A 2024 Canstar Blue survey has identified the average quarterly electricity bills across the states and territories in Australia. Tasmania has the highest average quarterly electricity bill at $370, followed by South Australia ($352), New South Wales ($345), Australian Capital Territory ($321), Victoria ($320), Queensland ($315), and the lowest is Western Australia at $296.
Appliances emerged as the primary culprits behind these hefty electricity bills. Data from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water, and the SA Department of Energy and Mining showed that the highest household energy consumption is from heating/cooling at 40%, followed by hot water (25%), electronics (14%), fridge/freezers (8%), cooking appliances (5%), and laundry at 4%.
Fortunately, there’s a solution. By upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, you can significantly cut down on energy costs. But where should you begin?
Here are the top energy-efficient appliances in Australia for 2024:
Heating/Cooling
Since heating/cooling consumes the most energy, it makes sense that you start from this. Below are some of the most energy-efficient heating/cooking appliances you can get in Australia today:
Haier Quartz 2.5kW Reverse Cycle Split System Air Conditioner
This is Haier’s most efficient Australian high-wall air conditioner with a 10-star energy rating. It comes in six kW variations that guarantee it can suit a variety of room sizes. One of its most stand-out features is its UV Protect in Health mode, which kills airborne pathogens and delivers clean air to the room. It has built-in LED UV lights that kill bacteria and comes with a self-cleaning function for continual fresh, clean air.
The Coanda Plus technology ensures even airflow for total comfort. It comes with the SmartHQ app that allows you to turn on the air conditioner from anywhere to ensure you experience the perfect temperature when you get home. You can also use it with Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
Its Turbo function ensures you can enjoy a cool or warm room within a much shorter time, which will save you more energy consumption.
Rinnai J Series
The Rinnai J Series inverter split system air conditioner is another contender in energy-efficient heating/cooling systems in Australia with a 9-star energy rating. It is designed to provide energy-efficient heating and cooling for the home with its high-efficiency inverter compressor that adjusts its speed based on the required cooling or heating load. It also comes with an R32 refrigerant.
The J Series delivers superior airflow, built-in WiFi and voice control, and a high-density air filter that removes contaminants from the air. Its intuitive fresh function helps prevent excess moisture buildup in the indoor unit for optimal performance and hygiene.
Hot water systems
Next on the list are hot water systems. Do you think it’s time to replace it? Below are some of the most energy-efficient hot water systems you can get today:
Midea 300L Split Type Heat Pump
Midea’s 300L model is a great representation of the brand’s commitment to energy-efficient solutions. It is designed for larger households, providing a high COP and significant energy savings. Plus, the heat pump works quietly, which makes it perfect for the home environment.
Ecogenica 290FR Split System
The 290FR split system is known for its high capacity and excellent energy efficiency. It works in a wide range of temperatures, making it ideal for various climate conditions. This hot water system also has low noise levels and can last for a long time.
Fridges
The fridge is a crucial household appliance, but if you’re still using an older model, it’s time to consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient option. Switching can save you significantly on energy costs. Below are some of the top fridge models renowned for their energy efficiency:
Haier 433L Refrigerator Freezer
The Haier 433L was Australia’s first fridge with an 8-star energy rating. It operates on 59.9% less energy consumption compared to a 3.5 Star fridge without compromising on food storage quality.
It is equipped with cutting-edge features to keep food fresh. It has a Humidity Zone bin for fruits and vegetables, while its Multi-Zone Air cooling system guarantees cool air and even circulation of cool air for stable temperatures. The Super Freeze function also freezes food quickly, which helps lock in flavours, texture, and nutrients.
Hisense 503L Bottom-Mount Fridge
The Hisense 503K also has an 8-star energy rating that guarantees cost savings on energy bills with high-end features. It features cutting-edge motor technology within vacuum insulation panels. The fridge is enhanced with a redesigned radiating system and other technical advancements. It can consume only 174kWh per year.
The Hisense 503L also boasts antibacterial crispers that preserve freshness for your produce. It comes with advanced antibacterial technology that ensures fresh produce is preserved. The rear wall of the fridge is overlaid by aluminium metal with six air outlets that guarantee even distribution of cool air.
Cooking appliances
Cooking appliances play a key role in daily meal prep, but they can also be a major source of energy consumption. Opting for energy-efficient models can help you cook smarter while saving on electricity costs.
Bosch Series 4 Built-Oven 60×60 cm
Bosch is Australia’s most trusted brand for ovens in 2022, and it’s because of their durability and high energy efficiency rating. It combines with 3D HotAir and powerful lower heat that lets users cook frozen goods in 20 minutes without pre-heating the oven or defrosting the food. HotAir Gentle heating mode has been improved to distribute heat evenly throughout the oven cavity, which saves more energy. It is also efficient with its three levels of baking. You can cook two dishes at the same time without mixing the flavours.
Electrolux 90cm Gas Wok Burner & 4 Zone Induction Cooktop with Hob2Hood
Perfect for those looking for gas and induction cooking, this Electrolux cooktop is an excellent choice. Featuring four cooking zones with a single wok gas burner, this combination allows for energy-efficient cooking on the induction zones while the powerful gas burner excels in high-heat dishes for flexibility and performance.
Laundry appliances
Laundry appliances are a household staple, but they can be significant energy consumers. Choosing energy-efficient washers and dryers helps reduce both your environmental footprint and your utility costs.
Bosch Series 6 8kg Front Load Washing Machine
The Bosch Series 6 features i-DOS system that automatically doses the optimal amount of detergent and water for every load. It allows for better cleaning performance and efficiency. It also comes with an LED display and dial to make it easy to choose from a wide variety of tasks for specific programs.
Miele 8kg Heat Pump Tumble Dryer
With a 10-star energy rating, Miele’s tumble dryer can save you more on energy costs. It features PerfectDry technology that delivers precision drying. The machine also runs quietly while its EcoDry filter technology ensures lint doesn’t clog the heat exchanger for faster and more efficient drying performance.
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is a practical step towards reducing your electricity bills and minimising your environmental impact. As revealed by the Canstar Blue survey, the high costs associated with energy consumption in Australian households highlight the importance of making informed choices when selecting appliances. Investing in energy-efficient models for heating and cooling, hot water systems, fridges, cooking appliances, and laundry machines can save money and contribute to a more sustainable future. Embrace the benefits of these innovations and enjoy a more cost-effective and eco-friendly home.
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