Heating & Cooling

Of all the energy used by a household 29% goes on use of appliances. This includes 9% on the fridge and freezer, and 15% on electronic equipment and items such as irons, vacuum cleaners and sewing machines. Cutting the energy used by your appliances can have an immediate effect on bills and carbon emissions. See article for more on specifics for dryers, refrigerators and freezers.   [Carbon Cops]

Although there is little specific information, the concern is that super cheap appliances mean manufacturers are skipping standards relating to workers' conditions and wages, and the quality of materials used in production.   [Choice article]

Country of Origin information on a product label indicates where that item is 'substantially transformed'. In regards to appliances this usually refers to assembly. Due to inexpensive labour in other countries and manufacturer contracts for materials changing on a product-by-product basis it is likely that the individual parts have come from a number of other places. Find out more in this Choice article.  [Choice]

The French government introduced legislation in 2016 to combat 'planned obsolescence' - the practice of designing products with restricted life spans to ensure consumers will buy more.  [The Guardian]

Replacing your appliance? If your old appliance is efficient, less than 10 years old and in good condition, it's a suitable candidate for reuse. Give it to someone you know, donate it to a charity or advertise on freecycle.org.au or eBay.  [Green Lifestyle]