Energy Efficient Appliances

Most devices appear very similar from the outside but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy saving and as a result running expenditure.

Here you can understand everything you need to know about electricity efficient household appliances. Learn more about what energy energy conserving appliances are, how they work, the advantages of paying that little bit extra and when you should make the change. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Goff Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Appliance?

In simple terms energy efficiency is employing reduced energy to provide the same function. For example, replacing a traditional light bulb with an energy efficient fluorescent bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your home so you need to turn the heating on less often.

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

Low energy appliances are created to give equivalent results using less energy allowing you to save energy. Lower electricity usage result in lower energy bills and less use of fossil fuels.

Many devices available in the United States are ENERGY STAR rated, meaning they offer better energy efficiency compared to lower efficiency models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances have EnergyGuide labels which display how economical they are in comparison to other similar household appliances.

These ratings can be a good first point of call when deciding if a device is low energy or not.

Types of Low Energy Devices

Some different types of energy efficient household appliances include:

Fridges
Air Conditioners
Boilers
Washing Machines
Tumble Dryers

How Energy Conserving Devices work

Low energy devices work by employing the most up to date technology to minimize electricity consumption. That might mean superior insulation in freezers, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to minimize drying time.

Reasons to Choose Electricity Efficient Devices

Choosing low energy household appliances makes sense for a number of reasons:

Reducing energy. The less energy intensive a device is the less power it uses . Meaning you can see a sizable reduction in energy consumption without losing any productivity.
Saving money. Although more efficient household appliances are likely to have a higher initial cost they will usually save you money over time by cutting your electricity bills.
Environmental benefits. Most of the electricity we need for our homes comes from fossil fuels and results in the emission of greenhouse gases. Reducing our exploitation of non-renewable resources also keeps them for future use in a more sustainable way.
Energy Security. With resource prices consistently rising and natural resources constantly being used up choosing less energy intensive appliances makes it easier to meet demand.

Do Electricity Efficient Household Appliances Really Cost Less?

Energy conserving household appliances save you money by reducing your energy consumption and in turn your energy bills.

The amount you save and whether or not you enjoy a noticeable reduction in your monthly bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the old and replacement household appliances, the degree of use and how long the product lasts.

The older the device you are upgrading is the bigger the difference you are likely to see. Likewise the more energy the appliance uses to run the greater the potential savings. For example replacing an worn out, wasteful, overcapacity air conditioner with a replacement ENERGY STAR rated one that is the correct size for your home, could make a notable difference whereas upgrading your fridge with one that is only 10% less energy intensive will have a much less noticeable impact.

Reports suggest that if your fridge was made last century you could save up to $270 in five years, but if it was produced in within the last decade the money you save will be much lower.

You also have to make certain you understand your appliances efficiency settings to get the greatest savings. For example, setting your dryer for a fixed time negates its ability to sense when your clothes are nearly dry.

When contrasting new appliances factoring in both the upfront price and the running costs will ensure you make the prime choice for you.

How Energy Conserving Devices Help the Environment

Saving energy isn’t all about saving you money. Cutting energy requirements also has a sustainability impact.

The things we do have irreversible effects on the environment, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through the use of fossil fuels that appear to be responsible for air quality decline and climate change.

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

What are ENERGY STAR rating Household Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR symbol was formed in 1992 to ensure an easily understandable way for consumers to choose more sustainable household appliances.

Certified products must meet both power consumption and consumer needs in regards to performance and attributes.

The qualifications for the ENERGY STAR rating vary between different appliances. In order to have the rating, household appliances must be at least a certain percentage more efficient than the base model in their grouping.

As a result, not all ENERGY STAR certified products are equal in terms of efficiency. I.e a fridge that uses 10% less energy and one that uses 18% less energy could get the certification. Thus although looking out for the symbol is a good starting point, it is still worth checking the actual energy usage before making your final choice.

Is an Energy Efficient Appliance Right for You?

Low energy household appliances really do make a impression at a local and international level, saving you money over time and better use of energy and resources.

When you are in the market for a new device read the EnergyGuide label. This tells you the cost of energy an appliance needs and makes it more straight forward to decide between brands and designs.

You’ll also want to check how much your energy costs you so you can make more personalized comparisons.

Size counts when it comes to home appliances. For example:

Paying for one big fridge is more efficient than paying for two little ones. Unless you only use the extra one at certain times of the year
When purchasing a replacement washing machine think about the load size as running a lower capacity machine twice uses more energy than running a bigger machine for a single run.
Even the most efficient water heater will never save you money if it’s three times the capacity you require for your home.

Devices use more energy as they get older so replace older items first and if you have the funds available, focus on the ones that use the most energy.