Cleaning Your Appliance Filters Will Allow These Machines to Run More Efficiently

Keeping your appliances in good working order will ensure they are running more efficiently and effectively. This reduces unnecessary energy costs of the appliance working harder and potentially hundreds of dollars on repairs. For example, replacing a blocked-up air-con filter with a clean one can reduce your energy consumption anywhere from 5 – 15% as well as extend the life of your system. The following tips could save you more energy and increase the productivity of your appliances:

 Clean out the lint trap and hoses of your dryers before each use.

 Check and clean your washing machine filter (if fitted) to also remove lint and fibre build-up, every 3-4 months. It’s worth double-checking your clothes for coins and tissues as you load the washer as this can cause damage to your appliance.

 Wipe out the inside of your washing machine door regularly (if a front loader), to clean off mould and detergent build-up.

 

Clean out the dishwasher filter, removing food buildup regularly. It’s also worth getting it serviced and checked annually to make sure it runs efficiently. Make sure to also scrape off any scraps from your dishes before loading the dishwasher.

As a general rule of thumb, you should clean your air conditioner filters within the indoor unit every fortnight during peak use. If you’re located in more dusty or polluted environments (e.g. if the house next door is under construction), you should clean your filter more often than this.

Clean the coils and fans of your fridge. These can become coated with dust, making your fridge work harder to keep your items cool. This should be done once or twice a year.

While you’re cleaning these appliances, consider switching to cold water to run some of these appliances (like your washing machine) to save extra energy costs.

Make sure your appliances are turned off and unplugged at the switch prior to cleaning them

References:
Choice (2021). ‘How to clean and maintain your washing machine’ Available at: https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-living/laundry-and-cleaning/washing-machines/articles/how-to-clean-and-maintain-your-washing-machine (Accessed 25 October 2021). 
Daikin Australia (2021). ‘How often should I clean the filters in my air conditioner?’ Available at: https://www.daikin.com.au/faq/how-often-should-i-clean-filters-my-air-conditioner (Accessed 25 October 2021). 
Image source: Norwalk/La Mirada Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (n.d.) ‘Air conditioning unclog and clean Los Angeles’ Available at: https://www.laplumber.com/ac-unclog-and-clean/ (Accessed 25 October 2021)