Laundry appliances can add up to roughly 10% of an average Australian household’s energy bill. But you can save energy — and in turn money — by following these 8 expert tips from The Good Guys.
- When buying washing machines, look out for the Energy Star Rating label. This will give you an idea of how energy efficient your chosen appliance is.
- Based on the Energy Star Rating label system, each machine is given a score out of 10, while the actual consumption figure – usually measured in kilowatt-hours per year – should give you an idea of how much power the product uses.
- When it comes to water efficiency, Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) is used to rate how much water a washing machine gets through in one cycle. Models are graded between zero and six stars for efficiency, the higher the number of stars, the more environmentally friendly the product is.
- Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing a washing machine. An average washing machine will have a capacity of around 6 to 7kg which should be enough for a typical family of four.
- Opt for a smaller model if there are fewer people in your household – but remember that washing machines last a number of years, so you may want to plan ahead if you expect your family to get bigger.
- Don’t get sucked in by the price of a smaller model. If you’re using it twice as much, it’s false economy and it will actually cost you more in the long run.
- Use cold water in your washing machine whenever possible and only use your washing machine when it has a full load.
- Old washing machines tend to be less energy and water efficient so you may want to consider upgrading your machine in order to be more energy efficient.
– For more information on The Good Guys products and expert advice visit their website here.
