Energy Efficient Appliances

Most appliances appear very similar on the face of it but they can vary significantly when it comes to energy efficiency and as a result running costs.

Here you can learn all you need to know about electricity saving appliances. Learn more about what energy energy conserving 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 Mann Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Appliance?

In simple terms energy efficiency is using less energy to give the same results. For example, replacing an incandescent bulb with a lower energy fluorescent bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your roof so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is similar to but not the same as energy conservation which involves making use of less energy by requiring a different result. Eg opting to cycle when you might normally have used the car or just putting on the washing machine when you have a full load.

Low energy household appliances are created to provide the same outcomes using less energy allowing you to save money. Reduced energy usage result in lower utility bills and less environmental impact.

Many appliances available in the United States are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer use less energy than lower efficiency models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most appliances have EnergyGuide labels which demonstrate how efficient they are when looked at next to other comparable devices.

These simple labels can be a handy place to start when deciding if an appliance is energy conserving or not.

Types of Low Energy Household Appliances

Some different types of energy efficient household appliances include:

Fridge-Freezers
Air Conditioners
Boilers
Washing Machines
Tumble Dryers

How Energy Conserving Devices work

Energy conserving household appliances work by applying the most up to date techniques to maximize efficiency. That might look like better insulation in freezers, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in tumble dryers to minimize drying time.

Advantages of Electricity Efficient Devices

Choosing electricity saving appliances makes sense for a number of reasons:

Reducing energy. The more energy-efficient a device is the less resources it needs . Meaning you can gain a noticeable saving in energy without losing any productivity.
Saving money. Although energy-efficient household appliances may have a bigger initial cost they will generally save you money in the long run by reducing your utility bills.
Environmental benefits. Most of the power we need for our homes comes from fossil fuels and results in greenhouse gas emissions. Lessening our exploitation of non-renewable resources also preserves them for future generations.
Fuel Security. With resource costs continually going up and natural resources always depleting choosing less energy intensive devices will allow our demands to be met for longer.

Do Electricity Saving Devices Genuinely Reduce Bills?

Energy conserving devices save you money by reducing your power usage and in turn your electricity bills.

The amount you save and whether or not you enjoy a big difference in your monthly bills will depend on the difference between the existing and replacement appliances, the amount they get used and how long the product lasts.

The older the device you are upgrading is the more you are likely to save. Similarly the more energy it requires to run the greater the potential savings. I.e substituting an broken, inefficient, overcapacity air conditioning unit with a replacement ENERGY STAR marked one that is the exact size for your space, will make a marked impact whereas upgrading your fridge with one that is just 10% less energy intensive is likely to have a markedly smaller impact.

Studies suggest that if your fridge was built over 20 years ago you are looking to save up to $270 in five years, however if it was produced in the last 10 years the financial rewards will be much less.

You also have to ensure you use your devices efficiency functions to get the greatest savings. For example, there is no point having super energy efficient machine if you always wash at high temperatures.

When examining new household appliances factoring in both the upfront price and the usage costs will help you make the prime choice for you.

How Low Energy Household Appliances Help the Planet

Energy efficiency isn’t just about saving you money. Reducing energy requirements also has an environmental impact.

Our actions have big effects on the planet, one of the most obvious of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the environment through the burning of fossil fuels that have been linked to air quality decline and climate change.

As more and more of us are becoming aware of the environmental effect of our daily choices the market is responding with less wasteful solutions to our problems. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy air conditioners.

What are ENERGY STAR certified Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR symbol was created in 1992 to ensure an easily recognizable way for consumers to opt-for more efficient household appliances.

Rated appliances must meet both energy performance and consumer requirements in regards to performance and features.

The qualifications for the ENERGY STAR certification change according to the device being tested. In order to have the rating, appliances must be at least a certain percentage more efficient than the standard design in their class.

However, not all ENERGY STAR rated goods are equal when it comes to energy efficiency. I.e a washing machine that is 15% more efficient and one that uses 20% less energy might get the certification. Thus although making sure you see the rating is a great place to start, it is still worth looking into the actual figures before making your final choice.

Is an Electricity Efficient Appliance the Best Choice for Your Home?

Electricity saving appliances really do make a difference at an individual and global level, reducing your bills and better use of energy and resources.

When you are shopping for a new appliance check the EnergyGuide label. It indicates the cost of energy an appliance uses and makes it more straight forward to decide between brands and designs.

You may also want to check how much you spend on your energy so you can make better comparisons.

Size matters when it comes to appliances. For example:

Running one large fridge requires less energy than running two smaller ones. Unless you only turn on the spare one during the holidays
When buying a replacement washing machine consider the load size as running a lower capacity machine twice is less efficient than turning on a higher capacity machine once.
Even the lowest energy boiler will be unable to save you money if it’s two times the spec you should be using for your home.

Appliances use more energy as they age so replace items that are past their best first and if you are able to, focus on the appliances that use the most energy.