When making your next purchase, consider paying upfront for more energy efficient models. Also keep in mind that even though the fridge and oven are the biggest kitchen energy drainers, even your kettle can add to your energy bill.
According to AGL’s website, average washing machine and dryer usage represents the majority of laundry energy use.
An average Australian lounge room has a variety of electrical appliances. Although fish tanks can use more energy than you might realise, your television and air conditioner remain the biggest energy users in that part of the house.
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