Thermometer Guide

Use this guide to explore energy-saving opportunities with the Reduction Revolution Thermometer.

Check & Adjust Your Temperature Settings to Save Energy

Did you know? Heating, cooling, and hot water account for over 50% of energy consumption in Australian homes.

Australian Household Energy Usage Pie Chart

Typical non-vehicle energy usage in Australian homes.

The temperature settings of appliances that heat or cool are a key driver of their energy consumption. For this reason, you should make sure appliances are operating within an optimal temperature range.

You can quickly check the temperature of key appliances with this thermometer, including:

Freezers

Between -12°C and -18°C

    • Freezers are often stuck on their (over-spec) factory setting of -20°C or less.
    • Increasing their set-point temperature can decrease electricity consumption.
    • The CSIRO explains, "-18°C almost completely stops deterioration... Small quantities of bought food can, however, be held frozen for a few weeks at temperatures of between -15°C and -12°C without serious loss of quality."
    • Leave the thermometer inside your freezer for at least 10 minutes before checking.

    Refrigerators

    Between 3°C and 5°C.

    • Refrigerators are often set too warm (above 5°C).
    • Whilst lowering their temperature will not reduce your energy use, it will allow you to store food safely and for longer, reducing food waste.
    • Leave the thermometer inside the fridge for at least 10 minutes before checking.
    • You can check the electricity usage of individual appliances, including fridges, with a plug-in power meter.

    Air-Con & Cooling

    Between 24°C and 27°C room temperature.

    • Households and offices often unnecessarily over-cool in summer.
    • The good news is that for every 1°C increase in temperature you will save between 5 and 10% of your air conditioning power consumption.
    • Ceiling fans like these reduce the perceived temperature by up to 8°C. You can use ceiling fans alongside your AC to drastically reduce your electricity usage.
    • You can track the power usage of hard-wired appliances, such as air conditioners, with a wireless energy monitor.

    Heaters

    Between 18°C and 20°C room temperature.

    • Contrary to popular wisdom, setting your heater or AC at a higher temperature generally doesn't heat your room faster; it just wastes energy.
    • Furthermore, your heater thermostat is often poorly located to measure room temperature accurately.
    • Place the thermometer in your living room to check the actual room temperature.
    • See our efficient heaters, like heated throws and electric blankets, which primarily heat you rather than the air around you.

    Hot Water

    Running hot water no higher than around 50°C

    • Apart from the risk of burning yourself, a high hot-water temperature increases your energy usage.
    • Note that a hot water temperature at your tap of around 50°C still means a likely tank temperature of around 60°C, which is recommended for safe storage.
    • Place the thermometer's bulb under running hot water to test.

    Bonus Tips

    • For appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, where you can't directly measure temperature, it still plays a critical role in total electricity usage. Choose a cold setting over warm or hot for most washing machine loads, and see if a lower temperature or eco mode on your dishwasher still works.
    • Explore our range of thermal cameras to take your temperature analysis to the next level. They measure the heat signature of everything, revealing anything from building defects and water leaks to electrical faults and missing insulation.