energy saving products
- Hot Water
- Insulation
- Fans
- Air conditioning
- Lighting
- Washing Machines
- Clothes Dryers
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators and Freezers
- Cook tops
- Microwave Ovens
- Steam Ovens
- Standby Power
Whether you're building or renovating a home or simply need to replace or purchase new home appliances, it's wise to consider the benefits of energy saving products. You'll save more than energy - you could save money and do your bit for the environment.
We offer the following detailed information and advice to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Hot Water
Solar
Solar water heaters have the potential to use less energy than other types of systems because they use energy from the sun to heat approximately 80-95 per cent of your hot water requirements. All solar water heaters are storage water heaters. The size of storage unit and number of collector (solar) panels required relates to the amount of hot water needed. Solar hot water units can be fitted with either an electric or gas booster to maintain a thermostatically set temperature. Special models are available for areas prone to frost.
Electric Heat Pump
Heat pump-type hot water systems are currently the most energy efficient type of electric hot water system for the home and are estimated to be up to 66 per cent more energy efficient than storage-type electric hot water systems.
They operate in a reverse manner to a refrigerator or air conditioner, extracting warmth from the air to heat the water. Heat is extracted from the atmosphere, causing refrigerant to boil in an evaporator. A small compressor then increases the pressure and heat in the system is directed towards the water via a condenser connected to the storage cylinder. This type of system can collect energy under all weather conditions with atmospheric temperatures above 5°C in an open area. Heat pumps require electrical connection and must be located externally.
Star rating system
All new gas water heaters and solar hot water heaters with gas boosters are rated for energy efficiency. The Energy Rating label, displayed on the heater, uses stars to show the energy efficiency of a water heater. The more stars, the more energy efficient the unit and the lower its running costs when compared with another similar unit in the same situation. Thankfully, that means lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Choose your hot water system with the future in mind
Many hot water systems are purchased without consideration of running costs or installation charges. The cheapest unit to buy may not be the most energy efficient to operate. The Australian Government currently offers rebates for replacing or displacing electric hot water systems with solar or electric heat pump units, offering greater rebates for more energy efficient models. Many systems last in excess of 25 years, however, we recommend you choose an energy form, system type and size of unit with projected energy charges that will suit your needs and budget for at least the next 10 years.
Low flow shower roses and tap aerators
A water restrictor or flow control nozzle will reduce the amount of water flowing from your household taps and can save approximately one-third of all the water consumed in the shower. For example, a five-minute shower with normal shower rose uses approximately 150 litres (of which approx 58 per cent, or 87 litres, is hot water). A five-minute shower using a restrictor or flow control shower nozzle uses approximately 50 litres of water (of which 29 litres is hot).
Insulation
Insulation reduces the amount of heat entering through ceilings or walls, keeping rooms cooler in summer, while helping to keep warmth inside your home in winter. Home insulation is designed to increase your comfort levels and minimise the use and running cost of cooling and heating appliances, thereby also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Correctly installed insulation in the ceiling can make a big difference in the size and operating times of the air conditioning unit you need.
How much insulation is required and the type of insulation depends on the climatic region you live in and the design of your home.
When choosing insulation, the most important factor to consider is its ‘R’ value. This is the measurement of a material’s resistance to heat flow and therefore its performance. The higher the ‘R’ value, the greater the resistance to heat transfer and the greater the energy savings. In some cases products with a different ‘R’ value will provide similar insulation performance.
Properly installed insulation to a recommended ‘R’ value is believed to lower ambient room temperatures by approximately 2°C. Ceiling insulation with an ‘R’ value of 2.5 can reduce up to 35 per cent of heat from entering your home in summer and keep generated heat inside during winter.
Fans
Ceiling fans should be carefully located, remembering air flow is limited to the area beneath the fan. Ceiling fans are available with three, four or five blades and the speed of these can be controlled through a multi-speed controller, or a special switch which allows for greater variations.
For maximum efficiency, the distance between the centre of the blades and the ceiling should exceed 30cm.
Desktop fans are best for personal cooling only. The blade dimensions vary and some are fitted with timers.
Gyro-air fans feature motor and fan blades in one sturdy container. The front louvres turn and direct air into every corner of the room, or they can be locked into one position for personal cooling.
Pedestal fans are best suited to large areas. Height adjustment allows for easy positioning, with newer models featuring remote controls and timer functions.
Deck fans operate at high velocity moving large amounts of air at various speeds. These units can consume up to approximately 250 watts and are best suited for use in weatherproof covered outdoor areas.
Air conditioning
Reverse cycle air conditioning not only provides comfortable and cool temperatures in summer, it is the most cost-effective form of heating. If installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, reverse cycle air conditioning can be up to three times more efficient than other electrical heaters and even better in comparison to some gas appliances.
Inverter type air conditioners can save you money in running costs compared to non-inverter types, consuming less energy by adjusting your climate levels automatically*. You can use the following formula to calculate the running cost of an inverter-type air conditioner.
Running cost = kilowatt input x cost of electricity (in cents/kWh) x hours run per day x % run time of compressor (as advised by manufacturer).
* Manufacturers advise inverter type air conditioning units are up to 30 per cent more energy efficient than standard fixed speed type units.
Star rating system
Domestic air conditioning units must be manufactured in accordance with Standard AS/NZS 3823. This standard specifies the mandatory energy labelling requirements for single-phase non-ducted air conditioners (of the vapour compression type) for household use.
The energy labels rate each unit’s energy efficiency on a scale of one to six. The labels also list the energy consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh) when tested to the Australian Standard.
Reverse cycle units carry two star ratings, cooling marked in blue bands and heating marked in red bands. Information for cooling-only units can be found marked in the blue band.
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) requirements apply to single-phase and three-phase refrigerative-type air conditioners up to a rated cooling capacity of 65 kW.
Recent changes to MEPS require manufacturers to improve energy efficiency levels of air conditioning units. New models must meet MEPS, however, there are some models currently available on the market that do not. To select a more energy efficient air conditioner compare the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). This can be calculated by dividing the unit's output (capacity) by the input (energy used). The higher the ratio the more energy efficient the unit.
Be sure to compare models of similar features and size and consider the information printed on the label.
Lighting
Energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps consume up to 80 per cent less electricity than comparable incandescent lamps and last up to eight times longer, i.e. 20 watt energy efficient fluorescent lamp = 100 watt standard bulb for the same light output.
Ordinary fluorescent lighting is more economical than incandescent lighting on a watt-for-watt basis and can also give five times the light of an incandescent bulb.
To further reduce your energy consumption consider these tips:
- Frequent switching shortens lamp starter life, however, fluorescent lamps CAN BE switched ON and OFF as needed without affecting operating costs.
- It's wise to be energy efficient: if a light isn't required, turn it off.
- The wattage of a bulb doesn't measure the amount of light it gives, but rather the energy used to light it.
- Clean lamps and shades frequently for better lighting and to reduce any fire hazard from dust.
- Use lampshades with a white liner to reflect more light.
- Dimmer switches are not suitable for fluorescent lighting.
Washing Machines
Front loading machines have no agitator, making it possible to fit more washing inside the drum than similarly sized top loading machines. A revolving cylinder uses a reverse tumble action, gently moving the clothes with the aid of fins or paddles fixed to the inside drum to keep them in constant action for easy soil removal. The unique wash action is gentler on clothes and requires less water and energy than other types of washing machines.
The latest designs of front-loading machines have sensors that automatically determine the amount of water and detergent required to clean the load inside the machine - saving valuable resources.
Most front loading machines have inbuilt thermostats and require only cold water connection. The thermostats heat the wash cycle water to the desired temperature for optimum results, saving hot water, energy and money.
High spin speeds extract more water from the load, making drying quicker and more energy efficient if using a clothes dryer.
Front loading machines feature a variety of programs, water levels, drum rhythms, spin speeds and drain options together with time delay options and automatic detergent and fabric softener dispensers that make washing convenient for you.
Benefits of using a front loading machine
You save energy – some front-loading washing machines require a cold water connection only, most feature built-in thermostats to heat the wash water to the temperature you program, saving you energy on hot water usage. The motors of front-loading type machines use less energy than other types of washing machines.
You save water – because of the wash action in a front loading machines, they're able to provide a thorough wash using much less water. Some top loading machines use between 105–230 litres of water per cycle whereas a similar capacity front loading machine may use as little as 45 litres.
You save detergent – many front-loading machines have a ball valve situated in the sump that keeps all the detergent within the wash bowl, enabling detergent savings of around 20 per cent per load.
You save money – the unique rise and fall wash action will clean clothes more efficiently, saving you money on detergents and stain removers. As this action is considered gentler on your load, clothes will last longer, providing more saving opportunities. Also motors of front loading machines use less energy and hot water consumption is minimised.
Clothes Dryers
Sensor control clothes dryers allow you to set the degree of dryness you require for your load. The machine then electronically senses when to turn itself off. The temperature setting is usually a choice of low or normal, to suit different fabric requirements. Linen to be folded and stored will need to be drier than clothes that are to be ironed when they are removed from the machine.
Inside the drum is a series of sensors that measure the degree of moisture conductivity. When the programmed setting is reached, the machine usually turns off the element, and continues to tumble the load for a pre-set cooling down time. At the end of the cooling period the machine may intermittently rotate until the door is opened or pre-determined time reached. Some sensor control machines also have timer control options.
Automatic sensor programs can save energy, time and money if the user habitually over estimates drying time when setting the timer on conventional type dryers.
Dishwashers
Most dish washing machines:
Save you water – your kitchen sink uses between 19–22 litres per wash. Using a dishwasher daily will save at least 20 litres per day compared to washing up after each meal.
Save you time – household dish washing machines are usually used once a day, dish washing by hand three times a day can add up to 225 hours per year of your time.
Save you money – using an energy efficient dishwasher can save you money on hot water, detergent, and extra laundry costs associated with tea towels.
Are more hygienic – the heat of the wash water and drying cycle in dishwashers is usually between 50–70°C, killing most disease-carrying germs and negating the need for tea towels.
Mean fewer breakages – less handling leads to fewer breakages and chipping.
How a dishwasher works
Cycles usually start with a cold rinse that softens the stains, rather than a hot rinse that can cause protein foods like egg and pasta to harden and bake on dishes. The water is gently heated to the desired washing temperature for your chosen program.
The dishwasher combines physical, thermal, and chemical actions, forcing a mixture of extremely hot water and detergent over dishes.
Water is circulated many times as it is directed through spray arms and pipes at various pressures, allowing most dishwashers to clean delicate glassware and grimy pots simultaneously.
Interim and final rinse cycles can be a mixture of cold and/or hot temperatures depending on the drying method of the particular machine.
Refrigerators and Freezers
When purchasing new refrigerators and freezers, the simplest way to check the energy efficiency of comparable size and types is to compare the Energy Star Ratings label. More stars also mean the fridge or freezer uses less electricity to achieve the same level of performance. The energy rating is determined by testing the appliance to an Australian Standard.
Lower energy usage figures also mean lower running costs.
The Energy Star Ratings label shows an energy usage figure that indicates how much electricity the fridge or freezer may use over 12 months under test conditions. Refrigerators and freezers are divided into seven groups for Energy Star Ratings. The groups differentiate between configurations and type of frost removal.
An easy way to make sure you choose the most energy efficient refrigerator or freezer is to ask for Australia’s top energy performers – Top Energy Saver Award (TESAW). TESAW is an award system recognising the most efficient star rated products on the market. It applies to both electric and gas products that carry a Energy Star Ratings label. It is an award system designed to help you quickly identify the most efficient products on the market. The award is updated every year and the scheme replaces the previous Galaxy Award system.
Cook tops
Gas cook tops
Gas cook tops are favoured by many for precise control when cooking since they offer instant and direct heat. Gas burner sizes vary from the small, round, low flame simmer burner, increasing to medium, large, or oval fish burners through to the high powered two or three ring wok burner. Gas is directed through the burner ring to burn a blue flame giving you immediate heat at a power setting from simmer to rapid boil.
Electric cook tops
Induction is the most efficient type of electric cook top. Induction works according to a simple principle. An electronic circuit supplies power and electronically controls an inductor coil inside the appliance. The coil generates a magnetic field when a suitable saucepan is placed on the cook top’s surface. This causes induction currents to flow through the base of the pan. The currents transform the saucepan into a heating source by heating up the base of the pan - not the cook top surface. The current is automatically cut when the pans are removed from the cooking surface.
Microwave ovens
The variety of microwave ovens on the market is quite extensive. Some of the special features offered by manufacturers to improve energy efficiency include:
- Combination microwave ovens - these offer the best qualities of microwave and conventional cooking combined in one appliance, providing speed, versatility and browning. Time intensive meals such as roasts cook in a fraction of the time a conventional oven would take.
- Automatic sensor controls - there include automatic cook, automatic re-heat and automatic defrost. To operate, select the automatic program for the kind of food you’re cooking and the microwave oven automatically calculates the cooking, re-heating or defrosting times and power levels.
- Rotating turntables - these ensure food receives an even distribution of microwave energy.
- Stirrer fans - may be situated at the top of the oven cavity behind a face plate. They distribute microwaves evenly throughout the oven, eliminating the need for a rotating turntable and allowing you to use more space and larger-sized dishes.
- Computer control panels - these record the operator’s instructions on cooking power, time delays, start-and-stop function and auto start, then accurately carries out the program. This control panel can also operate a meat probe, temperature-hold setting, automatic sensor and many other functions. The multifunctional digital clock/readout serves as a kitchen timer, as well as displaying the power setting, temperature and chosen program.
- Memory programs - these allow you to program any combination of cooking power and time, together with defrost, hold and cooking cycles.
- Browning by convection heat - this is designed to give overall browning and crispness to items previously cooked by the microwave.
Steam ovens
Steam ovens circulate steam and air around the food, cooking it quickly while offering healthy cooking results. Available in single and multi-level capacities, this type of oven is considered ideal for cooking vegetables, fish, seafood, some desserts and frozen products. These ovens may feature a water-level-low indicator lamp and either manual or automatic timer. Steam ovens are approximately the same size as a microwave oven and are designed to be built into kitchen cabinetry or sit on a bench.
Standby power
Have you ever considered which appliances in your home consume electricity when you are not actually ‘using’ them?
Recent studies have revealed that up to 10.7 per cent of Australia’s household electricity consumption (92.2 watts per household) can be attributed to energy used by appliances and electronic equipment when not performing their primary function! These appliances may include your television, VCR, microwave oven, air conditioning unit or washing machine. (Please refer to your own manuals to ascertain the actual energy consumption of your individual appliances.)
Definition of ‘standby’ appliances and equipment with a ‘standby mode’ may include any household product that consumes power while not performing its primary function. A simple definition of ‘standby’ is when an appliance is at its lowest power consumption when connected to mains power, even if the appliance is turned off.
‘Passive standby mode’ is a term used to describe when a product or appliance is not performing its main function but is ready to be switched ON (in most cases with a remote control) or is performing some secondary function (e.g. has a display or clock). This mode also applies to power supplies for battery operated equipment (portable appliances intended for use when disconnected from the base station) when the appliance is not being charged.
‘Active standby mode’ is mostly applicable to VCRs and some stereo equipment where operating involves some mechanical drive (DVD and CD players, tape players). ‘Active standby’ is when the appliance is ON but not performing its main function. For example the VCR may be ON but is not playing or recording. This mode also applies to power supplies for battery operated equipment (portable appliances) when the appliance is being charged (various sub-modes).
‘Off mode’ is a term to describe a product or appliance that is connected to a power source but does not produce any sound or picture, transmit or receive information or is waiting to be switched ON by you. If the product has a remote control, it cannot be woken by the remote control from OFF mode. While the product may be performing some internal functions in OFF mode these are not obvious to the user.