Australians’ passion for home electronics shows no sign of abating, which is contributing to bloated electricity bills and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. By did you know that by buying energy efficient appliances, you can save dollars and help the environment? Trina Tune reports.
When buying a new appliance for the home it is often tempting to opt for a cheaper product, particularly with big ticket items such as refrigerators, washing machines and airconditioners. However, it is important to think beyond the price tag and consider a product’s energy efficiency, sometimes referred to as the ‘second price tag’. This second price tag will affect how much you really end up paying for the appliance over its lifetime.
Often an appliance’s lifetime energy costs will end up costing more than the product’s purchase price. In fact, many of the least efficient appliances will eventually double the price of the product. Therefore, it makes good sense to choose the most energy efficient appliance you can afford because over time it could end up saving you hundreds of dollars in the long term.
|  | Many of the least energy efficient home appliances will eventually double the price of the product. |
However, energy efficient appliances will save you more than just money; they will also help save the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
How do efficient appliances help the environment?
Most electricity in Australia comes from burning coal, gas or oil, which produces millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases every year. These gases build up in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
|  | Energy efficient appliances lower electricity demand and greenhouse gas production. |
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According to the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO), energy use produces the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Australian homes. An average household’s energy use creates about eight tones of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main greenhouse gas, every year. Most of these emissions can be reduced through more efficient energy use at home. Energy efficient appliances lower electricity demand and greenhouse gas production.
