Statewide Appliance Spares Blog

As the cost of living continues to rise, families are seeking clever and practical ways to save on energy bills and cut household costs, without compromising comfort. Australia’s living expenses now rank higher than those in 87% of countries globally, according to Upmove. This places Australia as the 10th most expensive country (out of 68.) This financial impact has many families rethinking their spending habits and exploring effective strategies to manage costs, stay on top of bills, and cut down on everyday expenses. Save on utility bills by adjusting daily habits Your utility bills, like electricity, water, and gas, often make up a large chunk of your monthly expenses.  Making small adjustments to your daily habits can make a big difference. Unplug appliances not in use: Many appliances draw power even when they’re on standby. Thiss can add up to 10% of your electricity use. So unplug chargers, computers, Alexa and other electronics when not in use. Raise the thermostat or your air conditioning: Try lowering your thermostat a few degrees in the winter and raising it in the summer. Setting it to an optimal level can make a huge difference in heating and cooling costs. As an approximate guide, a standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set to 23-25 degrees for summer cooling. In winter, set the temperature to around 19-20 degrees. According to Finder, every degree you increase the thermostat could shave 10% off your bill. Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs: LEDs use about 75% less energy than halogen light bulbs and last 5 to 10 times longer, greatly reducing replacement costs and the number of light bulbs ending up in landfill. Though they may be pricier upfront, they’ll pay off in energy savings over time. Save on energy and maximise efficiency with your home appliances Appliances consume a large share of household energy, so optimising their usage is a great way to save. Here’s how you can cut costs with your home appliances: Washing machine & dryer Run full loads: Always wait for a full load before using your washing machine or dryer. Running partial loads uses the same energy, so maximise each cycle. Switch to cold water: Modern detergents work well in cold water, saving energy by avoiding water heating. Air dry clothes: Air drying is more energy-efficient and helps extend the life of your clothes. Clean the dryer lint trap: Clear the lint trap after every load to improve airflow, reduce drying time, and save energy. Dishwasher Save on energy bills with these handy tips: Run full loads only: Wait until you have a full load before running your dishwasher to save on water and energy consumption. Skip pre-rinsing: No need to pre-rinse your dishes, just scrape large scraps into the bin or compost. Use Eco Mode: Many dishwashers have energy-saving settings that use less water and lower temperatures. Check your manual for options. Delay start: If possible, set your dishwasher to run during off-peak hours for lower electricity rates, or during the day if you have solar panels. Load properly: Arrange dishes to avoid overcrowding and ensure water and detergent can reach everything. Follow your model’s loading guidelines for best results. Regular maintenance: Clean the filter, spray arms, and seals regularly to keep your dishwasher running efficiently. Check out our handy guide to dishwasher filter maintenance. Check the door seal: Wipe down the seal, and if it’s worn or cracked, replace it to prevent leaks and improve efficiency. Refrigerator Clean the coils: Dusty coils make your fridge work harder to cool. Clean them regularly to improve energy efficiency. Check door seals: Damaged seals cause air leaks, increasing energy use. Inspect, clean and replace seals as needed. Set the right temperature: Keep your fridge at 3-4°C and freezer at -18°C for optimal efficiency. Organise your fridge: A well-organized fridge allows for better airflow, reducing strain on the appliance. Keep similar items together and avoid overloading the shelves. Oven & cooktop Save on energy bills with these handy tips: Preheat only as needed, and turn off the oven a few minutes early to use residual heat. Cook with lids: Cover pots on the cooktop to trap heat and reduce cooking time. Batch cook: Plan oven use to cook multiple dishes at once or in succession. Use the oven light: Avoid opening the door, as it releases heat. Instead, check through the window. Air conditioner Insulate your home: Proper insulation and shading keep homes cooler in summer, reducing A/C load. Clean filters regularly: Dirty filters compromise the air quality in your home and make the A/C work harder. Clean every 3 months and replace when needed. Keep windows, doors, curtains, and blinds closed to block out heat during the hottest hours. Use a ceiling fan: Fans help circulate cool air, easing the workload on your A/C. Ceiling fans should rotate clockwise on winter mode and anti-clockwise on summer mode. Avoid heat-generating appliances: Limit oven, dryer, and other appliance use during peak heat hours to reduce indoor temperature. Repair appliances instead of replacing them When an appliance breaks down, many look to replace or upgrade to a new model. Before going down that road, consider repairing as a cost-effective solution.  Repairing can save money, lessen our carbon footprint and safeguard the environment. Fix common issues at home Some minor problems, like a dishwasher that is not drying properly or a vacuum cleaner that’s lost suction power, may need a simple part replacement or an easy fix. Source spare parts online for less Statewide Appliance Spares offers a wide selection of appliance parts from all the leading brands. This makes it easy to repair rather than replace. Use online videos and repair guides Many simple repairs don’t require a technician. Our YouTube channel and blog can guide you through simple fixes that can save you time and money. Reducing your cost-of-living expenses doesn’t require drastic changes but rather consistent small steps.  Incorporating clever energy-efficient habits in your daily life, maintaining your home appliances, and cutting unnecessary expenses, can help you save money. Explore more energy and cost saving tips on the Statewide blog Check out our blogs for easy, practical tips to help you save on your home energy bills: Saving money on Christmas energy bills Our top energy saving tips for the kitchen Our top washer and dryer energy saving tips Top 10 energy saving tips for your air conditioner Need spare parts for your appliances? Statewide Appliance Spares have got you covered! We have Australia’s biggest range of appliance spares for all the leading brands, with fast Australia wide delivery and the lowest prices guaranteed. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze!

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration but it can also be a time of increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills. With all the cooking, cleaning and entertaining that comes with Christmas, it’s important to be mindful of our energy usage. By focusing on appliance energy efficiency, we can save money while still enjoying the festivities. We share some simple yet effective ways to save money on Christmas energy bills. Refrigerator efficiency: Keeping food fresh and energy bills low The fridge and freezer are two appliances that are in constant use during the holiday season. To ensure their energy efficiency, it’s crucial to keep them well-maintained. Clean the coils: The coils on the back of your refrigerator need to be cleaned regularly. Dust and debris can build up on the coils, which makes your refrigerator work harder to cool, and consume more energy. Check the door seals: Over time, these seals can become worn or damaged, leading to air leaks and increased energy consumption. Check the seals regularly and replace them if necessary Set the right temperature: Ensure that your refrigerator and freezer are set to the recommended temperatures. The ideal temperature range for a refrigerator is between 3 to 5°C. Your freezer compartment should be set at -18°C.These temperatures are ideal for food safety and energy efficiency. Keep it organised: A well-organised refrigerator allows for efficient airflow and cooling. Group similar items together and avoid overloading the shelves. This prevents your fridge from overworking to maintain a low temperature. Oven and Cooktop: Efficient holiday cooking Holiday cooking can be a fun part of the season, but it can also be a major energy drain if not used efficiently. Here’s how to cook your favourite dishes while conserving energy: Reduce pre-heating time: Preheat the oven for the minimum required time. Additionally, take advantage of residual heat by turning off the oven a few minutes before the cooking time is up. The retained heat will continue to cook the food without using extra energy. Cook with lids: When using your cooktop, cover your pots and pans with lids. This helps trap heat, reduces cooking time and saves energy. Plan your oven usage: Coordinate your cooking schedule to make the most of your oven. Cooking multiple dishes at the same time or in succession allows you to take full advantage of the preheated oven. This reduces overall cooking time and energy consumption. Use the oven light and window: Opening the oven door to check on your food lets out a significant amount of heat, which can increase cooking time. Instead, use the oven light and window to monitor your food’s progress. Avoid an oven emergency by carrying out some simple maintenance tasks prior to the festive season. Give your oven a thorough clean: Regular cleaning is essential to maintain your oven’s efficiency and prevent the buildup of food residue and grease.  Follow our step by step guide to  oven care and maintenance Check and replace seals and gaskets: Inspect your door seal for any signs of wear or tear, defects or warping. A faulty seal means your oven will use more energy to maintain the right temperature.  If you see any damage, you will need to replace your seal. Replacing your seal is quick and easy. Check out our guide: Replace your oven door seal in 4 easy steps. Dishwasher efficiency Dishwashers are our best friend during the festive season, but they can also consume a significant amount of energy and water. Here are some energy-saving tips for using your dishwasher more efficiently: Wait for a full load: Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load of dishes. Avoid running partial loads as it wastes both water and energy one. Scrape, don’t pre-rinse: Most modern dishwashers are designed to handle food residue, so there’s no need to pre-rinse your dishes. Scrape off any large food scraps into the trash or compost, but you can leave smaller bits on the dishes. Use energy-saving or eco mode: Many dishwashers have energy-saving modes or eco settings. These settings typically use less water and run at lower temperatures, which saves energy. Check your dishwasher’s user manual to see if it has such options. Use delay start: If your dishwasher has a delay start feature, use it to run the dishwasher during off-peak energy hours. This can help save on electricity costs, especially if your utility offers time-of-use pricing. Load dishes efficiently: Properly load your dishes so that they are not overcrowded or stacked in a way that blocks water and detergent from reaching them. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for loading your specific dishwasher model for the best results. Maintain your dishwasher: Regularly clean the dishwasher’s filter, spray arms, and seals. A clean dishwasher functions more efficiently, requiring less energy to get your dishes clean. Inspect your door seal: Wipe down your dishwasher door seal with warm soapy water and a sponge. If you have noticed that your dishwasher has been leaking, do inspect your seal for any signs of wear and tear and replace a cracked or damaged seal. Washing Machine and Dryer: Smart laundry practices With all the extra laundry during the holiday season, the washing machine and dryer can be major energy consumers. Full loads: Wait until you have a full load before running your washing machine or dryer. Small loads consume as much energy as larger ones, so maximise each cycle by washing or drying more clothes at once. Cold water washing: Consider switching to cold water for your laundry. Modern detergents are designed to work effectively in cold water and heating the water for a warm or hot wash is a major energy drain during laundry. Air dry your clothes: Not only is this more energy-efficient, but it also helps preserve the lifespan of your clothes. Clean the dryer lint trap filter after every load:  A clogged lint trap restricts air circulation, prolongs drying time, and increases energy usage Keep it clean with our step by step instructions. Air Conditioner efficiency: Keeping cool without the energy spike The holiday season often brings with it warmer weather, and that’s when your air conditioner becomes a crucial part of keeping your home comfortable. Here’s how to use it efficiently: Seal drafts and insulate: Start by checking for drafts around windows and doors. Seal any gaps and insulate where necessary. Good insulation ensures that your cooled air stays inside, reducing the need for your air conditioner to work harder. Programmable thermostat: Investing in a programmable thermostat can make a significant difference. Set it to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not at home or during the night when cooler temperatures prevail. This avoids unnecessary cooling and saves energy. As an approximate guide, a standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set to 24-25 degrees for summer cooling. In winter, set the temperature to around 19-20 degrees. According to Finder, every degree you increase the thermostat could shave 10% off your bill. Don’t forget to check and clean your filters Check and clean your air conditioner filter regularly. Air conditioning filters can collect dust, grime, bacteria and mould, which can compromise the air quality in your home. In addition, your air conditioning unit becomes less effective, working hard harder to cool the air. By implementing these simple home appliance tips, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your Christmas energy bills. From maintaining your fridge and freezer to using your oven and washing machine more efficiently, every small change can make a significant difference. Remember, a little effort in home appliance maintenance and easy DIY maintenance can go a long way in reducing energy consumption and keeping your energy bills under control this holiday season. Find all your spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares Statewide Appliance Spares is your go-to destination for all your home appliance spares. You will find parts for your fridge and freezer, oven and cooktop, washer and dryer and air conditioning.The biggest range of spare parts for all the top brands, ready for fast Australia wide shipping. All the latest on the Statewide blog Visit our blog for more energy tips. You can also find home appliance maintenance and repairs: Easy tasks you can tackle today. Check out your YouTube channel Subscribe to our YouTube channel and keep up to date on all our latest videos. We share all the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze!