If you’re overwhelmed by the rising cost of living and want to know how to reduce your energy bill, you’re not alone. But the good news is there are immediate steps you can take to cut energy costs without sacrificing comfort.

One of the most common reasons for high energy costs is outdated appliances and inefficient usage habits (leaving the air conditioner on all night!). Making some simple adjustments to the ways you use your appliances can lead to significant savings—and those small changes add up over time.

So which appliances are typical energy guzzlers what are some ways to kerb the cost of running them? Appliances Online Product Expert, Colin Jones has the answers and provides 25 practical ways to start reducing your household energy costs today.

How to reduce your energy bill

Dishwashers

Dishwashers run for extended periods and involve multi-stage cycles dependent upon electricity. But for many families, the dishwasher is essential. Colin has some excellent tips to get your usage costs down.

• Take advantage of the delay start feature: If you’re on a time-of-use electricity plan, scheduling your dishwasher to run during off-peak hours (often overnight) can save you money.
• Wash only full loads: There’s no need to use the same amount of water and energy for a smaller load when you can fill the dishwasher.
• Keep filters clean: Regularly cleaning the filters ensures your dishwasher runs at peak efficiency.
• Use the eco and half-load settings: The eco mode reduces energy by heating water slowly over a longer cycle, while the half-load setting minimizes water and energy use when you don’t have a full load.

Washing machines 

Like the dishwasher, the washing machine is a must-have in most busy households, saving time and effort when it comes to cleaning clothes. But are you doing the following?

• Opt for cold wash cycles whenever possible: Washing with cold water can cut your washing machine’s energy consumption by up to 80%.
• Wash full loads only: Running the machine with smaller loads still uses almost the same amount of water and energy as a full load.
• Maximize spin speed: Using the highest spin speed will leave your clothes drier, which can help reduce energy use when drying them in a clothes dryer.

Dryers

Colin suggests drying your clothes outside wherever possible as airdrying is the most energy-efficient method. However, in the middle of winter, this isn’t possible for a large region of Australia, so if you do need to use a dryer, consider the steps below.

• Spin your clothes well in the washing machine: Thoroughly spin your clothes before using the dryer, as it takes much less energy to remove water through spinning than by heating.
• Use the auto-sensing feature on your dryer: This setting prevents over-drying, saving energy and being gentler on your clothes.
• Ensure proper ventilation and clean the lint filter: Make sure your dryer is vented outdoors to prevent indoor moisture buildup and clean the lint filter after every load for optimal performance.

Fridges and freezers

Running around the clock every day of the year, fridges and freezers are some of the biggest energy guzzlers in the home. But it is possible to get your running costs down.

Placement

• Ensure there is at least a 5cm air gap around the fridge for proper ventilation.
• Keep fridges away from ovens or direct sunlight.

Temperature settings

• Opt for a model with thermostat controls, or use a fridge thermometer to ensure proper temperature.
• Fridge compartments should be set to 3°C.
• Freezers should be set to -18°C.

Maintenance

• Regularly clean the door seals.
• To check the seal, place a piece of paper in the door and close it; if the paper stays firmly in place, the seal is working.
• If you don’t have an auto-defrost fridge, defrost it when ice buildup exceeds 5cm.
• Dust the fridge coils at least once a year.
• If you’re away for an extended period, empty, clean, and turn off the fridge, leaving the door slightly ajar to prevent odours or use holiday mode, which keeps your freezer running while powering down your fridge to a low-power or unpowered state

Daily use

• Let food cool before placing it in the fridge.
• Avoid overfilling your fridge or freezer to ensure proper airflow.
• Minimize how often you open the door and avoid leaving it open too long.
• Don’t stack food packages in the freezer to prevent them from freezing together.
• If you have a second fridge used only occasionally, turn it off when not in use and only power it on when needed.

If you are still struggling to reduce household energy costs despite trying all of Colin’s tips above, it might be time to consider upgrading your appliances to more energy-efficient models. This can make a significant difference in your monthly bills … and add a modern touch to your home.

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How have you managed to lower your household energy costs? Leave a comment below.