Energy Efficient Appliances

Most household appliances look very comparable on the face of it but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy saving and as a result operating costs.

Here you will find out all you need to know about electricity efficient household appliances. Learn more about what energy electricity efficient appliances are, how they operate, the benefits of paying that little bit extra and whether they are right for you and your home. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Heritage Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Home Appliance?

In simple terms energy efficiency is using lower energy to give the same results. This could mean, replacing an incandescent bulb with a more efficient fluorescent bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your home so you need less heating.

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

Low energy devices are made to offer equivalent outcomes in a more efficient way allowing you to save energy. Reduced electricity requirements result in lower electricity bills and fewer environmental impacts.

Many devices currently manufactured in the USA are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer use less electricity than base models, normally ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances display EnergyGuide labels which advertise how efficient they are when looked at next to other comparable devices.

These ratings can be a good place to start when determining if a device is electricity saving or not.

Types of Energy Conserving Appliances

Some different types of low energy appliances include:

Fridge-Freezers
Air Purifiers
Water Heaters
Washing Machines
Dishwashers

How Low Energy Appliances work

Energy efficient household appliances work by applying the best current technology to maximize efficiency. That might mean superior insulation in fridges, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in clothes dryers to reduce drying time.

Reasons to Choose Electricity Efficient Devices

Choosing energy conserving appliances makes sense for multiple reasons:

Saving energy. The more economical an appliance is the less resources it uses . Meaning you can see a dramatic reduction in energy consumption without having to change your habits.
Reducing cost. Although lower energy appliances may have a bigger initial cost they will inevitably save you money in the long run by cutting your energy bills.
Environmental benefits. Most of the power we need for our daily lives comes from oil and gas and results in Carbon Dioxide and other gases being released into the atmosphere. Lessening our use of natural resources also keeps them for future generations.
Energy Security. With fuel prices constantly rising and natural resources always depleting choosing more efficient devices is a more sustainable option.

Do Energy Conserving Appliances Genuinely Save Money?

Electricity efficient appliances save you money by reducing your electricity usage and therefore your utility bills.

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

The older the appliance you are changing is the bigger the difference you are likely to see. Likewise the more energy the device requires to run the greater the potential savings. I.e substituting an worn out, inefficient, too big air conditioning unit with a new ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the exact size for your space, could make a marked difference whereas upgrading your dishwasher with one that is only 10% less energy intensive will have a significantly smaller impact.

Research suggests that if your fridge was produced in the 1990’s you could save up to $270 in five years, however if it was produced in within the last decade the financial rewards will be much less significant.

You also have to make certain you use your household appliances energy saving settings to get the most significant savings. For example, manual defrost is more energy-efficient than auto defrost, but only if you remember to keep defrosting.

When examining new devices factoring in both the ticket price and the usage costs will ensure you make the best decision for you.

How Energy Conserving Appliances Help the Environment

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

Our actions have big impacts on the environment, one of the most obvious of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the environment through the use of non-renewable resources that are likely to be linked to air pollution and climate change.

As we become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily decisions the market is reacting with more environmentally friendly solutions to our requirements. Whether that is electric cars or in this case low energy refrigerators.

What are ENERGY STAR rating Devices?

The ENERGY STAR rating was formed in 1992 to provide an readily recognizable way for people to opt-for more eco-friendly appliances.

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

The conditions for the ENERGY STAR rating are different for different types of goods. In order to be awarded the rating, appliances are required to be at least a certain percentage less energy intensive than the base model in their category.

As a result, not all ENERGY STAR rated appliances are equal in terms of efficiency. I.e a washing machine that is 10% more efficient and one that uses 22% less energy might get the symbol. Thus although making sure you see the symbol is a simple place to start, it is still worth checking the actual figures before picking the best one for you.

Is an Low Energy Appliance the Best Choice for You?

Low energy household appliances really do make a difference on an individual and international level, meaning more money in your pocket and better use of energy and resources.

When you are shopping for a new appliance check the EnergyGuide label. This shows the cost of energy an appliance needs and makes it simpler to compare brands and designs.

You may also want to know how much you spend on your energy so you can make accurate comparisons.

Size makes a difference when it comes to home appliances. For example:

Having one full size fridge requires less energy than running two small ones. Unless you only use the second one during the holidays
When purchasing a new washing machine think about the size of the drum as running a smaller machine twice is less efficient than running a bigger machine once.
Even the lowest energy water heater will not reduce your bills if it’s three times the capacity you should be using for your home.

Appliances reduce in efficiency as they deteriorate so replace over 10 years old first and if you have the funds available, focus on the items that use the most energy.