Energy Efficient Appliances

Most devices look very similar externally but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy economy and consequently operating expenditure.

In this article you will find out everything you need to know about electricity efficient appliances. Learn more about what energy efficient devices are, how they operate, the benefits of using them and when you should make the investment. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact P&G Union Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Appliance?

Basically energy efficiency is using less energy to perform the same function. This could mean, replacing an incandescent bulb with a lower energy LED bulb that produces the same amount of light or insulating your walls so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is similar to but distinct from energy conservation which involves employing less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. Eg choosing to take the bus when you might normally have used the car or only using the dishwasher when you have a full load.

Electricity saving appliances are designed to give equivalent outcomes in a more efficient way allowing you to save energy. Lower electricity usage result in lower utility bills and less environmental impact.

Many household appliances currently manufactured in the United States are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they offer use less energy than standard models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances display EnergyGuide labels which demonstrate how efficient they are compared to other similar devices.

These ratings can be a good first point of call when determining if an appliance is energy conserving or not.

Types of Low Energy Devices

Some different types of energy efficient appliances include:

  • Fridge-Freezers
  • Air Purifiers
  • Water Heaters
  • Washing Machines
  • Dishwashers

How Electricity Saving Devices work

Energy conserving devices work by employing the most up to date technology to ensure they waste as little energy as possible. That might be more advanced insulation in freezers, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in tumble dryers to limit drying time.

Benefits of Electricity Saving Devices

Choosing electricity efficient appliances is a good idea for multiple reasons:

  1. Saving energy. The more efficient an appliance is the less power it uses to undertake its task. Meaning you can experience a noticeable saving in energy without having to change your habits.
  2. Saving money. Although more efficient appliances are likely to have a higher initial cost they will inevitably save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills.
  3. Environmental benefits. Most of the energy we need for our daily lives comes from non-renewable resources and results in Carbon Dioxide and other gases being released into the atmosphere. Lessening our abuse of non-renewable resources also keeps them for future use in a more sustainable way.
  4. Energy Security. With resource prices constantly increasing and natural resources always being used up choosing less energy intensive household appliances makes it easier to meet demand.

Do Electricity Saving Household Appliances Really Reduce Bills?

Electricity efficient household appliances save you money by reducing your power usage and therefore your utility bills.

The amount you save and whether or not you enjoy a big fall in your household bills will depend on the difference between the previous and replacement devices, the intensity of use and the lifespan of the product.

The older the good you are upgrading is the bigger the difference you are likely to see. In the same way the more energy the device requires to run the more significant the possible savings. I.e substituting an worn out, wasteful, too big air conditioner with a replacement ENERGY STAR rated one that is the exact size for your home, will make a notable difference whereas replacing your fridge with one that is just 10% more efficient will have a much smaller impact.

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

You also have to ensure you use your household appliances efficiency settings to get the best reductions. For example, setting your dryer for a fixed time negates its ability to sense when your clothes are nearly dry.

When comparing new appliances factoring in both the purchase price and the running costs will ensure you make the best choice for you.

How Low Energy Household Appliances Help the Planet

Saving energy isn’t just about cutting costs. Reducing energy consumption also has a sustainability impact.

Our actions have massive effects on the planet, one of the most obvious of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the air through the consumption of oil and gas that have been correlated to air quality decline and global warming.

As we become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily decisions the market is responding with more energy efficient solutions to our problems. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy washing machines.

What are ENERGY STAR certified Household Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR certification was formed in 1992 to provide an easily recognizable way for people to opt-for more eco-friendly devices.

Certified appliances must meet both power performance and consumer expectations in regards to fulfillment and features.

The qualifications for the ENERGY STAR mark are different for different types of goods. In order to be awarded the rating, devices are required to be at least a certain percentage less energy intensive than the standard model in their category.

As a result, not all ENERGY STAR rated appliances are equal in terms of efficiency. For example a freezer that is 12% more efficient and one that is 22% more efficient could get the certification. So although looking out for the symbol is a good first step, it is still worth checking the actual energy usage before picking the best one for you.

Is an Electricity Efficient Appliance the Best Choice for Your Home?

Electricity saving appliances really do make a impact on an individual and national level, saving you money over time and better use of energy and resources.

When you are in the market for a new appliance check the EnergyGuide label. This tells you the cost of electricity an appliance needs and makes it easier to decide between makes and models.

You’ll also want to make a note of how much you spend on your energy so you can make accurate comparisons.

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

  • Running one full size fridge requires less energy than running two little ones. Unless you only turn on the second one at certain times of the year
  • When choosing a new washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a space saving machine twice will cost more than using a higher capacity machine once.
  • Even the best boiler will be unable to save you money if it’s two times the size you need for your home.

Appliances use more energy as they age so replace items that are past their best first and if you have the funds available, focus on the items that use the most energy.

Additional Types of Appliances