• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Interiors Addict

Heart Your Home

@interiorsaddict on Instagram   @interiorsaddict on Facebook   @interiorsaddict on Pinterest  
Subscribe
  • Job Board
  • About
  • Before & Afters
  • RENO ADDICT
  • Kitchens
  • Bathrooms
  • Kids Rooms
  • Bedrooms
  • Living Room
  • Shopping
  • Expert Tips
  • Recipes
  • Parenting
  • Travel
Interiors Addict
  • Job Board
  • About
    • Our Story

      Australia’s largest interior design, styling and renovation blog for the everyday Aussie. By former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop, the original interiors addict!
      READ MORE

      We’re big on Instagram!
      @interiorsaddict

      • About
      • Contact Interiors Addict
      • Work with Interiors Addict
      • Advertise / Find a job in Interiors
      • Press
      • Get Your Free Ebook

        This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • By Room
    • Browse by Room

      Where you can search for all our posts about a specific room. Only interested in kitchens and bathrooms? We got you!

      • Kitchens
      • Bathrooms
      • Kids Rooms
      • Bedrooms
      • Living Room
      • Home Office
      • Dining
      • Laundry
      • Outdoor & Exteriors
      • Renting
    • bookcover-jens-reno
  • Before & Afters
    • Before & Afters

      Who doesn’t LOVE a good before & after? If you want to be inspired by the whole reno process, and not just the shiny photos at the end, this is the place for you!

      View Articles

      • Before & Afters
      • Jen’s reno
      • Real Renos
      • RENO ADDICT
    • AFTERKitchen and bathroom updates extend the life of Sydney home
    • Living and diningRun-down period home given new life in Melbourne
  • Reno Addict
    • RENO ADDICT

      Looking for reno inspo? Find it all here, from other people’s projects to the latest trends, tools and products, whether you’re DIY-ing or employing trades.

      View articles

      • Reno Products
      • The Block
      • DIY
      • Reno Trends
      • Before & Afters
      • Real Renos
    • AFTERKitchen and bathroom updates extend the life of Sydney home
    • LaundryStylish laundry no longer hidden behind a door
  • Shopping
    • Shopping

      Want to know where to buy the latest furniture, homewares, rugs, art and more? We’re always sharing our latest finds and telling you where you can buy them.

      View Articles

      • Furniture
      • Homewares
      • Art
      • Smart Home
      • Appliances
      • Reno Products
    • 4473037a-ef84-4db1-8449-e15b219e2cebJen’s best ways to cosy up your interior
    • Screen Shot 2023-08-13 at 8.51.43 pmMelburnians will love this colourful art inspired by their city
  • Inspiration
    • Inspiration

      While Jen’s a legitimate interiors addict, she’s no design professional, so she calls on an army of the country’s best to share their expertise with you. Be inspired by their stories too!

      View Articles

      • Decorating 101
      • Interviews
      • Expert Tips
      • Before & Afters
      • House Tours
      • Designers
      • Styling
      • Renovating
      • Real Renos
      • Covet my coffee table
    • AlfrescoA light-filled NSW coastal holiday abode from SOUL Home
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle

      We’re mostly about the home but Jen also likes to share other things she thinks you’ll love, like food and travel.

      • Recipes
      • Travel
      • Parenting
    • Penne-Alla-VodkaFoodie Friday: Penne alla vodka (dairy free & vegan)
    • Palazzo Segretti design roomDream holiday? Check out this design lovers’ tour to Milan
  • Jobs
    • Advertise on our job board
    • Job Board FAQs for advertisers

Energy efficiency tips (by appliance and by room) in your home

By Jen Bishop •

FacebookPinEmailTweet

With World Environment Day coming up this Saturday 5 June, Colin Jones, category expert at Appliances Online, has compiled all his favourite tips and tricks to help you create an energy-efficient home, especially during the cooler months.

“Apart from wanting to keep warm this winter, these are some tips that Australians can use all-year-round to help keep costs down and minimise their environmental impact,” he says.

LAUNDRY

Washing machines

Wash at the right temperature – For everyday clothes and lightly soiled garments, wash with cold water so your machine uses less energy. However, as cold water does not always remove stubborn dirt and stains, we recommended setting the temperature at 30 degrees, when needed. This temperature is suitable for most garments, while still minimising energy use. You can also pre-soak heavily soiled garments to help break down grime before putting it in your machine.

Wash at the right time – Take advantage of off-peak rates and find a washing machine with a Delay Start feature or programmable timers. This allows you to set the washer to operate at a specific time, which is not only a cost-saving benefit, but can also help you plan your washing around your schedule.

Use Quick cycles and eco programs – Eco programs are specially designed cycles that optimise energy and water use to help you cut down usage with every load. When you need to wash a small, lightly-soiled load, opt for Quick or Fast wash cycles, which uses less energy than an everyday cycle.

Dryers

Opt for a heat pump dryer – Heat pump dryers are very economical on energy consumption and most have a high energy rating. Heat pump technology recycles hot air back into the dryer to reduce energy consumption. If you intend to use your dryer more often, this means greater savings on power bills over time.

An Esatto heat pump dryer

Clean the lint out – Clean your dryer filter after each use. This allows air to pass through efficiently for optimal operation. When your lint tray is full of particles, your dryer needs to work much harder to push heated air through your drying clothes. Some heat pump dryers have a self-cleaning condenser, which can save you both time and money.

Fill your appliances effectively – Washers and dryers are most efficient when you use it with an appropriately-sized load. Loading your dryer correctly according to garment size and weight means your dryer will take less time drying each load. Look for smart washing machines with sensor technology, which detects the size of the load and optimises the water level in the wash.

KITCHEN

Fridges & freezers

Upgrade to a fridge with a high energy star rating – Look for a high energy star rating when selecting an energy-efficient fridge. As refrigeration technology continues to develop, newer fridge models tend to use the least amount of energy. Look for models with optimal airflow as this circulates the air inside the fridge and freezer, to ensure even and efficient cooling.

Keep it full – Fridges and freezers work by cooling the air inside, therefore you can save energy by keeping your fridge as full as possible. This ensures less air inside the fridge that needs to be continuously cooled. Make sure you have the right size fridge to suit your household. Larger fridges that are always empty can waste power over time.

Keep it sealed – Try and keep your fridge as airtight as possible. Older fridges may need replacement seals around the door. Also, refrain from opening your fridge unless you need something, as the more you open the fridge door, the more cold air will escape.

Cooktops & ovens

Opt for induction cooktops – Induction cooktops are considerably more energy-efficient than standard electric cooktops. This is because induction uses a magnetic field to heat your cookware. This means faster heat-up, minimal heat loss, and precise temperature control.

A Bosch induction cooktop

Upgrade your oven – When upgrading your oven, look for one that offers greater door insulation, such as oven doors with multi-glazed glass. This helps to keep the heat inside. Fan forced ovens are also more efficient as they speed up the cooking process by circulating the hot air inside the oven cavity.

Five cooking tips for an energy-efficient home:

  • Thaw frozen food before cooking to save time and energy.
  • Cook your vegetables with steam instead of boiling as this uses less energy.
  • Select the correct pan or pot size for your hotplates and cook with the lid on when you can.
  • Use the minimum amount of water in your pot and bring the liquid to the boil quickly on a high setting before turning the heat down.
  • Fill your kettle once and use the residual heated water to refill, so that water and heat isn’t wasted.

Dishwashers

Invest in a heat pump dishwasher – Heat pump dishwashers are designed to be energy-efficient, with some models awarded an impressive 6-star energy rating. This innovative technology enables heat to be reused to reduce energy consumption.

A Fisher & Paykel dishwasher

Fill it effectively – The most effective thing you can do to conserve energy with a dishwasher is to make sure it is fully loaded before you run a cycle, instead of running multiple small loads. If you only want to clean a few items, look for dishwashers with a half load function.

Use the right program – Getting to know your dishwasher’s features ensures cleaner dishes and efficient operation. Some models have features like an Eco program, which is engineered to efficiently clean your dishes. Try using the rinse or pre-wash cycle of your dishwasher, instead of rinsing your plates under the running tap.

Air dry – Some dishwashers offer heated dry functions. But try to minimise the use of this feature as it can waste a lot of power. Instead, open the door of the dishwasher to let your dishes air dry naturally. Some dishwashers offer a handy automatic door-open feature to let moisture escape after the cycle.

LIVING ROOM & BEDROOM

Heating

Keep the heat in – Covering your windows and doors at night with coverings such as curtains and draft stoppers to keep the cold out, and the heat in. Remember to close doors between rooms not being used to retain heat.

Select the right heater – Gas and convector heaters are the more energy-efficient options. Selecting the correct size heater for the room is also important. A heater that is too small for a large area will not heat up the area properly.

A Rinnai natural gas heater

Ensure your home is well-insulated – Having insulation installed in your roof will ensure your home will be cooler in summer and warmer in winter, providing comfort all-year-round.

WATER-SAVING

10 water-saving tips for your home

  1. Ensure the dishwasher is full, and dishes and cutlery are well-arranged before you start a cycle. If you only have half a load ready, you can use the “rinse-hold” setting until more dishes are ready to go in. 
  2. When purchasing an appliance, consider the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) rating, as it can show you how much water and money your household can save.
  3. Larger pots and pans should be washed by hand, leaving room in the dishwasher for plates, cups, and other day-to-day items. When hand washing, use a plugged sink or a pan full of fresh water to rinse your dishes.
  4. Install inexpensive water-saving solutions such as a flow-controlled aerator on taps, which can substantially reduce the amount of water used.
  5. Invest in a water efficient washing machine. A front load washing machine rated with WELS 4 stars or higher is the ideal water-efficient choice.
  6. Regularly check for leaking taps or faulty plugs as these can waste large amounts of water and can easily be resolved.
  7. New innovative technology has meant that the capability to heat water is instantaneous. This not only reduces a household’s water wastage, but saves energy too.
  8. Get in the habit of taking quicker showers using a timer. Every drop counts, so this can help you save large amounts of water everyday.
  9. Remember to turn the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth, or shaving.
  10. Use washing-up liquid sparingly as this will reduce the time and water needed to rinse away excess soap.

For more information

Passive house design: a stunning Sydney example
With the environment and energy use top of mind for many Australians, we’ve seen many sustainable design and building practices emerge; the latest of which is the ‘passive house.’ Originating…
Sustainable living: 6 ways to build a greener home
Building a more sustainable and low maintenance home requires careful planning but the payoff can be huge. From style to cost-effectiveness, longevity to eco-sustainability, it can often be confusing and…

FacebookPinEmailTweet

May 31, 2021

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • New Kaboodle range embraces vibrant colour for kitchens
  • AFTER Kitchen and bathroom updates extend the life of Sydney home
  • Darren Palmer Darren Palmer’s new sustainable, ethically made rugs
  • Australian kitchen dimensions: standard sizes for every last detail
  • Steph & Gian’s almost perfect Block master bedroom score

Follow us on Instagram

GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Bl GET THE LOOK. All the finer details of Sunday's Block master bedroom walk ins on the blog now.

Which was your fave?

Via latest posts link in bio now.

#walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #wardrobes #wardrobe #wardrobe #bedroomstorage #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #theblockroomreveals #theblock #theblock2023 #kinsman #kinsmankitchens #kinsmanwardrobes #dressingroom #dressingtable
A home that got all its extra special details AFTE A home that got all its extra special details AFTER handover with stunning results!

When Emma Fuller built her family home five years ago, she went with the ‘basic’ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldn’t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

“Although the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didn’t mean I was going to let the dream go,” says @hamptonsinhighfields 

Patience and hard work have definitely paid off and today on the blog we are showing you how she did it from adding a fireplace, bench seat, wallpaper, french doors, a mudroom, built in bookcases, fretwork, kitchen island trim, IKEA wardrobes and more!

Via link in bio now.

#newbuild #hamptonsaustralia #hamptonsnewbuild #fretwork #benchseat #benchseating #fireplace🔥 #fireplacedecor #ikeahacks #diymudroom #mudroom #kidsroomwallpaper #frenchdoors #frenchdoor #hallwaydoors #frenchdoorpantry #butlerspantrydesign #newbuildupgrades
Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or bo Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or boring!

The latest @kaboodlekitchen trends release, in collaboration with stylist @jono.fleming, are anything but. These are just 4 of 6 new colours for the brand, sold in Bunnings.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the others (hint: one of them might be pink! 🩷). You'll also find out how to get a free copy of the latest Kaboodle edit magazine sent to you, chock full of inspiring real projects like my navy laundry!

Which of these is your pick? Would you venture outside of a white kitchen? What colour is yours?

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodlelaundry #kaboodle #flatpackfurniture #flatpackkitchen #bunningskitchen #flatpackcabinets #budgetkitchen #ontrendkitchens #colourfulkitchen #colouredcabinets #kitchencolourtrends2023 #colourtrends2023 #boldkitchen #jonofleming #interiorsblog #interiorsaddict #bunningsdiy #heartyourhome #realreno #realrenovations #kitchenbeforeandafter #kitchenonabudget #colourfullaundry #flatpacklaundry
Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own rug range this week and they're a bit gorgeous! 😍 These are the kind of beautiful, neutral, textured, natural, ethically and sustainably produced rugs that will stand the test of time.

Pop over to the blog via link in bio to read our chat with him.

“I believe in the democratisation of good design,” says Darren, who wanted the rugs to be affordable. “It was very important to me that they were ethically made, and they are all Good Weave certified ensuring that no child labour is involved in their creation."

#darrenpalmer #darrenpalmerofficial #darrenpalmerinteriors #theblock #rugshopping #rugdesign #ruggoals #rugmaking #naturalrugs #sustainablerugs #ethicalrugs #jute #juterug #juterugs #handcarved #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #heartyourhome #goodweave
Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost pe Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost perfect score on the Block last night.

Even if their bedsides weren't exactly generous, they were bigger than most last night. What was going on there?!

As ever, love to know your thoughts. See more, read the judges' comments and shop the looks via link in bio now.

#theblockroomreveals
#theblock #theblock2023 #blockshopper #masterbedroomdecor #masterbedroomdesign #mastersuite #mastersuites #walkincloset #walkinwardrobe #walkinrobe #theinteriorsaddict #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome #realreno
The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designe The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designed to give your home an endless summer feel ☀️

The Dilllon rattan bedhead is $399, the Blair buffet (swipe) is $469 and (swipe again) the rattan Canyon cabinet is $259.

See more on the homepage now via link in bio.

#rattanlovers #rattan #rattanfurniture #rattandecor #rattanbed #rattanbedhead #timberbuffet #mockaaustralia #mocka #affordablefurniture
My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! Bu My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! 

But check out my navy laundry looking perfect in the new issue of @kaboodlekitchen's edit magazine (and the reality!).

Two years on, we're still loving this room!

You'll also see the entertainment unit we created with the same Berry Blue Kaboodle.

Get a free hard copy sent to you (it features many other gorgeous projects using Kaboodle flatpack) or download the digital version via link in my bio now. Enjoy!

#kaboodlekitchen #kaboodle #kaboodlelaundry #flatpack #bunnings #interiorsaddictfamilyhomereno #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #barndoor #laundryroomdecor
▶️ Swipe for before! Bathroom of my dreams 😍

Overcrowded with fixtures and with very little natural light, this main bathroom was in need of an update. The existing window was removed and replaced with custom steel bi-fold doors with clear glass above and ribbed for privacy below. “They provide an abundance of natural light and connection to the beautiful garden and incredible view. Indoor or outdoor bathing is now optional!” says Darren Genner of @studio__minosa 

Head to the blog via link in bio to see this home's KITCHEN transformation.

#outdoorbath #outdoorbathroom #outdoorbathtub #gardenbathroom #gardenviews #bifolddoors #steelbifold #blacksteeldoors #blacksteeldoors #bathroombeforeandafter #studiominosa #bathroomdesigninspiration #interiorsaddict #theinteriorsaddict #jenbishop #heartyourhome  #indooroutdoorflow
IKEA laundry GOALS! Swipe to see the enviable bank IKEA laundry GOALS! Swipe to see the enviable bank of cupboards opposite and the very uninspiring before!

We love this makeover by @hamptons_inspired_ 

Moving the back door and replacing it with a French door to add natural light was a game changer but adding all that storage, for school uniforms, her Dyson, ironing board and much much more, made the biggest difference!

"We love the laundry so much that we no longer have an internal door on it. We leave it open to allow the natural light to pour in the hallway and it’s great being able to access the wall of cabinetry without having a door in the way. We couldn’t be happier with it all.”

All the finer details and where everything is from on the blog now via link in bio. Enjoy!

#laundryroomdecor #laundryroommakeover #laundryappliances #laundrybeforeandafter #laundryroomgoals #ikealaundry #ikeapax #ikeapaxsystem #ikeahacks #hamptonslaundry #hamptonsinteriors #realreno #interiorsblog #interiorsaccount #interiorsaddict #jenbishop #theinteriordaddict #farmhousesink #herringbonetile #herringbonetilefloor #herringbonetiles
Follow on Instagram
Visit Jen's profile on Pinterest.

Get Your Free Ebook

Ebook cover

Never miss the latest renovating and interiors products, news and inspo again! Sign up for our newsletter and we'll send you the best bits from the blog, direct to your inbox. Plus you'll get our latest eBook: What Made The Biggest Impact in Jen's Own Reno.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Avatar

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

More from Appliances

The new next generation Tineco PURE ONE S12 Platinum

Did you know Thermomix do vacuum cleaners?

Australian kitchen & laundry latest: Coloured fridges and more

When should you repair, replace, or upgrade an air con unit? 

Block’s Andy & Deb share kitchen & laundry tips from new reno

5 kitchen speed cleaning tips from a professional organiser

Sustainable kitchen features being chosen by 95% of renovators

Win a world first in vacuum & mop combos from iRobot worth…

Frama hand wash

The best-looking pump handwashes for your bathroom

Footer

Interiors Addict

Interiors Addict

  • About
  • Contact
  • Work with Jen
  • Press
  • Jobs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy

Browse

  • RENO ADDICT
  • Jen’s Reno
  • House Tours
  • Real Renos
  • Interviews
  • Styling
  • Designers
  • Bedrooms
  • Covet My Coffee Table
  • Expert Tips
  • The Block
  • Art
  • Furniture
  • Recipes

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RENO ADDICT

Copyright © 2011–2023 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP · Log in

Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

Email sent!