Energy Efficient Appliances

Many appliances look very comparable on the face of it but they can vary all together when it comes to energy efficiency and as a result running costs.

In this article you will learn all you need to know about low energy household appliances. Learn more about what energy energy conserving household appliances are, how they work, the benefits 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 Action Mansfield Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Appliance?

Basically energy efficiency is employing less energy to perform the same function. For example, replacing a traditional light bulb with an energy efficient fluorescent bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your walls so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is similar to but not the same as energy conservation which involves employing less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. For example, opting 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 designed to provide equivalent results using less energy allowing you to save money. Reduced electricity requirements result in lower electricity bills and fewer environmental impacts.

Many devices currently manufactured in the United States are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer better energy efficiency compared to base models, normally ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances will also have EnergyGuide labels which display how economical they are compared to other equal capacity household appliances.

These ratings can be a great first point of call when deciding if a device is electricity saving or not.

Types of Low Energy Devices

Some different types of energy conserving appliances include:

  • Refrigerators
  • Air Conditioners
  • Water Heaters
  • Washers
  • Dishwashers

How Energy Conserving Household Appliances work

Electricity efficient devices work by taking advantage of the most up to date techniques to make sure they use as little electric as they can. That might mean superior insulation in freezers, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in tumble dryers to minimize drying time.

Benefits of Energy Efficient Devices

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

  1. Saving energy. The more energy-efficient an appliance is the less resources it uses . Meaning you can see a noticeable saving in energy without having to change your habits.
  2. Reducing cost. Although more efficient devices might have a bigger up-front cost they will generally save you money over time by reducing your utility bills.
  3. Environmental benefits. Most of the power 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 wastefulness of fossil fuels also preserves them for future generations.
  4. Resource Security. With fuel costs continually increasing and natural resources constantly depleting choosing more efficient household appliances will allow our demands to be met for longer.

Do Electricity Efficient Devices Genuinely Cost Less?

Electricity saving appliances save you money by reducing your electricity usage and in turn your energy bills.

The extent to which you save and whether or not you enjoy a substantial difference in your annual bills will depend on the difference between the previous and replacement household appliances, how much you use them and how long the product lasts.

The older the appliance you are upgrading is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. In the same way the more energy the appliance requires to run the more significant the possible savings. I.e substituting an old, inefficient, overcapacity air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the exact size for your home, could make a marked impact whereas replacing your dishwasher with one that is merely 10% less energy intensive is likely to have a significantly smaller impact.

Reports suggest 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 certain you make use of your devices energy-efficient functions to get the greatest savings. 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 upfront price and the ongoing costs will ensure you make the top decision for you.

How Electricity Efficient Appliances Help the Planet

Saving energy isn’t just about saving you money. Minimizing energy consumption also has a sustainability impact.

Human actions have irreversible effects on the environment, one of the most pressing of which is the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere through the use of oil and gas that appear to be correlated to air quality decline and global warming.

As we become more aware of the environmental effect of our daily choices the market is replying with more energy efficient solutions to our needs. Whether that is reusable straws or in this case low energy dehumidifiers.

What are ENERGY STAR rated Household Appliances?

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

Rated appliances must meet both energy consumption and consumer needs in regards to performance and attributes.

The conditions for the ENERGY STAR certification vary between different appliances. In order to be awarded the rating, household appliances are required to be a minimum percentage more efficient than the base model in their class.

This means, not all ENERGY STAR certified products are the same in terms of efficiency. I.e a washing machine that is 15% more efficient and one that uses 18% less energy might get the symbol. Therefore although looking out for the rating is a great place to start, it is still worth checking the actual energy usage before picking the best one for you.

Is an Electricity Efficient Appliance Right for Your Home?

Energy conserving household appliances really do make a difference at an individual and national level, reducing your bills and better use of energy and resources.

If you are shopping for a new appliance check the EnergyGuide label. It tells you the cost of energy an appliance gets through and makes it easier to decide between makes and models.

You might also want to know how much you spend on your energy so you can make more personalized comparisons.

Size makes a difference when it comes to appliances. For example:

  • Having one bigger fridge is more efficient than paying for two little ones. Unless you only need the second one during the holidays
  • When choosing a replacement washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a lower capacity machine twice uses more energy than turning on a higher capacity machine for a single run.
  • Even the most efficient water heater will not save you money if it’s two times the capacity you need for your home.

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

Additional Types of Appliances