Install Efficient Appliances and Fixtures
The cost of energy and water is rising and the effect is increasing. Large household appliances (including fridges, clothes dryers and dishwashing machines) and toilets, taps and showers consume the bulk of our household energy and water.
The Federal Government's Water Rating site notes that replacing a single-flush toilet with a water-efficient dual-flush system will reduce household water use by around 1000 litres per year, as well as saving $50 each year over the life of the system.
Similarly, the product comparison charts in the Federal Government's Energy Rating site shows that the difference in the ongoing operating costs between an average family fridge (two-door, 300+ litre volume) with an Energy Star Rating of 2½ and a similar fridge with an Energy Star Rating of 5 (out of 6) is between $750 and $1,000 over a 15 year period, depending on use and the cost of electricity.
Start thinking medium to long-term and invest more now to get the most energy efficient appliances and fixtures. You'll reap the environmental and financial benefits for years to come.
How to do it now!
When you're in the market for large appliances and fixtures use the 'star labelling system' to inform your understanding of the operating costs of your home.
Energy and water ratings and consumption measures - Both the Water and Energy Rating systems use a combination of a 6-star rating system and an energy/water consumption estimate to inform you of the efficiency of the appliance or fixture.
Energy labelling - It is mandatory for all of the following electrical products sold in Australia to have an approved energy label:
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refrigerators and freezers
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washing machines
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clothes dryers
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dishwashers
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air conditioners (single phase mandatory, three phase voluntary)
An energy use comparison table of all the products in the above categories is available, with more information about the energy labelling system, on the Energy Rating site.
Water labelling - It is mandatory for all of the following water products sold in Australia to have an approved water label:
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showers
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tap equipment
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flow controllers
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toilet (lavatory) equipment
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urinal equipment
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washing machines
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dishwashers
A water use comparison table of all the products in the above categories is available, with more information about the water labelling system, on the Water Rating site.
Rebates for installing efficient appliances - The Our Water Our Future website provides details on the Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate scheme and gives you the chance to save water and money when you purchase eligible water-saving products between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2011. In addition to this scheme the Resource Smart website provide details on a range of rebates available for energy efficient appliances including a whitegoods appliance rebate. Check our Rebates and assistance page for government rebates for installing energy efficent appliances and fixtures.
Push to have the energy and water labelling programs expanded - Both the above rating programs don't cover the full range of products available. Write and request that these programs apply energy labels to products such as televisions, home entertainment centres and the like as soon as possible. In addition, requesting that the current labels are extended to indicate the embedded energy and water of a product (ie the energy and water required to manufacture the product), which would enable you to view the full environmental impact of your purchase.
Why this action is important?
Science is telling us that we need to live more sustainably - more in tune with nature. In order for humans to establish a sustainable civilisation we must mimic and aspire to the efficiencies found in nature. This action is intended to help people understand the win-win nature of efficiency and to assess technology and behaviours in terms of their long-term returns (financial, environmental and intergenerational).
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