As summer heats up and air conditioners run non-stop, many households are already dreading the next electricity bill. Cooling costs can skyrocket in the warmer months, but it’s not just the air conditioner doing the heavy lifting; your everyday appliances are quietly pushing your bill higher, too.
The good news? You don’t need a complete home renovation to save big. Sometimes, simply understanding how your fridge, dishwasher, and washing machine work can unlock surprising savings.
Let’s bust two of the most common appliance myths and show you practical ways to cut your energy use right now.
Here is the quick summary of what we cover below:
- Save power by keeping your fridge around 80% full to maintain temperature more efficiently
- Cut wasted energy by only running full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine
- Reduce laundry costs by switching to cold-water washes, where up to 90% of energy is normally spent heating water
Let’s dive into the details and start keeping more of your hard-earned cash.
Myth #1: An empty fridge uses less power
Reality: It’s actually the opposite.
A fridge works best when it’s reasonably full. And that matters more than you think, because your fridge is one of the biggest energy users in the home, accounting for around 13% of an average household’s electricity bill (Sustainability Victoria). Since it runs 24/7, every small inefficiency adds up fast.
A full fridge is more energy-efficient because the thermal mass of its contents helps maintain temperature. When your fridge is packed with cold items, these items act as thermal ballast, helping to maintain a stable overall temperature. This means the compressor doesn't need to cycle on and off as frequently, which extends the compressor's life and reduces running costs.
When you open the door of a full fridge, the cold items inside help maintain the temperature. In contrast, an empty fridge loses more cold air and has to work harder to cool down again after each opening.
The sweet spot?
A fridge that’s about ~ 80% full is ideal.
Don’t overpack it. It will block the air flow, making the motor work harder.
Smart Tip: If your fridge is not full of food, you can place jugs or bottles of water in the empty spaces to create thermal mass without risking food waste. This gives you the energy-saving benefits of a full fridge while maintaining proper air circulation.
Myth #2: It’s fine to run half-loads in the dishwasher or washing machine
Reality: That’s one of the biggest energy wasters in the home.
Dishwashers and washing machines play a much bigger role in your power bill than most people realise. Appliances used in the kitchen and laundry can account for approximately 25–30% of a household's total energy consumption (Sustainability Victoria). This is a substantial portion of your bill that often goes unnoticed.
Yet many households still run these machines half empty, thinking it won’t make much difference.
Here’s the problem: modern dishwashers and washing machines use almost the same amount of energy and water whether they’re half-full or full. The motor still runs, the pump still runs, and most importantly, the water still has to be heated.
For washing machines, that’s where the real cost lies.
Around 90% of the energy used in a wash cycle goes into heating the water, not spinning the drum. So, when you run a half load on a warm or hot cycle, you’re paying nearly full price to wash half the clothes.
Over time, this single habit can quietly add hundreds of dollars to your annual electricity bill.
How to turn this into real savings
Dishwashers
- Only run the machine when it’s full
- Skip pre-rinsing. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle food scraps
- Use Eco mode to cut energy use by up to 20%
- Run after 9pm if you’re on time-of-use pricing
Washing machines
- Wash in cold water whenever possible. It can reduce energy use by up to 90%
- Use the highest spin speed so clothes come out drier and need less time in the dryer
- Avoid “sanitary” or hot cycles unless they’re genuinely necessary
In short, saving energy doesn’t have to be complicated. It starts with understanding how your home really work. Just more innovative use of the appliances you already own.
This summer, don’t let outdated habits burn your money. Bust the myths, and keep more of your hard-earned cash.
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