Energy Efficient Appliances

Most devices look very comparable from the outside but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy saving and as a result operating costs.

Here you can find out all you need to know about low energy appliances. Learn more about what energy electricity efficient devices are, how they operate, the advantages of making the switch and when you should make the investment. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Santa Clarita Appliance Repair ASAP.

What is an Energy Efficient Household Appliance?

In simple terms energy efficiency is making use of decreased energy to perform the same function. For example, replacing an incandescent light bulb with a lower energy fluorescent bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your home so you need to turn the heating on less often.

Energy efficiency is related to but distinct from energy conservation which requires using less energy by requiring a different result. Eg choosing to take the bus when you might normally have used the car or just putting on the washing machine when you have a full load.

Energy efficient household appliances are engineered to give equivalent results with lower energy requirements 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 certified, meaning they offer better energy efficiency compared to lower efficiency models, normally ranging from 10-50%. Most appliances display EnergyGuide labels which display how efficient they are compared to other comparable household appliances.

These simple labels can be a good place to start when determining if an appliance is low energy or not.

Types of Energy Efficient Devices

Some examples of energy conserving appliances include:

  • Fridge-Freezers
  • Air Conditioners
  • Water Heaters
  • Washing Machines
  • Tumble Dryers

How Energy Conserving Devices work

Low energy devices work by taking advantage of the best current techniques to maximize efficiency. That might mean more advanced insulation in freezers, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to reduce drying time.

Advantages of Low Energy Devices

Using electricity saving devices is a good idea for multiple reasons:

  1. Reducing energy. The less energy intensive a device is the less power it needs . Meaning you can experience a sizable reduction in energy consumption without losing any productivity.
  2. Reducing cost. Although more efficient appliances may have a bigger up-front cost they will inevitably save you money over time by reducing your energy bills.
  3. Environmental benefits. Most of the energy we use in our homes comes from oil and gas and results in greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing our wastefulness of natural resources also keeps them for future use in a more sustainable way.
  4. Fuel Security. With resource costs continually rising and natural resources always being used up choosing less energy intensive appliances makes it easier to meet demand.

Do Electricity Saving Appliances Really Cost Less?

Electricity saving devices save you money by reducing your power usage and in turn your utility bills.

The amount you save and whether or not you see a big fall in your annual bills will depend on the difference between the previous and future appliances, the amount they get used and the lifespan of the product.

The older the device you are upgrading is the more you are likely to save. Likewise the more energy the appliance requires to run the bigger the possible savings. For example substituting an worn out, inefficient, too big air conditioning unit with a new ENERGY STAR marked one that is the exact size for your home, could make a noticeable impact whereas uprating your dishwasher with one that is merely 10% less energy intensive will have a markedly smaller impact.

Reports suggest that if your fridge was made last century you could gain up to $270 in five years, but if it was built in within the last decade the financial rewards will be much lower.

You also have to make sure you make use of your appliances efficiency functions to get the most significant savings. For example, manual defrost is more energy-efficient than auto defrost, but only if you remember to keep defrosting.

When comparing new household appliances factoring in both the upfront price and the ongoing costs will help you make the best decision for you.

How Low Energy Household Appliances Help the Planet

Saving energy isn’t just about saving you money. Reducing energy usage also has an environmental impact.

Our actions have big impacts on the planet, one of the most pressing of which is the release of greenhouse gasses into the environment through the use of fossil fuels that appear to be linked to air quality degradation and climate change.

As we become more aware of the environmental cost of our daily decisions the market is reacting with more energy efficient solutions to our problems. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy air conditioners.

What are ENERGY STAR marked Devices?

The ENERGY STAR certification was started in 1992 to provide an easily understandable way for consumers to decide upon more sustainable household appliances.

Certified appliances must meet both power consumption and consumer expectations in regards to quality and features.

The requirements for the ENERGY STAR mark change according to the device being tested. In order to have the star mark, appliances must be at least a certain percentage more efficient than the base model in their category.

As a result, not all ENERGY STAR marked appliances are equal in terms of efficiency. I.e a freezer that uses 12% less energy and one that is 22% more efficient could get the certification. So although only looking at products with the star is a simple place to start, it is still worth checking the actual energy savings before making your final choice.

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

Energy conserving devices really do make a difference on an individual and global level, meaning more money in your pocket and better use of energy and resources.

When you are shopping for a new appliance check the EnergyGuide label. It indicates the cost of electricity an appliance uses and makes it simpler to decide between 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 counts when it comes to appliances. For example:

  • Paying for one bigger fridge is more efficient than paying for two smaller ones. Unless you only need the spare one occasionally
  • When purchasing a new washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a lower capacity machine multiple times uses more energy than running a bigger machine once.
  • Even the best boiler will not reduce your bills if it’s three times the size you require 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 items that contribute most to your overall energy usage.

Additional Types of Appliances

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