Just like the three wise men, Queenslanders are encouraged to look to the stars this Christmas when purchasing electrical appliances to save on power bills.
Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham said Queenslanders wanting to save on their power bills should look out for the number of stars on energy efficient stickers, the more stars on an appliance means it would be cheaper to run.
"Whether you're buying a new air conditioner to stay cool this summer or a fridge in the Boxing Day 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.
"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 set to be 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," Dr Lynham said.
Tips to reduce your home's energy use this summer:
- Use your air-conditioning wisely by saving up to 10 percent off cooling costs for every one degree that you raise the temperature.
- Consider using ceiling fans for cooling instead of air conditioning as they are significantly cheaper to run. It's also a good idea to clean the filters on your air conditioner regularly to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.
- Ask your electrician to connect your hot water system to an off-peak tariff (Tariff 33) to save on water heating costs, and consider installing a solar hot water system – which can use up to four times less electricity than a regular electric storage hot water system.
- Use an energy efficient pool pump and timer, which could save you up to 80 percent on your pool running costs, and just like your hot water system consider having your electrician connect your pool and spa pumps to an off-peak tariff. Doing so could cut your future running costs by around 19 percent.
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