The majority of appliances look very comparable on the face of it but they can vary all together when it comes to energy efficiency and consequently running expenditure.
Here you will find out all you need to know about electricity saving devices. Discover what energy efficient devices are, how they operate, 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 Federal Way Appliance Repair.
What is an Energy Efficient Household Appliance?
Basically energy efficiency is making use of lower energy to provide the same function. For example, replacing a traditional bulb with an energy efficient fluorescent bulb that produces the same amount of light or insulating your home so you need less heating.
Energy efficiency is similar to but not the same as energy conservation which requires employing less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. Eg opting to walk when you might normally have used the car or only putting on the washing machine when you have a full load.
Low energy devices are made to offer the same results in a more efficient way allowing you to save money. Lower energy requirements result in lower utility bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Many appliances available in the United States are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer use less power than lower efficiency models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most devices also have EnergyGuide labels which lay out how efficient they are when looked at next to other comparable appliances.
These simple labels can be a great first point of call when figuring out if a device is low energy or not.
Types of Low Energy Appliances
Some different types of electricity saving devices include:
- Fridge-Freezers
- Air Purifiers
- Water Heaters
- Washers
- Dishwashers
How Energy Efficient Household Appliances work
Energy conserving devices work by taking advantage of the latest technology to minimize energy consumption. That might look like more advanced insulation in freezers, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in tumble dryers to reduce drying time.
Reasons to Switch to Energy Efficient Goods
Choosing low energy household appliances makes sense for many reasons:
- Saving energy. The more efficient a device is the less power it needs . Meaning you can gain a noticeable saving in energy without having to change your habits.
- Saving money. Although energy-efficient household appliances may have a higher ticket price they will usually save you money in the long run by cutting your utility bills.
- Environmental benefits. Most of the electricity we need for our daily lives comes from fossil fuels and results in the emission of greenhouse gases. Reducing our wastefulness of fossil fuels also keeps them for future use in a more sustainable way.
- Resource Security. With fuel prices consistently going up and natural resources always depleting choosing less energy intensive devices makes it easier to meet demand.
Do Electricity Saving Appliances Actually Reduce Bills?
Energy efficient devices save you money by reducing your electricity usage and in turn your energy bills.
How much you save and whether or not you enjoy a substantial fall in your annual bills will depend on the difference between the old and replacement devices, the intensity of use and the lifespan of the product.
The older the appliance you are replacing is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. In the same way the more energy it needs to run the more significant the possible savings. For example replacing an old, inefficient, overcapacity air conditioner with a replacement ENERGY STAR rated one that is the correct size for your home, will make a marked difference whereas uprating your dishwasher with one that is just 10% less energy intensive will have a markedly smaller impact.
Studies suggest that if your fridge was made in the 1990’s you are looking to save up to $270 in five years, however if it was built in within the last decade the financial rewards will be much lower.
You also have to make sure you use your devices efficiency 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 comparing new household appliances factoring in both the upfront price and the running costs will make sure you make the best decision for you.
How Energy Conserving Appliances Help the Environment
Energy efficiency isn’t all about reducing your bills. Reducing energy usage also has an environmental impact.
The things we do have irreversible effects on the environment, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of greenhouse gasses into the environment through the use of non-renewable resources that are likely to be responsible for air pollution and global warming.
As we become more aware of the environmental cost of our daily actions the market is reacting with more environmentally friendly solutions to our needs. Whether that is reusable water bottles or in this case low energy washing machines.
What are ENERGY STAR marked Devices?
The ENERGY STAR certification was started in 1992 to allow for an readily recognizable way for consumers to opt-for more eco-friendly devices.
Certified appliances must meet both energy consumption and consumer expectations in regards to performance and attributes.
The qualifications for the ENERGY STAR certification change according to the device being tested. In order to be awarded the rating, appliances are required to be at least a certain percentage less energy intensive than the base product in their category.
However, not all ENERGY STAR marked goods are the same in terms of efficiency. I.e a fridge that uses 15% less energy and one that uses 20% less energy might get the symbol. Thus although only looking at products with the rating is a great first step, it is still worth checking the actual figures before picking the best one for you.
Is an Electricity Efficient Appliance the Best Choice for Your Home?
Electricity efficient household appliances really do make a impact at an individual and national level, reducing your bills and better use of energy and resources.
Next time you are looking for a new appliance have a look at the EnergyGuide label. This label tells you the cost of electricity an appliance needs and makes it more straight forward to contrast makes and styles.
You may also want to make a note of how much your electricity costs you so you can make accurate comparisons.
Size makes a difference when it comes to home appliances. For example:
- Running one big fridge requires less energy than paying for two small ones. Unless you only turn on the spare one at certain times of the year
- When buying a new washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a space saving machine multiple times uses more energy than running a bigger machine once.
- Even the most efficient water heater will be unable to save you money if it’s two times the spec you should be using for your home.
Household appliances reduce in efficiency as they deteriorate so replace older items first and if you have the funds available, focus on the ones that contribute most to your overall energy usage.