Energy efficiency

It’s not difficult to save energy in your home. Small changes in the way you use appliances and taking a little extra care will result in significant savings of energy and money, and will contribute to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. The greatest opportunity to save is with appliances that use the most power, such as water heating, space heating and cooling.

In Australia it is mandatory for all of the following electrical products offered for sale to carry an approved energy label:

• refrigerators and freezers
• clothes washers
• clothes dryers
• dishwashers
• air conditioners (single phase mandatory, three phase voluntary).

The Energy Rating Label shows a number of stars to give a quick comparative assessment of the model's energy efficiency, and an estimate of typical annual energy consumption.

The federal Energy Rating website has detailed information about energy efficiency ratings and minimum energy performance standards.

The Living Smart program provides a handy action list to help you keep set goals to save energy.

Appliances

Smartways New Appliance Checklist
You can use this checklist to help select appliances that are both energy efficient and suit your family and lifestyle needs....more

Electric cook tops
Electric cooktops have come a long way in the past decade. In general, the quicker the hobs heat up, the shorter the time the appliance needs to operate and the more energy you save. Horizon Power have a table to let you compare energy efficiency and other features. ...more

Heating and cooling

Passive cooling and air conditioners
When the outside temperature soars your normally cool, comfortable home can become the last place you want to be. Thankfully, there are a range of energy efficient options available to help you control indoor temperatures....more