Buying Efficient Appliances
Consider Water and energy Efficiency when Buying New Appliances. Here’s a few tips:
Washing machines
When buying a new washing machine choose the highest WELS rating possible. A WELS rated 4 star model uses up to 41% less water than a conventional washing machine. Generally front loaders are more water efficient than top loaders. Over one year, front loaders use around 3,000 litres less than top loaders.
Dishwaters
When buying a new dishwasher, choose at least a WELS rated 4.5 star model, which uses as little as 15 litres per wash, compared to older models which use around 20 litres per wash.
Save water with a single lever mixer tap
The lever action mixes hot and cold water and allows you to find the right water temperature quickly, so you won’t waste water. For a bathroom tap look for a minimum WELS star rating of 6. When looking for a kitchen or laundry tap, a minimum WELS star rating of 4 is considered water efficient.
Use flow regulators
A flow regulator can help reduce water use by up to 50% by allowing water to flow at set rates, whilst also providing softer water with less splashing. High water pressure increases flow rates from showers and taps. To help you save water our licensed plumbers can fit a pressure reduction valve at your property boundary.
Insulate hot water pipes
Insulating hot water pipes can save water and power by retaining water heat and reducing the need to flush out cold water from hot water taps.
Water savings choices for new homes
When planning a house, locate the hot water system and bathrooms, ensuites, laundry and kitchen as close to each other as possible. This reduces initial plumbing costs and saves water and energy by reducing the flushing of cold water from hot water taps.
