Energy Efficient Appliances

The majority of appliances appear very similar on the face of it but they can vary all together when it comes to energy saving and as a result operating expenditure.

In this article you can learn all you need to know about electricity efficient household appliances. Discover what energy energy conserving devices are, what makes them different, the benefits of paying that little bit extra and when you should make the switch. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Tuscaloosa Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Home Appliance?

In simple terms energy efficiency is making use of reduced energy to give the same results. For example, replacing a filament bulb with a more efficient LED bulb that produces the same level of light or insulating your roof so you need to turn the heating on less often.

Energy efficiency is similar to but different from energy conservation which requires making use of less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. For example, opting to walk when you might normally have used the car or only running the dishwasher when you have a full load.

Electricity efficient devices are engineered to offer equivalent results with lower energy requirements allowing you to save money. Reduced electricity requirements result in lower energy bills and fewer environmental impacts.

Many household appliances currently manufactured in the United States are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they offer higher energy efficiency compared to lower efficiency models, normally ranging from 10-50%. Most devices will also have EnergyGuide labels which display how efficient they are in comparison to other comparable devices.

These simple labels can be a handy place to start when deciding if an appliance is energy conserving or not.

Types of Low Energy Household Appliances

Some different types of energy conserving household appliances include:

Fridge-Freezers
Air Conditioners
Water Heaters
Washers
Dishwashers

How Low Energy Household Appliances work

Energy efficient household appliances work by utilizing the latest techniques to minimize electricity consumption. That might be better insulation in freezers, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in clothes dryers to limit drying time.

Reasons to Switch to Electricity Saving Goods

Switching to energy efficient household appliances makes sense for multiple reasons:

Saving energy. The more efficient an appliance is the less resources it uses to complete its purpose. Meaning you can experience a sizable saving in energy without losing any productivity.
Saving money. Although energy-efficient devices might have a bigger ticket price they will usually save you money over time by reducing your electricity bills.
Environmental benefits. Most of the energy we need for our daily lives comes from fossil fuels and results in the emission of greenhouse gases. Reducing our wastefulness of fossil fuels also preserves them for future generations.
Energy Security. With fuel prices consistently increasing and natural resources always being used up choosing less energy intensive appliances is a more sustainable option.

Do Energy Conserving Appliances Genuinely Reduce Bills?

Energy conserving appliances save you money by reducing your power consumption and in turn your electricity bills.

The extent to which you save and whether or not you see a noticeable fall in your annual bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the previous and future household appliances, the intensity of use and how long the product lasts.

The older the device you are upgrading is the more you are likely to save. Similarly the more energy it uses to run the more significant the likely savings. For example substituting an broken, inefficient, too big air conditioner with a replacement ENERGY STAR marked one that is the perfect size for your home, could make a notable impact whereas upgrading your fridge with one that is only 10% more efficient will have a markedly smaller impact.

Studies suggest that if your fridge was built last century you could gain up to $270 in five years, however if it was produced in within the last decade the savings will be much less significant.

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

When examining new appliances factoring in both the upfront price and the ongoing costs will ensure you make the prime choice for you.

How Electricity Saving Household Appliances Help the Planet

Energy efficiency isn’t just about cutting costs. Reducing energy consumption also has a sustainability impact.

The things we do have massive impacts on the planet, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere through the consumption of oil and gas that appear to be correlated to air quality degradation and climate change.

As more and more of us are becoming aware of the environmental impact of our daily choices the market is reacting with more energy efficient solutions to our needs. Whether that is electric cars or in this case low energy refrigerators.

What are ENERGY STAR rated Household Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR certification was formed in 1992 to ensure an readily recognizable way for people to choose more efficient devices.

Rated appliances must meet both energy efficiency and consumer needs in regards to performance and attributes.

The conditions for the ENERGY STAR mark change according to the device being tested. In order to have the ENERGY STAR, devices are required to be a minimum percentage more efficient than the standard model in their grouping.

However, not all ENERGY STAR certified goods are equal in terms of efficiency. For example a washing machine that is 12% more efficient and one that is 18% more efficient could get the certification. So although looking out for the star is a simple starting point, it is still worth looking into the actual figures before making your final choice.

Is an Electricity Saving Appliance Right for You?

Electricity saving household appliances really do make a impact at a local and national level, saving you money over time and better use of energy and resources.

If you are looking for a new appliance read the EnergyGuide label. This shows the cost of electricity an appliance needs and makes it simpler to compare brands and designs.

You may also want to make a note of how much your energy costs you so you can make accurate comparisons.

Size counts when it comes to appliances. For example:

Running one full size fridge requires less energy than having two small ones. Unless you only need the spare one during the holidays
When buying a new washing machine think about the amount of washing you tend to do as running a smaller machine two times will cost more than running a bigger machine for a single run.
Even the lowest energy water heater will not save you money if it’s two times the capacity you should be using for your home.

Appliances get less efficient as they deteriorate so replace older items first and if you have the funds available, focus on the items that contribute most to your overall energy usage.