Australians cut back on energy use as AI tech promises savings
Australians are reporting significant adjustments to their household habits amid rising energy costs and ongoing concerns about the cost of living.
Recent data from Samsung Australia suggests that energy efficiency has become a leading priority for many households, with nearly half of survey respondents indicating that they are unable to use their air conditioning as much as they would like due to financial pressures.
According to the research, 49% of those surveyed cannot afford to run their air conditioning units as often as desired, and 62% are limiting their laundry to once a week in an effort to cut down on electricity use. Feelings of guilt are widespread, with 62% admitting they feel uneasy about keeping their air conditioning on for extended periods, even during extreme temperature conditions.
The findings also show that 45% of Australians have adopted habits they recognise as counter intuitive, including running air conditioning units on high or low for short intervals before switching them off, in a bid to save on energy expenses.
Fridges have also come into focus, with 78% of respondents wishing for more energy-saving options when it comes to their refrigerator, a mainstay of household energy consumption.
The drive to manage energy costs is further emphasised by the fact that 71% of participants agreed that they find wasted electricity annoying, with many taking practical steps towards monitoring their appliance usage at home.
Role of technology
Phil Gaut, Director - Consumer Electronics at Samsung Australia, noted that technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), has the potential to assist Australians in lowering their energy use and making daily life more manageable.
"A practical benefit of AI is the ability to track and reduce energy across home appliances. For example, with the Samsung Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo washing machine, AI Opti Wash and AI Energy Mode features use up to 60% less energy during wash cycles by recognising the fabric types in your load, identifying the level of soilage in your clothes, and recommending the best washing cycle. That is real money a busy family could use back in their weekly budget with a reduced mental load as the cherry on top."
Gaut added that personalised technology enables appliances to function more efficiently, taking into account the varied routines of Australian households.
"We know that every Australian lifestyle is different. Using Samsung SmartThings connectivity and AI, the appliances in your life, from your air conditioning unit to your refrigerator to your washing machine, work together to learn your routines and preferences and adapt to them to make your life flow effortlessly and save you time and energy."
Samsung's statistics detail the potential savings brought by their AI Energy Mode across a range of appliances: up to 60% energy reduction in front load washers using cold water, 20% less energy consumed in dryers, and up to 30% energy savings in refrigerators by optimising compressor speed. The company also highlights the role of energy tracking, which allows users to monitor and optimise appliance efficiency remotely through connected devices such as SmartThings, with specific routines enabling appliances to operate when household solar energy generation is at its peak.
Ongoing adjustments
The adjustments in the household are part of a broader pattern as Australians seek to adapt their energy usage in response to financial constraints and environmental concerns. The research indicates a high level of awareness, with many Australians actively searching for ways to mitigate electricity waste and manage costs without sacrificing comfort entirely.
The data reinforces the trend of increased interest in energy-saving technologies and practices, as both consumers and technology providers respond to rising costs and evolving expectations within the Australian market.
