Whether you want to reduce your environmental impact, save money on your power bills or increase the value of your home, there are many great reasons to choose environmentally friendly appliances. There are also many ways to look after your appliances and extend their life.
If you’re thinking of buying new appliances for your home, this guide is a great place to start. We walk you through the benefits of eco-friendly appliances, factors to consider and tips for getting the most out of your appliances.
Why buy eco-friendly appliances?
Buying energy efficient and eco-friendly appliances for your home is a great way to reduce your household’s carbon footprint. It’s also likely to save you money in the long run. Eco-friendly appliances tend to be more energy and water efficient, which means lower utility bills.
The manufacturing processes for many home appliances are taxing on the environment. By supporting companies who use sustainable practices and design principles, you can help reduce the impact of your home appliances right from the beginning.
Homes that have sustainable and eco-friendly features are often valued higher by potential buyers and renters. So if you plan on selling your home in the future or renting it out, investing in environmentally friendly features could be a smart move.
A guide to environmentally friendly appliances
Choosing appliances with high energy efficiency ratings is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, but there are also many other factors to consider. How you use your appliances, how you look after them and what brands you buy from can all play a role.
1. Fix rather than buy new
Before you buy a new appliance, consider fixing what you already have. Many broken appliances can be restored with professional repair services. This reduces the demand for new products and extends the life of your appliances.
Keep in mind, some old appliances may have very poor energy ratings. It’s important to weigh up the environmental benefits of fixing the appliance vs buying a new appliance with excellent energy ratings.
2. Perform regular maintenance
One of the best ways to extend the life of your appliances is to have them regularly serviced. A professional service may even help your appliances run more efficiently. Simple maintenance such as changing the air filter in your air conditioner or replacing the seal on your refrigerator can make all the difference.
3. Practice energy-saving habits
If you want to cut back on energy consumption, look for ways to reduce how much you use your appliances. For example, drip dry your washing rather than using the dryer. Open up the windows when there’s a breeze rather than turning the AC on. These green habits can also protect your appliances from overuse.
4. Consider buying second hand
Buying used appliances is often much more affordable and it also has environmental benefits. Buying on the second hand market reduces demand for new products which often take enormous amounts of energy and resources to produce.
However, you don’t want to end up with an appliance that’s ineffective, inefficient or at the end of its life. When buying second hand, look for newer models with high energy ratings and good reviews. Avoid appliances that need significant repairs and look for signs of damage or neglect before buying.
5. Go with higher energy stars
If it’s time to buy a new appliance, go for an option with high energy efficiency ratings. You’ll probably need to pay more at the outset, but energy efficient appliances will save you money in the long run through reduced energy consumption.
Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines are rated separately for electricity efficiency and water efficiency. Make sure you factor in both when making your choice.
6. Research the brand
Consider buying from companies that have sustainable policies and are transparent about their manufacturing processes. Some companies may use recycled materials or smart design principles to extend the life of the appliance.
To make repairs and maintenance easier, look for well known brands or products with easy-to-access parts.
7. Switch to solar power
Switching to a green and clean source of energy such as solar power is an excellent way for households to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. Plus, home buyers and renters in Australia see solar panels as a valuable property asset – that’s how solar panels increase the value of your home.
Rooftop solar panels convert energy from the sun into electricity that you can use in your home to power your appliances. It’s important to get the right size solar power system for your household needs.
Solar hot water systems use solar power to provide hot water to your home. You can use this for washing clothes and dishes, making your appliances far more energy efficient. Speak with your local solar technician to find out more about solar hot water installation Perth.
8. Dispose used appliances safely
It’s important to get rid of your old appliances in the correct way. Many older appliances contain toxic substances which can have a detrimental impact on the environment. Plus, most appliances are made from materials which can be recycled and reused, so simply sending them to landfill is not the best idea.
Use tools like Planet Ark’s RecyclingNearYou and TechCollect to find appropriate drop off points for your used appliances.
Beyond appliances – Other ways to make your home greener
Switching to solar power and upgrading your appliances to eco-friendly options are great ways to reduce your impact on the environment.
Once you’ve got on top of those, consider Installing insulation, improving the passive design of your house, adopting energy saving habits or growing your own vegetables. Switching to eco-friendly options like these is often a win for both the environment and your wallet.
