Look to the stars to save
The more stars an appliance has the cheaper it will be to run.
“Whether you’re buying a new air conditioner to stay cool this summer or a fridge in the sales, counting the stars will help reduce power use and cut power bills,” Dr Lynham said.
“Ideally an appliance with a four-star energy rating or higher is best bang for your buck.
Dr Lynham said affordable, energy efficient appliances were widely available.
“Take the time to do the maths as an appliance with a low energy rating might be cheaper to buy but it may cost you more in the long run in higher power bills.
“Advances in technology and consumer demand have significantly brought down the price of appliances with higher energy efficiency rating.
“While most energy efficiency labels include a rating out of six stars, appliances with extremely high energy efficiency have an additional rating giving a score out of ten stars,” Dr Lynham said.
Energy efficiency stars can be found on TVs, washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, air conditioners, computer monitors and pool pumps.
With air conditioners, fridges, freezers and pool pumps working overtime in Queensland during the summer months, Dr Lynham said it was a great time of year to consider energy efficient practices.
“A few simple strategies can help keep your power bills in check this summer such as using ceiling fans for cooling instead of air conditioning and using an energy efficient pool pump and timer,” he said.
Reduce your summer energy usage
- Consider using ceiling fans as they’re significantly cheaper to run than air conditioners
- You can save up to 10% off cooling costs for each degree your raise the temperature of your air conditioner
- Clean the filters on your air conditioner to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible
- Connect your hot water system to an off-peak tariff (Tariff 31 or 33) to save on water heating costs
- Consider installing a solar hot water system which can use up to four times less electricity than electric storage hot water systems
- Use an energy efficient pool pump and time, which can save you up to 80% of your pool running costs.Connect your pool and spa to an off-peak tariff to save up to 19% on running costs
- Follow the Queensland Government’s tips to reduce energy usage around your home
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and not as specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice and does not take into account any person’s particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives, financial situations and needs.
More articles
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.