Energy Efficient Appliances

Most appliances look very comparable from the outside but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy economy and consequently running expenditure.

In this article you will learn everything you need to know about low energy appliances. Discover what energy energy conserving devices are, how they work, the benefits of making the switch and when you should make the change. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Bull City Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Home Appliance?

In simple terms energy efficiency is making use of less energy to gain the same outcome. For example, replacing an incandescent bulb with a more efficient LED bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your roof so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is linked to but distinct from energy conservation which involves making use of less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. Eg choosing to take the bus when you might normally have used the car or only running the washing machine when you have a full load.

Low energy appliances are designed to offer the same outcomes in a more efficient way allowing you to save energy. Less electricity requirements result in lower utility bills and fewer environmental impacts.

Many household appliances for sale in the USA are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer use less power than standard models, usually ranging from 10-50%. Most appliances will also have EnergyGuide labels which show how efficient they are when looked at next to other comparable devices.

These ratings can be a handy first point of call when figuring out if a device is low energy or not.

Types of Energy Conserving Appliances

Some examples of energy efficient devices include:

Fridge-Freezers
Air Conditioners
Boilers
Washers
Tumble Dryers

How Electricity Saving Devices work

Energy efficient devices work by taking advantage of the most up to date techniques to minimize energy consumption. That might mean superior insulation in fridges, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to minimize drying time.

Reasons to Choose Energy Efficient Appliances

Switching to low energy household appliances makes sense for multiple reasons:

Saving energy. The more efficient a device is the less power it uses to complete its task. Meaning you can experience a big reduction in energy consumption without having to change your habits.
Reducing cost. Although lower energy appliances may have a higher initial cost they will inevitably save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills.
Environmental advantages. Most of the electricity we need for our daily lives comes from non-renewable resources and results in Carbon Dioxide and other gases being released into the atmosphere. Reducing our exploitation of non-renewable resources also preserves them for future generations.
Fuel Security. With energy prices constantly increasing and natural resources always being used up choosing less energy intensive devices makes it easier to meet demand.

Do Electricity Efficient Appliances Genuinely Cost Less?

Electricity efficient appliances save you money by reducing your power consumption and in turn your electricity bills.

The extent to which you save and whether or not you see a big difference in your annual bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the previous and future devices, the intensity of use and the lifespan of the product.

The older the good you are upgrading is the bigger the difference you are likely to see. Similarly the more energy the device uses to run the greater the possible savings. I.e substituting an old, wasteful, oversized air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the perfect size for your space, could make a marked impact whereas replacing your fridge with one that is just 10% more efficient will have a much smaller impact.

Studies suggest that if your fridge was produced in the 1990’s you could gain up to $270 in five years, however if it was made in within the last decade the money you save will be much lower.

You also have to ensure you use your appliances energy-efficient settings to get the most significant savings. For example, there is no point having super energy efficient machine if you always wash at high temperatures.

When contrasting new devices factoring in both the purchase price and the running costs will ensure you make the prime decision for you.

How Low Energy Household Appliances Help the Environment

Saving energy isn’t all about saving you money. Minimizing energy usage also has a sustainability impact.

Human actions have massive impacts on the environment, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere through the burning of oil and gas that can be correlated to air quality decline and global warming.

As we become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily decisions the market is reacting with more eco-friendly solutions to our needs. Whether that is electric cars or in this case low energy dehumidifiers.

What are ENERGY STAR certified Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR symbol was created in 1992 to allow for an readily understandable way for people to choose more eco-friendly devices.

Certified appliances must meet both power performance and consumer needs in regards to performance and attributes.

The conditions for the ENERGY STAR rating are different for different types of goods. In order to have the star mark, devices must be at least a certain percentage more efficient than the base product in their class.

As a result, not all ENERGY STAR marked appliances are equal in terms of efficiency. I.e a freezer that is 10% more efficient and one that uses 20% less energy might get the certification. Thus although making sure you see the star is a good first step, it is still worth checking the actual energy usage before picking the best one for you.

Is an Electricity Saving Appliance the Best Choice for You?

Energy conserving devices really do make a impression at a local and international level, meaning more money in your pocket and more resources to go around.

When you are shopping for a new appliance read the EnergyGuide label. This label tells you the amount of energy an appliance gets through and makes it easier to contrast brands and styles.

You’ll also want to make a note of how much you spend on your energy so you can make better comparisons.

Size matters when it comes to home appliances. For example:

Running one full size fridge is more efficient than running two small ones. Unless you only turn on the spare one at certain times of the year
When purchasing a replacement washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a space saving machine multiple times uses more energy than running a bigger machine for a single run.
Even the lowest energy water heater will be unable to reduce your bills if it’s four times the spec you should be using for your home.

Appliances reduce in efficiency as they get older so replace over 10 years old first and if you are able to, focus on the ones that use the most energy.