Energy Efficient Appliances

Most devices look very comparable outwardly but they can vary all together when it comes to energy efficiency and consequently operating expenditure.

Here you can understand everything you need to know about energy efficient appliances. Learn more about what energy electricity saving appliances are, what makes them different, the benefits of choosing them and when you should make the switch. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Appliance Repair Force.

What is an Energy Efficient Appliance?

In simple terms energy efficiency is employing reduced energy to perform the same function. For example, replacing a traditional light bulb with an energy efficient LED bulb that produces the same illumination or insulating your roof so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is linked to but distinct from energy conservation which involves making use of less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. For example, opting to walk when you might normally have used the car or only putting on the washing machine when you have a full load.

Electricity saving appliances are created to provide the same results using less energy allowing you to save money. Reduced energy usage result in lower energy bills and less environmental impact.

Many appliances currently manufactured in the United States are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they offer higher energy efficiency compared to lower efficiency models, normally ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances display EnergyGuide labels which demonstrate how economical they are compared to other comparable household appliances.

These simple labels can be a good first point of call when determining if a device is energy efficient or not.

Types of Electricity Efficient Household Appliances

Some different types of energy conserving devices include:

  • Refrigerators
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Water Heaters
  • Washing Machines
  • Dishwashers

How Low Energy Appliances work

Low energy devices work by utilizing the best current technology to maximize efficiency. That might mean superior insulation in fridges, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in clothes dryers to minimize drying time.

Advantages of Energy Efficient Devices

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

  1. Reducing energy. The more efficient a device is the less power it needs to complete its task. Meaning you can gain a sizable saving in energy without losing any productivity.
  2. Saving money. Although more efficient household appliances might have a more expensive up-front cost they will usually save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills.
  3. Environmental advantages. Most of the power we use in our homes comes from oil and gas and results in greenhouse gas emissions. Lessening our use of natural resources also conserves them for future use in a more sustainable way.
  4. Fuel Security. With fuel prices constantly going up and natural resources always being used up choosing more efficient household appliances makes it easier to meet demand.

Do Electricity Saving Appliances Really Reduce Bills?

Electricity saving devices save you money by reducing your electricity usage and in turn your utility bills.

The amount you save and whether or not you enjoy a noticeable fall in your annual bills will depend on the difference between the existing and new household appliances, the degree of use and how long the product lasts.

The older the device you are replacing is the more you are likely to save. In the same way the more energy the appliance needs to run the greater the possible savings. For example substituting an worn out, inefficient, oversized air conditioning unit with a new ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the exact size for your space, will make a marked impact whereas uprating your fridge with one that is only 10% more efficient will have a much less noticeable impact.

Research suggests that if your fridge was made over 20 years ago you could save up to $270 in five years, however if it was produced in within the last decade the savings will be much less.

You also have to make certain you use your devices energy saving settings to get the greatest savings. For example, there is no point having super energy efficient machine if you always wash at high temperatures.

When contrasting new household appliances factoring in both the purchase price and the usage costs will make sure you make the best choice for you.

How Energy Efficient Appliances Help the Planet

Energy efficiency isn’t just about reducing your bills. Reducing energy usage also has a sustainability impact.

Human actions have massive impacts on the planet, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the environment through the burning of oil and gas that are likely to be linked to air quality degradation and climate change.

As the general population become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily choices the market is reacting with more energy efficient solutions to our requirements. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy dehumidifiers.

What are ENERGY STAR certified Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR rating was created in 1992 to allow for an quickly recognizable way for people to choose more efficient appliances.

Certified products must meet both energy performance and consumer requirements in regards to performance and attributes.

The requirements for the ENERGY STAR rating are different for different types of goods. In order to be awarded the ENERGY STAR, appliances must be a minimum percentage more efficient than the standard product in their category.

As a result, not all ENERGY STAR rated appliances are the same when it comes to energy efficiency. I.e a washing machine that uses 10% less energy and one that is 22% more efficient might get the certification. Therefore although making sure you see the star is a simple starting point, it is still worth looking into the actual figures before making your final choice.

Is an Energy Conserving Appliance the Best Choice for Your Home?

Electricity saving appliances really do make a difference at a local and international level, reducing your bills and conserving both energy and resources.

Next time you are shopping for a new appliance read the EnergyGuide label. This label indicates the cost of electricity an appliance needs and makes it more straight forward to decide between makes and styles.

You might also want to make a note of how much your energy costs you so you can make more personalized comparisons.

Size counts when it comes to appliances. For example:

  • Having one big fridge requires less energy than paying for two small ones. Unless you only use the extra one during the holidays
  • When choosing a new washing machine think about the load size as running a space saving machine twice will cost more than running a bigger machine for a single run.
  • Even the best boiler will never save you money if it’s two times the spec you require for your home.

Appliances get less efficient as they age so replace items that are past their best first and if you have the funds available, focus on the appliances that contribute most to your overall energy usage.

Additional Types of Appliances