Home Appliance Energy Efficiency: Saving Money on Christmas Energy Bills

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.

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