As the weather warms up, it’s a safe bet that your air conditioner will be working double time to keep your property cool. That said, coping with rising electricity bills, regardless of the season, can be challenging—especially when some of your favourite appliances are among the most expensive to run.

Therefore, if you’re intending to save on energy costs – and who isn’t – it’s essential to know the more budget-friendly appliances and which ones might be driving up your bills. According to a recent Canstar Blue report[i], which outlined the average annual running costs of common household appliances, pool pumps are at the top the list as the most expensive. Here’s a list of the annual costs to run some common household appliances:

Pool pump: $411
Non-ducted Air Conditioner: $258
Television: $144
Refrigerator: $137
Clothes Washer: $119
Dishwasher: $85
Clothes Dryer: $55
Computer Monitor: $29
 

On the other hand, consumer watchdog Choice[ii] points out that smaller appliances typically consume less power than larger ones. For instance, choosing to use a microwave instead of an oven or a toaster instead of a grill can help you save money. While an air fryer may not be ideal for every cooking assignment, it uses less energy than an oven because it heats faster.

If you have a smart meter at home, some energy companies allow you to track your electricity usage by month, day, or hour, which can help you manage your energy consumption and spending. Amber, an energy retailer takes this a step further. Amber provides access to wholesale energy prices, often lowest when renewable sources such as solar generate more of our electricity. 

By connecting the Amber app to your smart meter, you can save money by shifting your energy use away from peak times to periods when more renewable energy is available on the grid. The app offers a 12-hour price forecast and a live price tracker, enabling householders to plan their electricity use more efficiently—such as cooking with an air fryer instead of an oven when prices are high or preparing nightly meals during the day when overall energy consumption is lower and cheaper. 

Understanding which appliances are the most expensive to run helps you make savvy choices to reduce your energy bill. Small adjustments, such as upgrading to energy-efficient models, reducing the use of certain appliances, or adopting energy-saving habits, can also lead to substantial savings. In some cases, switching to a more affordable electricity plan might be the most effective option.

 For more insights, use Canstar Blue’s comparison tool to explore electricity plans from top providers across Australia.

 
[i] https://www.canstarblue.com.au/electricity/most-expensive-appliances-to-run/?=utm_source=MoEngage&utm_campaign=Gold_Blue_AU_-_EDM_-_02/09/2024_-_Money_Mentor&utm_medium=MoEngage&utm_term=Money_Mentor&utm_content=Most_Expensive_Appliances_To_Run
[ii] https://www.choice.com.au/money/budget/cost-of-living/articles/which-cooking-appliances-are-the-cheapest-to-use