Energy Efficient Appliances

Many devices appear very comparable outwardly but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy economy and therefore running costs.

Here you can discover all you need to know about low energy household appliances. Learn more about what energy low energy devices are, what makes them different, the advantages of making the switch and when you should make the change. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Prime Nampa Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Household Appliance?

Basically energy efficiency is using reduced energy to provide the same function. For example, replacing an incandescent bulb with a lower energy LED bulb that produces the same illumination or insulating your roof so you need to turn the heating on less often.

Energy efficiency is similar to but distinct from energy conservation which involves making use of less energy by requiring a different result. For example, opting to take the bus when you might normally have used the car or just putting on the washing machine when you have a full load.

Electricity saving devices are made to offer the same outcomes with lower energy requirements allowing you to save money. Less energy usage result in lower energy bills and fewer environmental impacts.

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

These simple labels can be a good starting point when figuring out if an appliance is energy efficient or not.

Types of Electricity Efficient Household Appliances

Some examples of energy efficient devices include:

Fridges
Air Conditioners
Water Heaters
Washers
Dishwashers

How Energy Conserving Household Appliances work

Electricity saving household appliances work by employing the best current techniques to maximize efficiency. That might mean more advanced insulation in fridges, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to limit drying time.

Benefits of Electricity Efficient Appliances

Choosing energy conserving devices makes sense for a number of reasons:

Saving energy. The less energy intensive a device is the less resources it uses . Meaning you can see a big saving in energy without having to change your habits.
Reducing cost. Although more efficient devices are likely to have a higher up-front cost they will generally save you money over time by cutting your energy bills.
Environmental advantages. Most of the power we use in our daily lives comes from oil and gas and results in the emission of greenhouse gases. Lessening our use of natural resources also preserves them for future generations.
Fuel Security. With energy prices continually rising and natural resources always being used up choosing more efficient household appliances makes it easier to meet demand.

Do Energy Conserving Appliances Genuinely Cost Less?

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

The extent to which you save and whether or not you enjoy a substantial reduction in your household bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the existing and new appliances, how much you use them and how long the product lasts.

The older the good you are changing is the bigger the difference you are likely to see. Likewise the more energy it requires to run the bigger the possible savings. I.e replacing an broken, inefficient, too big air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the perfect size for your space, will make a noticeable impact whereas replacing your dishwasher with one that is only 10% less energy intensive is likely to have a significantly smaller impact.

Reports suggest that if your fridge was made 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 make certain you make use of your devices energy saving settings to get the most significant reductions. For example, setting your dryer for a fixed time negates its ability to sense when your clothes are nearly dry.

When examining new household appliances factoring in both the ticket price and the usage costs will make sure you make the top decision for you.

How Low Energy Devices Help the Planet

Reducing energy consumption isn’t all about saving you money. Minimizing energy requirements also has an environmental impact.

The things we do have massive effects on the environment, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the air through the burning of non-renewable resources that appear to be linked to air quality degradation and climate change.

As we become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily actions the market is responding with less wasteful solutions to our requirements. Whether that is reusable water bottles or in this case low energy washing machines.

What are ENERGY STAR marked Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR mark was created in 1992 to allow for an easily recognizable way for consumers to decide upon more efficient appliances.

Rated appliances must meet both energy efficiency and consumer needs in regards to quality and features.

The requirements for the ENERGY STAR certification are different for different types of goods. In order to have the rating, appliances must be a minimum percentage less energy intensive than the base design in their class.

However, not all ENERGY STAR certified products are equal when it comes to energy efficiency. I.e a freezer that is 15% more efficient and one that is 20% more efficient could get the certification. Therefore although only looking at products with the symbol is a simple starting point, it is still worth looking into the actual energy savings 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, reducing your bills and conserving both energy and resources.

When you are shopping for a new appliance have a look at the EnergyGuide label. This label tells you the amount of energy an appliance needs and makes it easier to decide between brands and styles.

You might also want to check how much your electricity costs you so you can make better comparisons.

Size counts when it comes to appliances. For example:

Running one big fridge requires less energy than running two smaller ones. Unless you only need the spare one during the holidays
When purchasing a replacement washing machine think about the size of the drum as running a lower capacity machine multiple times will cost more than turning on a higher capacity machine for a single run.
Even the best water heater will be unable to save you money if it’s three times the spec you require for your home.

Appliances reduce in efficiency as they get older so replace older items first and if you are able to, focus on the ones that use the most energy.