Do you want to save money on your electricity bill and reduce your carbon footprint? Well, investing in energy-efficient appliances is one way to do it.
However, before you make the change, you must understand what makes an appliance energy-efficient and how it can benefit you in the long run.
This article will provide you with all the information you need about energy-efficient appliances. You'll see why they are an intelligent choice for the planet and your wallet.
What does energy efficiency mean?
Energy efficiency is the practice of using less energy to do the same activities. It might involve investing in energy-efficient appliances and adopting energy-saving habits.
But why aim for energy efficiency in the first place? Let's look at the benefits of energy efficiency in the next section.
Benefits of energy efficiency
Energy efficiency can yield benefits for both individuals and society as a whole.
When you use less energy to perform the same duties, you can save money on energy bills, freeing up funds for other purposes. Besides, energy-efficient structures often provide more comfort and help ensure good health. Better insulation, efficient heating and cooling systems, and improved indoor air quality all contribute to that enhanced comfort and well-being.
Energy efficiency can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Similarly, it helps ensure the conservation of finite and nonrenewable natural resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas. This can help mitigate the risks associated with geopolitical instability and fluctuations in global energy markets.
How to buy energy-efficient appliances
As technology continues to advance, so do the options for appliances that are more energy-efficient. Here are some key tips to help you buy energy-efficient appliances.
1. Choose the size and style
Picking the proper design and size of energy-efficient appliances can help you ensure not just your overall home aesthetics and functionality, but also machine performance and maximized energy savings.
Take accurate measurements of the space where the appliance will be installed to ensure your chosen appliance fits properly. Consider factors like door swing, ventilation requirements, and clearance space for proper airflow.
Don't forget to consider your lifestyle when trying to figure out the perfect appliance size for you. What are your cooking routines, for example? If you cook a lot, then you'll want a bigger energy-efficient gas stove with lots of burners for your pans and pots.
Consider your long-term demands as well. Even if you have a small family now, if you anticipate changes in your household size or lifestyle (maybe you plan to have another kid or plan to sell food to your neighbors on the side), you might be better off with a larger gas stove now than with a smaller one.
Now, how do you determine which appliance design to go for? That depends on your personal preferences and your actual home design. The goal is to ensure your appliances integrate well with your existing home environment from a visual perspective. That means if your black and white-themed kitchen has a modern look and feel, then you should choose a black, slender washing machine over a vibrant pink one with a large width.
2. Consider purchase price, estimated energy savings, and other costs
When you buy an energy-efficient appliance, don't just look at the item price. Consider the long-term savings on your energy bills and other costs you'll have to incur in the future to make an informed decision.
Do some online research to see how much you can save in energy costs with a specific appliance unit. There are many resources out there that can give you an estimate. For instance, energystar.gov, a website run by the US federal government, has data on how much you can save–up to $300—with an energy-efficient refrigerator in five years.
You can also check the appliance energy label. It usually tells you the value of the unit's energy consumption and how that compares to the energy consumption of other similar appliances. In the US, that label looks something like this:
In other parts of the world, the energy label looks slightly different, but offers the same relevant information. Here's how those labels look in Australia:
Once you have your data from the energy label, just factor in how much you'd pay for electricity using the unit for a specific period. You can compare your final energy costs across different models to determine the unit where you can save the most in the long run.
Finally, consider how much it would cost to repair the energy-efficient appliance when it encounters issues. Repair costs for such appliances vary based on brand, age, and mechanism complexity.
In addition, location can impact the overall cost of the repair. For instance, dishwasher repair services in Melbourne, Australia, are cheaper than in the city of Benton Harbor in Michigan, US, which start at $200.
3. Find special deals
Energy-efficient appliances don't just help you save on energy bills. Many governments also offer rebates, tax credits, and incentives just for purchasing energy-efficient appliances, allowing you to save even more.
All you need to do is visit your country's energy department or environmental agency website to learn about available programs. If you're a US resident, you can also visit energystar.gov. The site can help you find special offers in your area. Just enter your zip code.
Furthermore, manufacturers often team up with retailers to offer incentives to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient models. Check appliance manufacturer websites for ongoing promotions, discounts, or special offers on energy-efficient appliances. You can also check out websites such as Couponupto for this:
It's also good to subscribe to newsletters or email lists of appliance manufacturers, retailers, or energy-saving organizations to receive updates.
Similarly, you can stay in the loop with major retailers and brands on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram that frequently promote time-limited offers. Following these accounts closely can help you spot great deals as soon as they appear.
4. Look for the Energy Star logo
The Energy Star logo is a symbol that consumers can use to identify eco-friendly appliances and electronics while shopping. It can be found on various appliances, such as clothes dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and room air conditioners.
It looks like this.
This certification was originally just granted to products in the US that comply with rigorous energy efficiency standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. It indicates that these products consume less energy and contribute to reducing overall energy consumption. However, the Energy Star program, including its related energy standards, was also adopted by members of the European Union, Australia, and New Zealand. That's why you can also find this logo in energy-efficient products displayed in such places.
Energy Star Appliances
Let's take a look at some appliances that can come with the Energy Star logo:
1. Air-source heat pumps
Air-source heat pumps are heating and cooling systems that transfer heat between a building's interior and the outside air. They are a highly energy-efficient alternative to traditional systems, as they can provide both heating and cooling capabilities in a single unit.
Unlike combustion heating systems, which convert fuel to generate heat, heat pumps move heat from one place to another. Here is an illustration to give you an idea.
That makes ASHPs incredibly efficient. They can deliver up to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy they consume.
2. Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats are devices that can be connected to a home's heating and cooling system to provide automated control and monitoring.
These devices come equipped with sensors and Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing users to easily adjust the temperature settings from anywhere through a smartphone app or voice command.
Additionally, some advanced models are compatible with call center VoIP software, enabling seamless integration with home automation systems and providing remote access and control for added convenience and energy savings.
3. Electric cooking products
Did you know that Energy Star-certified electric cooking products are, on average, 18% more efficient than standard models? It's pretty impressive.
They're great for people who love to cook. Apart from the fact that they serve a great purpose, they ensure good air quality in a home compared to gas ranges. This is because they don't burn gas or propane, which can release air pollutants.
Conclusion
Investing in energy-efficient appliances has numerous benefits. It can help you save money on your electricity bill, reduce your carbon footprint, and enhance your comfort and well-being.
So, when you purchase energy-efficient appliances, consider aspects such as the style and size. Look at the purchase price, estimated energy cost savings, and repair costs as well.
Also, ensure you get appliances with Energy Star certification, indicating that they meet energy efficiency guidelines. Finally, take advantage of special deals and incentives to save more.
Choose energy-efficient appliances and start making a difference, while saving now!
