• 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
    • 20240206_185022-01Before & after: tiles steal the show in 90s kitchen revamp
    • IMG_0235Kerb appeal: 3-bedder given fresh new look for retirees
  • 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
    • Copy of Gallery Image Greylac KitchenStone Ambassador’s success story goes truly national
    • TheClassicOutfitter_AbbieMelle_43Quartzite is the new ‘it’ stone but it’s more than just Taj Mahal
  • 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
    • COMMERCIAL_GoldOverBlue_28May2025_0007What’s new in furniture and homewares: May 2025
    • Screenshot 2025-05-19 at 1.02.34 pmClean your carpets professionally at home without the dry time
  • 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
    • Montage Apartment by Studio PrineasApartment takes out two major categories in design awards
  • 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
    • Simple Chicken TikkaFoodie Friday: simple chicken tikka + win a copy of BINDAS
    • 1293660_lifestyle Crossland Pearl GL-Porc Txt Rect 597×1195 UNI_Crossland_AMB 02_Living_PearlHow to bring your favourite travel destinations home
  • 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 •

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

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…

FacebookPinWhatsAppEmailTweet

May 31, 2021

Primary Sidebar

Popular This Week

  • Australian bathroom standards: dimensions explained by an expert

  • Apartment takes out two major categories in design awards

  • Castlery team up with stylist Steve Cordony as brand ambassador

  • A spa-like bathroom and a bold powder room for Northcote home

  • Modern architectural gem is perfect for family living

Follow us on Instagram

Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS! Brand new furniture in an 1877 house and IT WORKS!

@castleryau have named the talented stylist @stevecordony as their first Australian brand ambassador and he's curated a capsule of their furniture which he styled to perfection at his stunning country house @rosedale_farm 

I was lucky enough to see the pieces in situ last week and I honestly couldn't believe how well it all worked! They were going for accessible luxury and well, he delivered, and then some!

Head to the blog via link in bio to read more about the partnership.

#castlery #castleryau #stevecordony #rosedalefarm #affordablefurniture #australianstylist
If you pick your restaurants for the interior as m If you pick your restaurants for the interior as much as the food, you might want to add @pinosalmare  by @nicgrahamandassociates to your date night list! 😍

@smartstoneaustralia's stunning Calacatta Viola sintered stone surface features throughout, making a bold statement while being durable enough to be used in the busiest areas.

Inspired by Puglia, Pino's (named after the owner's father) in Cronulla has a real seaside vibe. The Smartstone was also chosen for the outdoor tables due to its UV stability.

#calacattaviola #smartstone #restaurantinteriors #restaurantinteriordesign #italianrestaurantsydney #engineeredstone #sinteredstone
SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jas SPA VIBES was the brief for this bathroom and @jasminemcclellanddesign delivered. And then some!

"With a keen eye for design, they wanted their main bathroom to feel calm, spa-like and elevated with more storage, better layout, and soft, layered textures in a neutral palette. Lighting was another big focus, with the goal of creating a space that felt luxurious enough to unwind in, preferably with a glass of champagne in the bath.”

Is it a yay or a nay for you?

Head to the blog via link in bio/stories for all the suppliers as well as a look at the powder room with its bold wallpaper 😍

#spabathroom #zenbathroom #spavibes #bathroomremodels 

📸 @jonathantabensky
Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get Vacuums, mops, empties itself. Slim enough to get under the lowest furniture and beds.

Comment 'enter' and we'll DM you the link to enter for your chance to win this top of the range $1499 robot from @ecovacs_anz, the DEEBOT T50 PRO OMNI.

Good luck!

#robotvacuumcleaner #robotvaccum #robotvacuummop #robotmop #smarthome #houseworkhacks
>>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮 From cold t >>>Swipe for the transformation! 😮

From cold to cosy!

This primary ensuite for a successful career woman working in luxury cosmetics and homewares is sexy, strong, girly, but sophisticated. We love its warmth and personality.

If you'd like to take the tour and find out where everything is from, comment 'luxe' below and I'll send the link to your DMs!

Bravo @howardlanedesigns 👏🏼 
📸 @capturedbykels__

#ensuiteinspo #ensuitedecor #ensuitegoals #marblebathrooms #statementstone
The latest addition to my @kirstenjackson_gallery The latest addition to my @kirstenjackson_gallery collection. This is a framed canvas and the quality is amazing. I feel like beautifully framed canvas prints are the perfect affordable halfway point when it comes to art.
What's your decor style? Spring, summer, autumn or What's your decor style? Spring, summer, autumn or winter?

I could have told you I was spring even before I took the quick quiz to find out, and pleased to report the quiz gave me the right result!

Comment the season you THINK you are below (spring, summer, autumn or winter) and I'll send you the link to the quiz so you can double check!

Fun!

This quiz from @templeandwebster jumps on the colour analysis trend for fashion and applies it to interiors!

#seasonaldecorating #seasonaldecor #colouranalysis
The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday w The @thermomix_au TM7 launch in Sydney yesterday was a real treat. Such an exciting and sleek looking upgrade to my favourite kitchen machine!

The new look speaks for itself and, as usual, the engineering is impressive. Here's the biggest changes that stood out to me:

1. It's SO quiet and in fact SILENT up to a certain speed 
2. It has a much bigger 10 inch screen
3. A new insulated, cool to touch bowl (the inner metal bowl detaches to wash)
4. A gorgeous new matte black design with fluted and herringbone details and made of 30% recycled materials 👏🏼 

Enjoyed a beautiful lunch all prepared, naturally, in the Thermomix! Was great to meet @mise_en_place_aus in real life as well as special guest dessert queen @kirstentibballs and catch up with the lovely Thermomix team.

Tag a friend who'll be coveting the TM7! It's available from next week!

#thermomixtm7 #thermomix #thermomixaus #thermomixlover
Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Chec Awards are always a great place to get inspo. Check out the kitchen and bathroom of the year winners in this month's @hia_au @csrdwelling Housing Awards. There's more winning homes and rooms to check out in our blog post on the homepage, via link in bio or stories now. 

Kitchen by @build.theory Bathroom by @birdblackdesign and @aspire_constructions 

#hiaawards #hiaawards2025 #awardwinninghomes #australianinteriordesign
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: Just One Thing To Elevate Your Interior, featuring Australia's top design talent.

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

About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. She founded Interiors Addict in 2011. Jen also works as a copywriter and comms consultant to small business owners and brands, helping them with their own content as well as working out what will make them appealing to the media.

More from Appliances

5 simple hacks to lower your energy bill this winter

Win the new super slim robot vacuum and mop from DEEBOT

Clean your carpets professionally at home without the dry time

Innovative new Swedish mixer lands in Australia

Jen’s kitchen styling tips and must-haves: pretty meets practical

Win a RYOBI 18V ONE+ Brushless Wet & Dry Hard Floor Cleaner

Kmart’s new collection in collaboration with Indigenous artist

Win the latest Tineco cordless stick vacuum in time for Christmas

Is this Melbourne’s most expensive kitchen?

Promo Area

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 © 2011–2025 Addicted Media Pty Ltd
Website care by ClickWP · Log in