How to Check if Your Appliances Are Eco-Friendly

Although the existing appliance is still operating, still some of us imagine buying a major appliance.

But you may begin to have a different opinion when you consider how your current refrigerator, dishwasher, or washing machine affects your life and the world in general.

Think of your current device as a toxic friend who pulls down in ways you feel subconsciously, but can’t fully define. When you rationalise the purchase of a new and more efficient appliance, everything seems to fall in place and make more sense of buying it because it’s a highly practical solution to an urgent matter.

Unnecessary purchases are a major factor that may affect the environment. Electronic waste is one of the many rubbish that only sits in landfills and causes the environment to struggle in recovering. Do not purchase any equipment that’s not needed. Ensure that they are really necessary and calculate their appropriate size and efficiency level. To guide you, here are some of the tips that may help you make sure that your appliances at home are eco-friendly.

Tip #1: Understanding Star Ratings

All refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners and televisions in Australia are required to carry a label that indicates their energy efficiency star rating. This varies from one to 10 red stars, suggesting a more environmentally friendly system with a larger number of stars.

The mark also gives an estimate of the appliance’s annual energy use in kilowatt-hours per year. This statistic offers a basis for comparison, even though it does not mean much to most of the consumers. Also, for washing machines and dishwashers, the present six-stars indicates the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) rating. The higher the blue-star score is, the better.

Tip#2: Think Long Term  

What’s popular right now is probably not going to be in 5 years. Keep this in mind, so that you don’t buy something you will get sick of in the future. That bright green washer and dryer may look cool now, but after a few years, you might feel a little different since it’s outdated. Eco-friendly appliances last a long time and don’t add much to Australia’s growing electronic waste statistics. If it can last longer, monitor your equipment to avoid wasting it too quickly in the future.

Tip #3: Size Matters 

The larger the appliance, the more energy it takes to make it operate like a heavy-duty washing machine. Are you really in need of the largest model? Bigger isn’t always better, and things shouldn’t sit around in the fridge anyway for weeks on end in an era where fresh and sustainable foods are the focus. It’s better to choose a smaller version of your favourite model and enjoy greater savings in energy.

Tip #4: Settings

From steam clean to pre-wash, most modern appliances come with a variety of settings. While these appliances pose as solutions that provide you convenience, they are not always essential. However, you may want to check out their settings that maximise its use as an eco-friendly appliance. For washing machines, it has a cold water option; dishwashers also have power-saving modes and air dry, these are just a few settings you’ll probably want to look for.

Tip #5: Regular Maintenance 

You’re not the only one who, now and then, requires good grooming. To find out what regular cleaning your appliance may require, be sure to read through your owner’s manual. Common tasks include cleaning the vents of the dryer, vacuuming the coils of the fridge and emptying the drip tray, and running a natural cleaning agent like vinegar through your dishwasher. With these tasks, you can maintain them in good condition, and there is no need to dispose of appliances in a short period.

Tip #6: Making a Repair 

You’re not going to discard a car because it has a flat tire, and your appliances do the same. If your appliances start to malfunction, you can start researching some of its possible problems, or you can have it checked by a technician. Not only can you be sure of finding what’s wrong, but you can also figure out how to fix it yourself as well if it’s only minor damage. But if it involves complex problems, you can hire a technician for it.

Conclusion

Appliances are useful, but there are times when it can harm the environment, especially when dumped in landfills. That is why there is a need to make our appliances be as environmentally friendly as possible. It doesn’t mean you have to alter everything about the way you live your life to commit to treat the earth as kindly as possible. It just means that we need to be mindful of the choices we make and the potential impact they might have.

For more information and advice about eco-friendly appliances, its installation and emergency repairs, reliable and trusted level 2 electricians from Sydney North Shore Electricians will ensure your home’s safety. 

With our highest quality of electrical services, expertise and mastery in all electrical works, you may leave all electrical matters in our hands and turn your attention to other things that would benefit you, your family and business.

Furthermore, wherever you are in Sydney, working with your local electricians means faster response time. Call us at (02) 8378 2828 for an appointment or book online.