ARTICLE
Best home appliance swaps to save money on bills
January 20, 2026-4 min read
Swapping to more efficient fridges, washing machines, air conditioners and even solar can cut household bills without sacrificing everyday comfort. The biggest savings come from choosing the right star ratings, smarter features and appliances that use less power and water.
Key takeaways from this article
Old fridges can be expensive to run, so aim for at least a 4-star model.
French door and side-by-side fridges helps reduce cold air loss.
Choose washers with strong energy and WELS ratings to save power and water.
Look for eco-wash and auto dose features to cut waste and lower running costs.
For air con, pick 4-star-plus models with zone control and movement detection.
As electricity, gas and grocery prices soar, bill savings are top of mind for many Aussie families. Getting savvy with your energy use by upgrading to more energy efficient appliances could make a huge difference to your bottom line. Now is the time to take a long, hard look at your fridge, washing machine and air conditioner and consider updating if they’re not delivering those much needed yearly savings.
Here are some handy tips and tricks to help you save on your bills.
Upgrade your Fridge
Is your fridge getting on in years? If yes, chances are it’s costing you a lot to run, as new models have been made with energy efficiency in mind. According to Sustainability Victoria, on average fridges can make up 13 per cent of your energy bill, so ensuring yours has a high energy efficiency rating has never been more important. Look for fridges with at least four stars – the more stars, the more you could save on bills.(1)
You should also consider the type of fridge you purchase, “French door and side-by-side fridges are great for bill savings as having three or four doors means you’re only opening one section, so less cool air escapes and your fridge doesn’t need to work as hard,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer - Refrigeration and Laundry.
Shop energy efficient Fridges
Haier 508L Quad Door Refrigerator
LG 635L Side By Side Refrigerator
Westinghouse 547L Quad Door Refrigerator
Upgrade your Washing Machine
Take a two-pronged approach when upgrading your washing machine, as you need a machine that is both energy and water efficient to save on electricity and water bills.
Again, the higher the star rating, the more you’ll save – so models with a 4.5- to 5+ star energy rating and 4- to 5+ star WELS ratings are best. Other features to look out for include eco-wash functions, which use lower temperatures and less energy to clean your clothes and auto dosing machines that deliver precise amounts of detergent which looks after your garments as well as reducing detergent waste.
Shop Energy Efficient Washing Machines
Asko 10kg Logic Front Load Washer
“French door and side-by-side fridges are great for bill savings as having three or four doors means you’re only opening one section at a time – so less cool air escapes and your fridge doesn’t need to work as hard.
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Switch to Solar Energy
One of the most effective ways you and your family can save money on your household bills is by utilising solar energy. By harnessing energy from the sun, you can significantly reduce electricity costs whilst also doing your part for the environment, win-win! Solar panels can be a great investment for homeowners and families as they can efficiently generate electricity for years to come. Plus, with the addition of a solar battery, you can store any excess energy generated during the day and use it at night, possibly further reducing your reliance on the grid.
Upgrade your Air Conditioner
Air conditioning and bill shock don’t have to go hand-in-hand. Upgrading to an energy efficient model with a 4-star or above energy rating can save you money in the long run.
“Look for models with multiple zone settings, so you can cool or heat defined areas, and movement detection, which means you are only heating or cooling when you are actively using a space in the home,” says Scott Bazely, The Good Guys Buyer – Air Conditioning.“On Samsung models, look for the WindFree™ Cooling mode, which uses 77 per cent less energy than its Fast Cooling mode.(2) These settings are all great for cooling you, your budget and the planet.”
Shop energy efficient Air Conditioners
Fujitsu C2.5kW H3.2kW Reverse Cycle Split System
Samsung C2.5kW H3.2kW Reverse Cycle Split System
Make your own Soft drinks
An at home sparkling water maker is a game changer. Not only will you no longer need to buy bottled drinks, you can also easily satisfy cravings for your favourite drinks at home. Just imagine how much you’re saving in dollar value!
“SodaStream bottles are reusable for up to three years, and with many flavours to choose from, including Pepsi, Pepsi Max and Mountain Dew, you won’t be giving up your favourite drink – you’ll just be saving money by making it at home,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer - Portable Appliances. Alternatively, you can use an aarke cord-free soda maker to produce sparkling water at home without relying on electricity or batteries.
Shop Sodastream
SodaStream Art White Sparkling Water Maker
Sodastream Terra Black Sparkling Water Maker
Ready to make some home appliance upgrades to save money on household bills? Shop our huge range of fridges, washing machines, air conditioners and small kitchen appliances at The Good Guys in-store and online.
(2) Tested on the AR07T9170HA3 model, based on the power consumption of Fast Cooling mode vs. WindFree Cooling mode. Actual effect may vary.
