Water & Energy Efficiency When Buying Appliances
Making smart choices about appliances can significantly reduce your water and energy bills while helping the environment. Using water efficient products could save Australians more than $2 billion by 2030, with an average saving of $175 per household each year. Here are the current recommendations:
Washing Machines
When buying a new washing machine, aim for the highest WELS rating possible - ideally 4+ stars. Under the WELS scheme, products are rated out of 6 stars, with 6 stars being the most water efficient, and 1 being the least efficient. A WELS rated 4-star model uses up to 41% less water than conventional washing machines.
Front loaders remain more water efficient than top loaders, typically using around 3,000 litres less water per year. For energy efficiency, look for models with high Energy Star ratings - some newer models now achieve 8+ energy stars, offering substantial electricity savings.
Dishwashers
Choose a dishwasher with at least a WELS 4.5-star rating, which uses as little as 15 litres per wash compared to older models that use around 20 litres. Modern efficient dishwashers also feature improved energy ratings, with some achieving 6+ energy stars. Look for eco-wash cycles and smart sensors that adjust water and energy use based on load size.
Save Water with Quality Mixer Taps
Single lever mixer taps allow you to find the right temperature quickly, reducing water waste. Current WELS recommendations are:
Bathroom taps: Minimum 6-star WELS rating
Kitchen and laundry taps: Minimum 4-star WELS rating
Look for taps with flow rates of 6 litres per minute or less for optimal water efficiency.
Use Flow Regulators and Pressure Management
Flow regulators can reduce water use by up to 50% by controlling flow rates while maintaining water pressure comfort. In 2025, the WELS scheme will save an estimated 178 gigalitres of water across Australia or about 18 litres per person per day.
High water pressure increases flow rates from showers and taps unnecessarily. Consider having a licensed plumber install a pressure reduction valve at your property boundary to optimise water efficiency throughout your home.
Insulate Hot Water Pipes
Insulating hot water pipes saves both water and energy by:
Retaining water heat for longer
Reducing the need to flush cold water from hot taps
Decreasing energy consumption for water heating
Providing faster access to hot water
Smart Home Planning for Maximum Efficiency
When planning or renovating, position your hot water system close to high-use areas like bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry. This strategic placement:
Reduces initial plumbing costs
Minimises water waste from pipe flushing
Decreases energy losses through long pipe runs
Provides faster hot water delivery
Additional 2025 Considerations
Heat Pump Water Heaters: The government is developing standards to improve the energy efficiency of heat pump water heaters for the Australian residential market, making them an increasingly attractive option for new installations.
Smart Appliances: Look for appliances with smart features that optimize water and energy use based on actual usage patterns, load sizes, and time-of-use electricity pricing.
Refrigerators: The Haier 433L was Australia's first fridge with an 8-star energy rating, operating on 59.9% less energy consumption compared to a 3.5 Star fridge, showing how efficiency standards continue to improve.
Small Appliances: Consider using a slow cooker, air fryer or microwave instead of conventional ovens, as small appliances can be quicker and more energy efficient.
When shopping for any water or energy-using appliance, always check both the WELS water rating and Energy Star rating labels to make the most informed choice for long-term savings and environmental benefit.
