Energy Efficient Appliances

Most devices appear very comparable externally but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy saving and consequently running expenditure.

In this article you will discover everything you need to know about energy efficient devices. Discover what energy electricity saving appliances are, what makes them different, the advantages 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 Carter’s Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Household Appliance?

Put simply energy efficiency is using reduced energy to gain the same outcome. This could mean, replacing an incandescent bulb with a lower energy fluorescent bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your walls so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is related to but distinct from energy conservation which requires employing less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. For example, opting to take the bus when you might normally have used the car or only using the dishwasher when you have a full load.

Low energy household appliances are designed to provide equivalent outcomes using less energy allowing you to save money. Lower electricity requirements result in lower utility bills and less use of fossil fuels.

Many appliances available in the USA are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer use less energy than base models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most appliances have EnergyGuide labels which display how economical they are when looked at next to other similar appliances.

These ratings can be a handy place to start when determining if a device is low energy or not.

Types of Energy Conserving Devices

Some examples of low energy household appliances include:

Fridges
Dehumidifiers
Boilers
Washing Machines
Dishwashers

How Electricity Efficient Appliances work

Electricity efficient household appliances work by taking advantage of the best current technology to minimize energy consumption. That might mean more advanced insulation in freezers, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to limit drying time.

Benefits of Electricity Efficient Goods

Switching to energy conserving appliances is a good idea for multiple reasons:

Reducing energy. The less energy intensive an appliance is the less power it needs to complete its task. Meaning you can gain a big reduction in energy consumption without having to change your habits.
Saving money. Although lower energy household appliances are likely to have a higher initial cost they will usually save you money over time by reducing your utility bills.
Environmental benefits. Most of the energy we need for our daily lives comes from fossil fuels and results in greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing our wastefulness of non-renewable resources also preserves them for future use in a more sustainable way.
Energy Security. With energy costs continually rising and natural resources constantly depleting choosing energy-efficient household appliances makes it easier to meet demand.

Do Electricity Saving Appliances Really Cost Less?

Energy conserving appliances save you money by reducing your power usage and in turn your energy bills.

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

The older the appliance you are replacing is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. Likewise the more energy the appliance requires to run the greater the likely savings. I.e replacing an broken, wasteful, overcapacity air conditioner with a replacement ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the perfect size for your space, will make a notable impact whereas upgrading your fridge with one that is only 10% more efficient is likely to have a much less noticeable impact.

Studies suggest that if your fridge was made in the 1990’s you could gain up to $270 in five years, but if it was built in within the last decade the savings will be much less.

You also have to make certain you understand your devices efficiency functions to get the greatest 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 purchase price and the ongoing costs will ensure you make the prime choice for you.

How Energy Efficient Devices Help the Planet

Saving energy isn’t just about cutting costs. Cutting energy requirements also has an environmental impact.

Human actions have massive impacts on the planet, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the air through the burning of non-renewable resources that can be responsible for air quality degradation and global warming.

As we become more aware of the environmental effect of our daily decisions the market is responding with more environmentally friendly solutions to our problems. Whether that is reusable coffee cups or in this case low energy washing machines.

What are ENERGY STAR rated Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR symbol was formed in 1992 to ensure an quickly recognizable way for consumers to opt-for more efficient appliances.

Certified appliances must meet both energy consumption and consumer requirements in regards to quality and attributes.

The qualifications for the ENERGY STAR certification vary between different appliances. In order to gain the star mark, devices must be at least a certain percentage more efficient than the standard design in their class.

However, not all ENERGY STAR rated products are equal when it comes to energy efficiency. For example a washing machine that uses 10% less energy and one that is 20% more efficient would get the certification. So although looking out for the rating is a good starting point, it is still worth checking the actual energy usage before making your final choice.

Is an Energy Conserving Appliance Right for You?

Energy efficient appliances really do make a impression on an individual and national level, reducing your bills and better use of energy and resources.

Next time you are in the market for a new appliance have a look at the EnergyGuide label. This shows the cost of electricity an appliance gets through and makes it more straight forward to compare brands and designs.

You might also want to check how much your electricity costs you so you can make better comparisons.

Size matters when it comes to appliances. For example:

Paying for one large fridge requires less energy than having two small ones. Unless you only use the extra one occasionally
When choosing a new washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a smaller machine two times is less efficient than using a higher capacity machine once.
Even the most efficient water heater will never reduce your bills if it’s two times the size you require for your home.

Appliances use more energy as they get older so replace items that are past their best first and if you are able to, focus on the ones that contribute most to your overall energy usage.