Most household appliances appear very comparable on the face of it but they can vary significantly when it comes to energy efficiency and therefore running expenditure.
In this article you will discover everything you need to know about electricity efficient appliances. Learn more about what energy low energy appliances are, what makes them different, the benefits of choosing them and whether they are right for you and your home. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Sterling Heights Appliance Repair HQ.
In simple terms energy efficiency is making use of reduced energy to provide the same function. For example, replacing an incandescent bulb with a lower energy LED bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your walls so you need less heating.
Energy efficiency is similar to but different from energy conservation which requires using less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. For example, choosing to walk when you might normally have used the car or just running the dishwasher when you have a full load.
Low energy appliances are made to give equivalent outcomes in a more efficient way allowing you to save energy. Reduced power requirements result in lower electricity bills and less use of fossil fuels.
Many devices available in the United States are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer use less electricity than base models, normally ranging from 10-50%. Most devices will also have EnergyGuide labels which demonstrate how economical they are when looked at next to other similar appliances.
These simple labels can be a good place to start when deciding if a device is energy conserving or not.
Some examples of electricity efficient appliances include:
Energy conserving devices work by employing the most up to date techniques to make sure they use as little power as they can. That might mean superior insulation in fridges, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to minimize drying time.
Using energy efficient devices is a good idea for a number of reasons:
Low energy devices save you money by reducing your electricity usage and therefore your energy bills.
The extent to which you save and whether or not you enjoy a substantial fall in your annual bills will depend on the difference between the previous and future household appliances, the amount they get used and the lifespan of the product.
The older the appliance you are upgrading is the more you are likely to save. In the same way the more energy the device uses to run the bigger the likely savings. For example substituting an worn out, inefficient, overcapacity air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the perfect size for your space, could make a notable impact whereas replacing your dishwasher with one that is merely 10% less energy intensive will have a significantly less noticeable impact.
Studies suggest that if your fridge was produced last century you are looking to save up to $270 in five years, however if it was built in within the last decade the money you save will be much less significant.
You also have to ensure you understand your household appliances energy saving functions to get the most significant reductions. For example, manual defrost is more energy-efficient than auto defrost, but only if you remember to keep defrosting.
When examining new appliances factoring in both the upfront price and the usage costs will ensure you make the top decision for you.
Energy efficiency isn’t all about cutting costs. Minimizing energy usage also has a sustainability impact.
The things we do have big impacts on the planet, one of the most pressing of which is the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere through the consumption of oil and gas that have been correlated to air quality degradation and global warming.
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 problems. Whether that is electric cars or in this case low energy washing machines.
The ENERGY STAR symbol was formed in 1992 to provide an quickly detectable way for people to decide upon more eco-friendly household appliances.
Rated products must meet both energy performance and consumer needs in regards to performance and attributes.
The conditions for the ENERGY STAR mark are different for different types of goods. In order to gain the rating, household appliances must be a minimum percentage more efficient than the base design in their category.
This means, not all ENERGY STAR rated products are equal when it comes to energy efficiency. I.e a fridge that uses 10% less energy and one that is 18% more efficient might get the certification. So although making sure you see the symbol is a good starting point, it is still worth checking the actual figures before picking the best one for you.
Electricity saving appliances really do make a impression at a local and international level, saving you money over time and conserving both energy and resources.
Next time you are in the market for a new appliance have a look at the EnergyGuide label. It shows the cost of electricity an appliance gets through and makes it easier to compare brands and styles.
You may also want to make a note of how much you spend on your energy so you can make more personalized comparisons.
Size matters when it comes to appliances. For example:
Appliances reduce in efficiency as they deteriorate so replace items that are past their best first and if you can, focus on the appliances that contribute most to your overall energy usage.
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