5 energy efficient appliance upgrades to consider for your home

A broken appliance usually leaves us with two options: repair it or replace it.

When replacement is the better choice, it's worth looking beyond the purchase price. Energy-efficient appliances can play an important role in reducing household energy costs over time, because appliances can account for a significant share of energy use in Australian homes. Government comparison tools can help you compare upfront costs with estimated running costs before you buy.

The good news is you don't need to replace everything at once. If you're planning an upgrade, here are five opportunities to consider when choosing efficient home appliances.

1. Upgrading after a renovation

Renovations often focus on what you can see, like new cabinetry, flooring or paint colours. But they're also a great time to review the appliances working behind the scenes.

If you're renovating a kitchen or laundry, it may be worth comparing newer energy-saving appliances with higher energy ratings. Checking the energy rating label while you're already planning the space can help you factor future running costs into the decision.

2. Replacing an appliance that's costing more to repair

We've all had that appliance.

The one that needs "just one more repair" every year.

Repairs can extend an appliance's life, but if costs are mounting and the appliance is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, it may be worth comparing ongoing repairs with a newer, more efficient model.

Newer energy-efficient appliances often include features designed to use energy more efficiently, alongside improvements in performance, convenience and reliability.

Independent buying guides, such as those from CHOICE Australia, can also help you weigh up repair costs, replacement options and must-have features.

Signs it may be time to upgrade an appliance

• It needs frequent repairs or replacement parts.
• It is no longer performing reliably.
• It uses more energy than comparable newer models.
• It no longer suits your household’s size or routine.
• The running costs are becoming difficult to justify.

3. Swapping out a spare appliance you don't really need

Many homes have a second fridge in the garage, an old freezer in the shed or a spare appliance that gets used occasionally but remains plugged in all year round.

Older spare fridges and freezers can be among the least efficient appliances in the home, especially if they're running year-round. If you're deciding whether to keep, replace or switch one off, fridge and freezer efficiency guidance can help you compare your options.

Before upgrading, ask yourself whether you still need it.

Sometimes the most energy-efficient appliance upgrade isn't buying something new. It's reducing the number of appliances you're running in the first place, particularly if an older spare appliance no longer serves a clear purpose.

4. Choosing efficiency when an appliance reaches the end of its life

Most appliances won't last forever.

Rather than waiting for a sudden breakdown, it can be useful to think ahead about what you'll purchase when replacement time eventually comes around.

Before buying, check the appliance energy ratings to compare eligible models at a glance. A running cost calculator can also help estimate what different models may cost to operate over time.

As a guide, look for appliances with a higher star rating within the size and category you need. Comparing similar-sized models is important, as larger appliances may use more energy overall even if they have a strong efficiency rating.

A few minutes of research before purchasing could make a difference for years afterwards.

5. Upgrading the appliances you use every day

Some appliances only get occasional use. Others rarely get a chance to rest.

If you're deciding where to invest first, think about the appliances your household relies on most often. The fridge, hot water system, heating and cooling, washing machine and dishwasher all play a role in daily life.

The appliances that work hardest are often where efficiency improvements can have the greatest long-term impact. Australian Government home energy guidance highlights heating, cooling and water heating as major energy users, making them useful areas to review first if you want to reduce household energy costs.

For smaller everyday appliances, simple choices can still add up, from choosing the right-sized fridge to using efficient dishwasher or washing machine cycles.

It's not always about replacing everything

When it comes to improving energy efficiency, bigger isn't always better and newer isn't always necessary.

If an appliance is working well and meeting your household's needs, continuing to use it may be the most practical choice. But when replacement time arrives, choosing an energy-efficient appliance can help future-proof your home and potentially reduce running costs over the appliance's lifetime.

The next appliance upgrade doesn't need to be a complete household overhaul. Sometimes, a single well-considered choice is enough.

Looking for more ways to make your home work smarter? Explore our energy-saving tips and practical guides to help improve energy efficiency around the home.