Most appliances look very comparable on the face of it but they can vary all together when it comes to energy economy and as a result operating expenditure.
In this article you will discover everything you need to know about electricity saving devices. Learn more about what energy energy conserving appliances are, what makes them different, the advantages of making the switch and whether they are right for you and your home. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Gold Appliance Repair.
What is an Energy Efficient Home Appliance?
Basically energy efficiency is making use of decreased energy to gain the same outcome. For example, replacing a traditional bulb with an energy efficient fluorescent bulb that produces the same amount of light or insulating your walls so you need less heating.
Energy efficiency is linked to but distinct from energy conservation which involves using less energy by adjusting behaviors or habits. Eg choosing to walk when you might normally have used the car or only running the dishwasher when you have a full load.
Energy conserving household appliances are engineered to provide equivalent results with lower energy requirements allowing you to save money. Reduced power usage result in lower electricity bills and fewer environmental impacts.
Many devices for sale in the United States are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they offer superior energy efficiency compared to standard models, usually ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances display 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 figuring out if an appliance is low energy or not.
Types of Electricity Saving Household Appliances
Some examples of electricity efficient household appliances include:
- Refrigerators
- Air Purifiers
- Water Heaters
- Washers
- Dishwashers
How Low Energy Appliances work
Electricity saving devices work by utilizing the best current techniques to minimize electricity consumption. That might look like superior insulation in fridges, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in tumble dryers to minimize drying time.
Reasons to Switch to Energy Efficient Devices
Choosing low energy appliances is a good idea for multiple reasons:
- Saving energy. The less energy intensive an appliance is the less energy it uses . Meaning you can gain a big saving in energy without having to change your habits.
- Saving money. Although energy-efficient household appliances are likely to have a more expensive ticket price they will usually save you money over time by cutting your electricity bills.
- Environmental advantages. Most of the electricity we use in our daily lives comes from oil and gas and results in Carbon Dioxide and other gases being released into the atmosphere. Lessening our exploitation of fossil fuels also conserves them for future generations.
- Fuel Security. With fuel costs constantly going up and natural resources constantly being used up choosing more efficient household appliances will allow our demands to be met for longer.
Do Electricity Efficient Household Appliances Actually Reduce Bills?
Electricity efficient devices save you money by reducing your electricity consumption and by association your electricity bills.
The amount you save and whether or not you notice a noticeable difference in your monthly bills will depend on the difference between the previous and new household appliances, how much you use them and how long the product lasts.
The older the good you are upgrading is the more you are likely to save. Likewise the more energy the device requires to run the bigger the likely savings. For example replacing an worn out, wasteful, too big air conditioning unit with a new ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the correct size for your space, could make a notable difference whereas upgrading your dishwasher with one that is just 10% more efficient will have a markedly less noticeable impact.
Studies suggest that if your fridge was produced last century you could save up to $270 in five years, but if it was made in within the last decade the money you save will be much less significant.
You also have to ensure you make use of your devices efficiency functions 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 comparing new household appliances factoring in both the ticket price and the usage costs will make sure you make the best decision for you.
How Energy Conserving Devices Help the Planet
Reducing energy consumption isn’t just about saving you money. Reducing energy usage also has a sustainability impact.
The things we do have big impacts on the planet, one of the most pressing of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the environment through the burning of oil and gas that are likely to be correlated to air quality decline and climate change.
As the general population become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily choices the market is reacting with more environmentally friendly solutions to our problems. Whether that is reusable water bottles or in this case low energy washing machines.
What are ENERGY STAR certified Household Appliances?
The ENERGY STAR symbol was started in 1992 to provide an easily detectable way for consumers to decide upon more sustainable household appliances.
Certified products must meet both power consumption and consumer expectations in regards to performance and attributes.
The conditions for the ENERGY STAR certification change according to the device being tested. In order to gain the star mark, devices are required to be a minimum percentage more efficient than the standard model in their grouping.
This means, not all ENERGY STAR marked products are equal in terms of efficiency. I.e a freezer that uses 12% less energy and one that is 22% more efficient might get the certification. So although only looking at products with the star is a simple starting point, it is still worth looking into the actual figures before picking the best one for you.
Is an Low Energy Appliance Right for Your Home?
Energy efficient devices really do make a impact at a local and international level, reducing your bills and better use of energy and resources.
Next time you are looking for a new device have a look at the EnergyGuide label. It indicates the cost of electricity an appliance gets through and makes it simpler to decide between brands and models.
You’ll also want to check how much your energy costs you so you can make accurate comparisons.
Size counts when it comes to home appliances. For example:
- Running one big fridge is more efficient than having two smaller ones. Unless you only turn on the second one during the holidays
- When choosing a new washing machine think about the load size as running a lower capacity machine multiple times uses more energy than running a higher capacity machine once.
- Even the lowest energy water heater will never save you money if it’s four times the spec you need for your home.
Devices reduce in efficiency as they get older so replace older items first and if you are able to, focus on the appliances that use the most energy.