Have you wondered why your electricity bill is rising? Could it be because your consumption increased? Or was there a mistake in the meter reading?
According to a study released in January 2020, the average annual electricity bill is highest in South Australia, followed closely by New South Wales. Whatever the reason behind the differences, it still pays to monitor your consumption closely.
Energy experts recommend looking into the efficiency of your appliances, especially air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators, and washing machines.
Choose Energy-Efficient Washing Machines
If you are looking for new washing machines, take note of its energy efficiency rating. Choose one with a star rating of at least 3.5. Each star connotes a 27 per cent savings on its running cost.
Front-loading washing machines are the best budget washing machines and are more energy-efficient. The latest models automatically sense the weight of the washing load and use the appropriate water level.
If your home is running on solar power, you will save more if you do your washing during the daytime. Moreover, if solar-powered hot water connects to your washing machine, this translates to more energy savings.
Switch Off the Power
Have you ever wondered if this is true? The truth is that washing machines plugged into a power outlet still consumes power, even if unused. An article by Energy Australia says that standby power could be responsible for up to 10 per cent of electricity bills.
So, make it a habit to turn off the switch after each washing.
Wash on Full Load
Where possible, wait for a full load of laundry before using washing machines. Although small loads may consume less water, they still consume the same amount of energy as full loads. Therefore, check your habits and find a way of reducing the frequency of your washing.
Overloading, however, is not advisable. Aside from damaging the machine, the water and detergent will not circulate well. Clothes will remain dirty, resulting in a second wash.
Make Washing Easier and Faster
Pre-soak your clothes to reduce stains in cold water for 30 minutes before washing. Otherwise, there is the temptation to wash a second time.
Moreover, if your clothes are not too dirty, choose “fast wash” or “eco cycle” settings. Aside from completing your washing sooner, you will be saving on energy consumption.
Clean the Filter
It is advisable to clean the filter of debris monthly. Also, be reminded to remove things left in the pockets – coins, papers, pens. Otherwise, other clothes will have lint and stains. A second, unnecessary washing could be the result.
Wash with Cold Water
There are energy savings in using cold or even warm water. Anything that generates heat consumes electricity. Therefore, washing with hot water will be costly in the long run.
Include dryer balls
If you have a combination washer-dryer, including dryer balls in the wash will reduce drying time. The balls will help in separating the clothes and getting more air to assist the drying process. If you find wool balls, these absorb moisture and will further reduce drying time.
To seriously bring down your electric bill, find out the energy consumption of your current washing machine. Then, apply these seven tips and expect a reduction in your invoice.
Another alternative is to get a home energy meter to track usage. It will show your hourly energy consumption. So, no surprises when your bill arrives.
