If you’re thinking about upgrading the appliances around your home, there are a few things to consider when it comes to energy-efficiency. Here are our top tips for making a energy-savvy purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While some appliances may seem like a steal at first glance, they could end up costing you more in the long run. That\u2019s where the Energy Rating Label \u2013 where more stars indicate energy efficiency, less indicates otherwise \u2013 comes in handy. The label allows you to easily see how much electricity an appliance will use compared to a range of models with similar features and capacities. There\u2019s also another piece of advice on each label that can be used to figure out the real running costs \u2013 the annual energy consumption figure \u2013 which we\u2019ll get to a little later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re in the market for a new washing machine or dishwasher, you\u2019ll also want to pay attention to the Water Rating Label. Like the Energy Rating Label, it allows you to quickly compare the water efficiency by showing the rate of water consumption \u2013 such as flow rate, litres per flush or litres per wash \u2013 easily helping you decide which appliance will best suit your budget and give you the best water and energy savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To work out the cost of running your new appliance, it\u2019s worth going to the store armed with the rate you pay for your electricity usage in kilowatt hours (kWh). For example, if you pay 24c per kWh for your electricity, you can use the average annual energy consumption figure on the Energy Rating Label to calculate the yearly cost to run. If it says the appliances uses 542kWh annually, just multiply that by 24c, to come to an annual total electricity (usage) cost of $130.08. This will give you a great frame of reference between two items with the same star rating. This handy appliance calculator<\/a> can also crunch the numbers for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If it\u2019s time to upgrade your gas hot water heater, stove or oven, perhaps it\u2019s time to consider making the switch to an electric version. By electrifying your home, you can take further advantage of solar<\/a> and battery power<\/a> (whether that\u2019s now or in the future) and improve your home\u2019s carbon footprint<\/a> in the process. There are also other eco-friendly alternatives you might consider, like solar hot water systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Save some coin when upgrading your appliances with Origin Rewards<\/a>. We\u2019ve partnered with a range of stores including JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys, so you can get a great deal when purchasing new appliances. Simply log in to the Origin app<\/a> or My Account<\/a> and head to the \u2018Rewards\u2019 tab to take advantage of a range of discounts \u2013 it\u2019s our way of saying thanks for being an Origin customer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The opportunity for energy saving doesn\u2019t end after you\u2019ve lugged home your purchase and installed it. Adopting simple energy saving habits<\/a> like ensuring your new AC is set to 24 degrees Celsius in summer, and between 18 – 20 degrees Celsius in winter, keeping filters clean and switching appliances off at the wall when not in use can all help reduce your household\u2019s energy bill ongoing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re an Origin customer, you can get rewarded for switching off. Spike, our energy-saving<\/a> rewards program, gives you points for hitting your energy-saving goals (forecasts) during peak times (SpikeHours). You can then redeem your SpikePoints for PayPal cash and gift cards – which you could spend on more pieces to spruce up your place. Whatever\u2019s on your wish list, you\u2019ll be saving money<\/a> on your energy bills and treating yourself too.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMake the switch to electric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Upgrade your appliances with Origin Rewards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Get energy savvy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Switch off and get rewarded<\/h2>\n\n\n\n