Many devices appear very similar on the face of it but they can vary completely when it comes to energy economy and therefore running costs.
In this article you can understand all you need to know about energy efficient devices. Discover what energy energy conserving appliances are, what makes them different, the advantages of paying that little bit extra and when you should make the investment. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact College Station Appliance Repair.
What is an Energy Efficient Household Appliance?
Put simply energy efficiency is making use of decreased energy to provide the same function. This could mean, replacing a filament bulb with a lower energy fluorescent bulb that produces the same illumination or insulating your roof so you need less heating.
Energy efficiency is linked to but different from energy conservation which involves using less energy by requiring a different result. For example, choosing to take the bus when you might normally have used the car or only putting on the washing machine when you have a full load.
Energy conserving household appliances are created to provide equivalent results with lower energy requirements allowing you to save money. Reduced power usage result in lower energy bills and less environmental impact.
Many appliances available in the USA are ENERGY STAR rated, meaning they offer use less electricity than lower rated models, normally ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances have EnergyGuide labels which lay out how efficient they are in comparison to other similar devices.
These simple labels can be a great starting point when deciding if an appliance is electricity efficient or not.
Types of Energy Conserving Appliances
Some different types of energy conserving household appliances include:
- Fridge-Freezers
- Air Purifiers
- Water Heaters
- Washers
- Dishwashers
How Energy Efficient Household Appliances work
Energy efficient household appliances work by applying the latest technology to minimize electricity consumption. That might look like better insulation in fridges, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to limit drying time.
Reasons to Choose Energy Efficient Appliances
Switching to electricity saving devices is a good idea for a number of reasons:
- Saving energy. The less energy intensive an appliance is the less power it uses . Meaning you can experience a big saving in energy without losing any productivity.
- Reducing cost. Although more efficient appliances might have a bigger ticket price they will generally save you money in the long run by reducing your utility bills.
- Environmental benefits. Most of the electricity we need for our homes comes from non-renewable resources and results in Carbon Dioxide and other gases being released into the atmosphere. Reducing our abuse of natural resources also preserves them for future use in a more sustainable way.
- Energy Security. With fuel costs consistently going up and natural resources always depleting choosing less energy intensive household appliances will allow our demands to be met for longer.
Do Energy Efficient Appliances Actually Reduce Bills?
Energy efficient appliances save you money by reducing your electricity consumption and in turn your energy bills.
The amount you save and whether or not you see a substantial fall in your household bills will depend on the difference between the existing and replacement devices, the amount they get used and how long the product lasts.
The older the device you are replacing is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. In the same way the more energy the device uses to run the more significant the potential savings. For example replacing an broken, wasteful, too big air conditioning unit with a replacement ENERGY STAR rated one that is the correct size for your space, could make a notable impact whereas upgrading your dishwasher with one that is just 10% more efficient will have a significantly less noticeable impact.
Research suggests that if your fridge was built in the 1990’s you could gain up to $270 in five years, but if it was made in the last 10 years the savings will be much less significant.
You also have to make sure you understand your devices efficiency functions to get the most significant 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 running costs will help you make the prime choice for you.
How Electricity Saving Appliances Help the Planet
Saving energy isn’t just about cutting costs. Reducing energy consumption also has a sustainability 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 burning of non-renewable resources that appear to be correlated to air pollution and global warming.
As the general population become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily actions the market is responding with less wasteful solutions to our needs. Whether that is reusable straws or in this case low energy dehumidifiers.
What are ENERGY STAR certified Appliances?
The ENERGY STAR certification was formed in 1992 to allow for an easily detectable way for people to opt-for more eco-friendly appliances.
Certified products must meet both energy consumption and consumer needs in regards to performance and features.
The requirements for the ENERGY STAR certification change according to the device being tested. In order to gain the star mark, household appliances must be a minimum percentage more efficient than the standard product in their category.
However, not all ENERGY STAR certified goods are equal in terms of efficiency. I.e a freezer that is 15% more efficient and one that uses 22% less energy could get the certification. Therefore although making sure you see the star is a great place to start, it is still worth looking into the actual energy savings before making your final choice.
Is an Electricity Efficient Appliance the Best Choice for You?
Energy conserving appliances really do make a impression at a local and national level, saving you money over time and better use of energy and resources.
Next time you are shopping for a new device have a look at the EnergyGuide label. It indicates the amount of energy an appliance needs and makes it simpler to contrast brands and styles.
You may also want to know how much your energy costs you so you can make accurate comparisons.
Size counts when it comes to appliances. For example:
- Paying for one large fridge is more efficient than paying for two small ones. Unless you only turn on the second one during the holidays
- When purchasing a new washing machine consider the load size as running a lower capacity machine two times will cost more than using a bigger machine once.
- Even the most efficient water heater will not save you money if it’s two times the size you need for your home.
Appliances reduce in efficiency as they age so replace older items first and if you are able to, focus on the appliances that contribute most to your overall energy usage.