Energy Efficient Appliances

The majority of devices look very comparable from the outside but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy efficiency and consequently operating costs.

In this article you will learn all you need to know about electricity efficient devices. Discover what energy energy conserving appliances are, what makes them different, the advantages of using them and when you should make the investment. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact All-Pro Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Appliance?

Put simply energy efficiency is employing less energy to gain the same outcome. This could mean, replacing a traditional light bulb with a lower energy LED bulb that produces the same level of light or insulating your roof so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is linked to but distinct from energy conservation which requires employing less energy by requiring a different result. Eg opting to walk when you might normally have used the car or only using the dishwasher when you have a full load.

Energy efficient household appliances are made to offer equivalent outcomes in a more efficient way allowing you to save energy. Less energy usage result in lower electricity bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Many household appliances currently manufactured in the USA are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer superior energy efficiency compared to lower efficiency models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most devices also have EnergyGuide labels which demonstrate how economical they are in comparison to other similar appliances.

These simple labels can be a great first point of call when deciding if a device is energy efficient or not.

Types of Electricity Efficient Household Appliances

Some different types of energy efficient devices include:

  • Fridges
  • Air Purifiers
  • Water Heaters
  • Washing Machines
  • Dishwashers

How Electricity Efficient Devices work

Energy efficient devices work by utilizing the most up to date technology to ensure they use as little energy as possible. That might look like superior insulation in freezers, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in clothes dryers to minimize drying time.

Reasons to Switch to Electricity Efficient Appliances

Choosing electricity saving devices makes sense for a number of reasons:

  1. Reducing energy. The more economical a device is the less resources it needs to complete its purpose. Meaning you can gain a noticeable reduction in energy consumption without losing any productivity.
  2. Saving money. Although more efficient devices are likely to have a more expensive initial cost they will usually save you money over time by cutting your utility bills.
  3. Environmental benefits. Most of the energy we use in our homes comes from fossil fuels and results in greenhouse gas emissions. Lessening our wastefulness of fossil fuels also preserves them for future use in a more sustainable way.
  4. Resource Security. With fuel prices consistently rising and natural resources always depleting choosing less energy intensive appliances will allow our demands to be met for longer.

Do Energy Efficient Household Appliances Actually Reduce Bills?

Low energy household appliances save you money by reducing your energy consumption and therefore your electricity bills.

The extent to which you save and whether or not you enjoy a big fall in your household bills will depend on the difference between the existing and new appliances, the intensity of use and how long the product lasts.

The older the good you are replacing is the bigger the difference you are likely to see. Likewise the more energy it needs to run the greater the likely savings. I.e replacing an broken, inefficient, oversized air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR rated one that is the correct size for your space, will make a marked difference whereas uprating your dishwasher with one that is only 10% more efficient will have a much less noticeable impact.

Research suggests that if your fridge was made over 20 years ago you could save up to $270 in five years, however if it was produced in within the last decade the money you save will be much less significant.

You also have to make sure you use your appliances efficiency settings to get the best reductions. For example, there is no point having super energy efficient machine if you always wash at high temperatures.

When examining new household appliances factoring in both the upfront price and the usage costs will ensure you make the top decision for you.

How Low Energy Devices Help the Planet

Reducing energy consumption isn’t all about cutting costs. Minimizing energy requirements also has an environmental impact.

Human actions have irreversible impacts on the environment, one of the most obvious of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the air through the burning of oil and gas that appear to be linked to air pollution and global warming.

As we become more aware of the environmental cost of our daily decisions the market is responding with more environmentally friendly solutions to our needs. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy dehumidifiers.

What are ENERGY STAR marked Household Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR certification was created in 1992 to ensure an readily understandable way for consumers to decide upon more efficient appliances.

Rated appliances must meet both power consumption and consumer expectations in regards to performance and features.

The qualifications for the ENERGY STAR certification change according to the device being tested. In order to be awarded the rating, appliances must be at least a certain percentage more efficient than the standard product in their category.

As a result, not all ENERGY STAR rated appliances are the same in terms of efficiency. For example a washing machine that is 12% more efficient and one that is 20% more efficient would get the certification. So although looking out for the rating is a simple first step, it is still worth checking the actual energy usage before picking the best one for you.

Is an Electricity Efficient Appliance Right for You?

Low energy appliances really do make a impression on an individual and international level, saving you money over time and conserving both energy and resources.

Next time you are shopping for a new device read the EnergyGuide label. This shows the cost of electricity an appliance uses and makes it more straight forward to decide between brands and models.

You might also want to know how much your electricity costs you so you can make more personalized comparisons.

Size counts when it comes to home appliances. For example:

  • Paying for one large fridge is more efficient than running two little ones. Unless you only turn on the second one at certain times of the year
  • When buying a new washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a space saving machine twice will cost more than turning on a bigger machine once.
  • Even the lowest energy water heater will never save you money if it’s three times the spec you should be using for your home.

Household appliances use more energy as they age so replace older items first and if you have the funds available, focus on the appliances that contribute most to your overall energy usage.

Additional Types of Appliances