Energy Efficient Appliances

Most household appliances appear very comparable externally but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy efficiency and as a result running expenditure.

In this article you will discover all you need to know about low energy household appliances. Learn more about what energy electricity saving appliances are, how they work, the benefits of using them and whether they are right for you and your home. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Crown Pomona Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Household Appliance?

Put simply energy efficiency is using less energy to perform the same function. For example, replacing an incandescent light bulb with an energy efficient fluorescent bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your roof so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is similar to but distinct from energy conservation which involves using less energy by requiring a different result. Eg choosing to take the bus when you might normally have used the car or just running the dishwasher when you have a full load.

Electricity saving household appliances are designed to offer the same outcomes with lower energy requirements allowing you to save energy. Less electricity requirements result in lower energy bills and fewer environmental impacts.

Many household appliances for sale in the United States are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they offer use less power than standard models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most devices display EnergyGuide labels which display how efficient they are when looked at next to other similar appliances.

These ratings can be a great first point of call when figuring out if an appliance is electricity efficient or not.

Types of Low Energy Appliances

Some examples of energy conserving household appliances include:

  • Fridge-Freezers
  • Air Purifiers
  • Boilers
  • Washing Machines
  • Tumble Dryers

How Energy Efficient Devices work

Energy efficient appliances work by utilizing the most up to date techniques to maximize efficiency. That might mean more advanced insulation in freezers, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to reduce drying time.

Benefits of Electricity Efficient Devices

Using energy efficient household appliances is a good idea for many reasons:

  1. Reducing energy. The more economical an appliance is the less power it uses to undertake its purpose. Meaning you can see a sizable reduction in energy consumption without having to change your habits.
  2. Reducing cost. Although lower energy appliances might have a bigger up-front cost they will usually save you money in the long run by cutting your utility bills.
  3. Environmental advantages. Most of the power we use in our daily lives comes from oil and gas and results in greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing our exploitation of non-renewable resources also keeps them for future generations.
  4. Energy Security. With energy costs consistently going up and natural resources continually being used up choosing more efficient household appliances makes it easier to meet demand.

Do Electricity Saving Household Appliances Really Cost Less?

Energy conserving devices save you money by reducing your electricity usage and in turn your electricity bills.

The extent to which you save and whether or not you enjoy a big difference in your household bills will depend on the difference between the existing and new appliances, the degree of use and the lifespan of the product.

The older the good you are replacing is the more you are likely to save. In the same way the more energy the appliance needs to run the more significant the likely savings. For example replacing an worn out, inefficient, too big air conditioner with a replacement ENERGY STAR marked one that is the correct size for your space, will make a notable difference whereas replacing your fridge with one that is only 10% more efficient is likely to have a much less noticeable impact.

Reports suggest that if your fridge was produced last century you could gain up to $270 in five years, but if it was built in the last 10 years the money you save will be much less significant.

You also have to make certain you understand your appliances 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 contrasting new appliances factoring in both the purchase price and the running costs will help you make the best choice for you.

How Energy Efficient Household Appliances Help the Environment

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

Human actions have big impacts on the natural world, one of the most pressing of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the environment through the use of fossil fuels that can be correlated to air quality degradation and climate change.

As more and more of us are becoming aware of the environmental effect of our daily actions the market is responding with less wasteful solutions to our requirements. Whether that is electric cars or in this case low energy refrigerators.

What are ENERGY STAR rated Household Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR mark was formed in 1992 to provide an easily detectable way for people to decide upon more sustainable household appliances.

Rated products must meet both energy consumption and consumer requirements in regards to performance and features.

The requirements for the ENERGY STAR mark are different for different types of goods. In order to gain the ENERGY STAR, appliances must be a minimum percentage less energy intensive than the standard model in their class.

As a result, not all ENERGY STAR certified appliances are the same in terms of efficiency. I.e a freezer that uses 15% less energy and one that uses 18% less energy could get the rating. Therefore although only looking at products with the symbol is a simple place to start, it is still worth checking the actual energy savings before making your final choice.

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

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

Next time you are in the market for a new appliance check the EnergyGuide label. It tells you the cost of electricity an appliance needs and makes it simpler to contrast brands and models.

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

Size matters when it comes to appliances. For example:

  • Having one big fridge is more efficient than having two little ones. Unless you only use the second one at certain times of the year
  • When buying a new washing machine consider the amount of washing you tend to do as running a lower capacity machine multiple times is less efficient than running a higher capacity machine for a single run.
  • Even the best water heater will not reduce your bills if it’s four times the size you require for your home.

Devices get less efficient as they age so replace older items first and if you have the funds available, focus on the ones that contribute most to your overall energy usage.

Additional Types of Appliances