Most devices look very comparable outwardly but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy saving and consequently operating costs.
In this article you can learn all you need to know about energy conserving appliances. Learn more about what energy low energy appliances are, what makes them different, the advantages of paying that little bit extra and when you should make the investment. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Tru Appliance Repair.
What is an Energy Efficient Household Appliance?
Basically energy efficiency is using decreased energy to gain the same outcome. This could mean, replacing a traditional light bulb with a more efficient fluorescent bulb that produces the same amount of light or insulating your walls so you need to turn the heating on less often.
Energy efficiency is linked to but different from energy conservation which involves using less energy by requiring a different result. For example, opting to cycle when you might normally have used the car or just putting on the dishwasher 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 energy. Less power usage result in lower energy bills and less use of fossil fuels.
Many household appliances available in the United States are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they offer better energy efficiency compared to standard models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances have EnergyGuide labels which show how economical they are when looked at next to other equal capacity household appliances.
These ratings can be a handy place to start when deciding if an appliance is energy efficient or not.
Types of Electricity Saving Devices
Some different types of low energy household appliances include:
- Fridge-Freezers
- Air Purifiers
- Water Heaters
- Washers
- Tumble Dryers
How Low Energy Devices work
Energy conserving household appliances work by taking advantage of the latest techniques to minimize energy consumption. That might be superior insulation in freezers, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to reduce drying time.
Benefits of Energy Conserving Appliances
Switching to electricity efficient appliances is a good idea for multiple reasons:
- Reducing energy. The more economical a device is the less resources it needs to complete its purpose. Meaning you can experience a sizable saving in energy without having to change your habits.
- Saving money. Although energy-efficient devices may have a more expensive up-front cost they will generally save you money over time by cutting your utility bills.
- Environmental benefits. Most of the energy we use in our daily lives comes from oil and gas and results in Carbon Dioxide and other gases being released into the atmosphere. Reducing our exploitation of natural resources also keeps them for future generations.
- Energy Security. With resource prices consistently increasing and natural resources always being used up choosing more efficient devices makes it easier to meet demand.
Do Low Energy Appliances Actually Cost Less?
Energy conserving appliances save you money by reducing your power usage and by association your energy bills.
The extent to which you save and whether or not you enjoy a substantial fall in your monthly bills will depend on the difference between the old and new household appliances, the degree 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. Similarly the more energy it requires to run the bigger the possible savings. I.e replacing an worn out, wasteful, oversized air conditioning unit with a replacement ENERGY STAR marked one that is the exact size for your space, will make a notable impact whereas replacing your fridge with one that is merely 10% more efficient is likely to have a much less noticeable impact.
Research suggests that if your fridge was built in the 1990’s you could gain up to $270 in five years, but if it was built in the last 10 years the savings will be much less.
You also have to ensure you use your devices energy saving settings to get the most significant reductions. For example, there is no point having super energy efficient machine if you always wash at high temperatures.
When comparing new appliances factoring in both the ticket price and the running costs will help you make the prime decision for you.
How Low Energy Devices Help the Environment
Reducing energy consumption isn’t just about reducing your bills. Reducing energy usage also has an environmental impact.
The things we do have big effects on the planet, one of the most obvious of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the air through the consumption of fossil fuels that are likely to be correlated to air pollution and climate change.
As the general population become more aware of the environmental effect of our daily actions the market is responding with less wasteful solutions to our needs. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy air conditioners.
What are ENERGY STAR rating Household Appliances?
The ENERGY STAR mark was created in 1992 to allow for an readily recognizable way for buyers to decide upon more eco-friendly devices.
Certified products must meet both energy efficiency and consumer expectations in regards to quality and features.
The conditions for the ENERGY STAR certification vary between different appliances. In order to gain the ENERGY STAR, devices must be a minimum percentage less energy intensive than the standard model in their category.
This means, not all ENERGY STAR marked goods are the same when it comes to energy efficiency. I.e a washing machine that is 12% more efficient and one that is 18% more efficient could get the symbol. Therefore although looking out for the symbol is a good starting point, it is still worth finding out the actual figures before picking the best one for you.
Is an Energy Conserving Appliance the Best Choice for You?
Energy efficient appliances really do make a difference at an individual and global level, reducing your bills and more resources to go around.
When you are looking for a new appliance have a look at the EnergyGuide label. This tells you the cost of electricity an appliance needs and makes it more straight forward to decide between makes and designs.
You’ll also want to check how much your energy costs you so you can make more personalized comparisons.
Size matters when it comes to appliances. For example:
- Paying for one large fridge requires less energy than having two little ones. Unless you only need the spare one occasionally
- When choosing a replacement washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a lower capacity machine two times is less efficient than turning on a bigger machine once.
- Even the most efficient water heater will not save you money if it’s three times the capacity you should be using for your home.
Household appliances use more energy as they age so replace older items first and if you can, focus on the appliances that use the most energy.