The majority of appliances look very similar outwardly but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy efficiency and consequently running costs.
Here you will find out all you need to know about energy efficient household appliances. Learn more about what energy efficient household appliances are, what makes them different, the benefits of choosing them and whether they are right for you and your home. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Albany Appliance Repair.
Basically energy efficiency is employing less energy to provide the same function. For example, replacing an incandescent light bulb with a more efficient LED bulb that produces the same level of light or insulating your walls so you need less heating.
Energy efficiency is linked to but different from energy conservation which requires using less energy by changing the outcome. For example, choosing to cycle when you might normally have used the car or only putting on the washing machine when you have a full load.
Low energy household appliances are created to provide equivalent outcomes in a more efficient way allowing you to save energy. Lower energy usage result in lower utility bills and less environmental impact.
Many devices for sale in the USA are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they offer higher energy efficiency compared to standard models, usually ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances have EnergyGuide labels which demonstrate how economical they are when looked at next to other similar appliances.
These simple labels can be a handy place to start when determining if a device is energy conserving or not.
Some examples of energy conserving appliances include:
Energy efficient devices work by applying the latest technology to ensure they waste as little power as they can. That might be better insulation in fridges, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in tumble dryers to minimize drying time.
Using energy conserving appliances is a good idea for multiple reasons:
Energy efficient appliances save you money by reducing your power consumption and therefore your electricity bills.
The amount you save and whether or not you enjoy a noticeable reduction in your household bills will depend on the difference between the old and new devices, how much you use them and how long the product lasts.
The older the appliance you are changing is the bigger the difference you are likely to see. Similarly the more energy the device requires to run the more significant the possible savings. I.e replacing an broken, inefficient, oversized air conditioner with a replacement ENERGY STAR rated one that is the exact size for your home, could make a marked impact whereas replacing your fridge with one that is merely 10% less energy intensive is likely to have a significantly less noticeable impact.
Research suggests that if your fridge was made in the 1990’s you are looking to save up to $270 in five years, but if it was produced in the last 10 years the financial rewards will be much lower.
You also have to ensure you make use of your appliances efficiency settings to get the greatest reductions. For example, there is no point having super energy efficient machine if you always wash at high temperatures.
When comparing new household appliances factoring in both the ticket price and the usage costs will help you make the best choice for you.
Reducing energy consumption isn’t only about cutting costs. Reducing energy consumption also has an environmental impact.
Our actions have massive effects on the environment, one of the most pressing of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the environment through the burning of non-renewable resources that have been correlated to air quality degradation and climate change.
As we become more aware of the environmental effect of our daily choices the market is replying with more energy efficient solutions to our problems. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy dehumidifiers.
The ENERGY STAR rating was started in 1992 to ensure an readily understandable way for buyers to decide upon more efficient appliances.
Certified appliances must meet both energy performance and consumer needs in regards to performance and attributes.
The conditions for the ENERGY STAR rating change according to the device being tested. In order to gain the ENERGY STAR, appliances are required to be at least a certain percentage more efficient than the base product in their grouping.
However, not all ENERGY STAR marked goods are the same in terms of efficiency. I.e a washing machine that is 10% more efficient and one that uses 22% less energy might get the certification. So although making sure you see the rating is a good starting point, it is still worth checking the actual energy savings before making your final choice.
Electricity efficient devices really do make a impact at a local and national level, meaning more money in your pocket and more resources to go around.
Next time you are looking for a new device read the EnergyGuide label. It indicates the cost of electricity an appliance uses and makes it easier to compare brands and models.
You might also want to know how much your electricity costs you so you can make more personalized comparisons.
Size matters when it comes to appliances. For example:
Devices get less efficient as they age so replace items that are past their best first and if you can, focus on the ones that contribute most to your overall energy usage.
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