Archive for the ‘Environment, Energy & Water Saving’ Category

A better way to deal with old and broken-down appliances

March 23rd, 2016 by

There's something inherently sad, and even a little tragic, about an old appliance sitting abandoned in the street. The meals cooked on a simple stove like this may have once helped to bring a family together, and to build firm bonds between friends and loved ones in a spirit of communal fellowship. Seeing one of these appliances abandoned on the side of the road means that its ... Read more

Big washing machines – pros and cons

December 17th, 2015 by

When you’re in the market for a new washing machine, you could opt for a more-or-less identical replacement for your current model. "If it ain't broke" and all that (though if you're buying a replacement, it may actually BE broke...). Or, with just a bit of extra research, you could find a machine that’s even better suited to handling the unique laundry needs of your particular household. With ... Read more

Avoid the fines – let us take away your old appliance!

November 30th, 2015 by

If you’ve been exploring the streets of Sydney recently, you may have spotted some appliances in unusual places: OR SO IT WOULD SEEM! source: City of Sydney This isn’t just some interesting street art, but a clever campaign from the City of Sydney Council encouraging people to book a council pickup to dispose of their broken-down whitegoods, rather than dumping them on the street. While we’re always happy to see ... Read more

Where to store your ingredients for maximum freshness

October 29th, 2015 by

Organisation is essential in any kitchen. The mark of a great home chef is knowing exactly what ingredients are stored where, so they can be used to whip up a recipe at a moment's notice. Plus, by correctly storing different ingredients in the pantry or fridge, you can ensure that they'll remain fresher for longer, saving you from having to toss out spoiled and wasted food. Making ... Read more

The science of dishwashers vs handwashing

September 15th, 2015 by

You may have heard it said that washing dishes in a dishwasher is actually more water-efficient than washing by hand. This statement is fairly controversial, as anecdotal evidence tells us that washing by hand puts you in complete control over how much water you use. Plus, a dishwasher’s much bigger than a sink! So let’s look at the science – in this case, a study undertaken by ... Read more

How to beat hay fever – a Spring cleaning checklist

September 10th, 2015 by

Spring is here! That's good! Hay fever is also here! That's bad. If soaring pollen counts leave you doubled over in sneezing fits at this time each year, here are a few quick tips on how to minimise the seasonal impact: DON'T open your doors and windows This advice may sound like sacrilege, as Spring is  the traditional season to let fresh warm air in and sweep out the winter ... Read more

How to save energy at home when you’re away on holiday

August 5th, 2015 by

If you’re taking a well-deserved break from the everyday home-work-sleep routine that will last longer than a couple of days, it’s entirely possible that a good chunk of your home’s electricity will end up going to waste… and you’ll still have to pay for it! source: Mjuzikxhankej on Wikimedia Commons Here’s a quick checklist of things to, well, check before you head off on your next great adventure: Switch ... Read more

Meet the Drumi – the washing machine that uses NO electricity

July 30th, 2015 by

Appliances Online is all about embracing change, and we keep an eye on all the latest and greatest innovations in the world of appliance design. One great place to find bold new appliances is the James Dyson Award, an international design competition that "celebrates, encourages and inspires the next generation of design engineers." To win the award, budding designers from the 20 participating countries need to follow the ... Read more

The Appliances Online Ultimate Fridge Buying Guide

July 29th, 2015 by

Buying a fridge but not sure where to start? Our buying guide is here to help you make an informed decision, whether you're after a fridge to feed your family, or somewhere you can store your food and drink for parties. Contents What size fridge do you need? Will it fit? Energy Efficiency How to choose an energy efficient fridge What is the most energy-efficient fridge design? Our favourite features of energy-efficient fridges Running your ... Read more

Electric blanket safety tips and running costs

July 20th, 2015 by

One great way to deal with the winter chill is to dig the old electric blanket out of the linen cupboard. But because we don't typically use these blankets all year round, it's usually worthwhile refreshing our memories of how electric blankets work, how to reduce their safety risks, and what their running costs are: How do electric blankets work? Imagine a pretty normal underblanket, designed to be fitted ... Read more

Busting the myths – how pet owners can save money on electricity bills

July 17th, 2015 by

Do domestic cats and dogs really need the lights, radio and TV left on for comfort when their owners are away? We spoke to Belrose veterinarian Dr John Thirlwell to bust some myths and set the record straight for pet owners. source: JKehoe_Photos on Flickr According to Dr Thirlwell, owners leave lights, radio, television and heaters/coolers on for their pets out of guilt because they think their cat or ... Read more

Another appliance FAQ

July 15th, 2015 by

Do you have appliance questions?  We have appliance answers! Sit back as Appliances Online tackles a few of the curlier appliance questions: Is fabric softener bad for your washing machine? Not always, but it can be. source: Mike Mozart on Flickr While fabric softener is great for reducing fabric stiffness, frequent use can lead to its chemicals building up in the workings of your washing machine, or even wrecking the rubber ... Read more

How long will your appliances last? Research reveals the average lifespan of common household appliances

June 8th, 2015 by

At Appliances Online, we love offering a huge range of brand new products for customers to play with in their home. But even with the upmost care and attention, appliances can fall foul of general wear and tear over the years. No matter the price range, every product has finite usage, especially if you want to maintain the best working energy efficiency and functionality. There are obviously those items ... Read more

Appliances Hacks – Tips on how to use your most common appliances, most efficiently

June 3rd, 2015 by

At Appliances Online we not only keep our eyes out for the latest technologies and products, we also love looking for ways to use existing ones to their fullest potential. Efficiency is at the heart of this, and these are just a few simple tips to keep some of your most used appliances running their best. Fridge/Freezer Your fridge is likely the most used appliances in your kitchen, and ... Read more

“Keep looking when cooking” fire safety message issued ahead of winter

May 26th, 2015 by

Fire authorities have issued warnings about kitchen safety as part of a winter risk management campaign. Nine people have died in house fires since January, while figures show firefighters respond to more than 1,200 house fires between June and September each year – an average of 102 a week. [caption id="attachment_32275" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Authorities have urged people to be aware of fire hazards in the kitchen.[/caption] Minister for Emergency ... Read more