Most appliances look very similar outwardly but they can vary completely when it comes to energy saving and as a result running expenditure.
In this article you will learn all you need to know about low energy household appliances. Discover what energy efficient appliances are, what makes them different, the benefits of using them and when you should make the change. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Express Vista Appliance Repair.
What is an Energy Efficient Household Appliance?
Basically energy efficiency is using less energy to give the same results. For example, replacing an incandescent bulb with a more efficient LED bulb that produces the same illumination or insulating your roof so you need to turn the heating on less often.
Energy efficiency is similar to but different from energy conservation which requires making use of less energy by requiring a different result. For example, opting to cycle when you might normally have used the car or only putting on the washing machine when you have a full load.
Low energy devices are created to give equivalent results using less energy allowing you to save energy. Reduced electricity usage result in lower utility bills and fewer environmental impacts.
Many appliances available in the United States are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they offer use less energy than lower efficiency models, normally ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances have EnergyGuide labels which display how efficient they are in comparison to other similar appliances.
These simple labels can be a great starting point when figuring out if a device is electricity efficient or not.
Types of Electricity Saving Appliances
Some different types of energy efficient devices include:
- Fridges
- Dehumidifiers
- Boilers
- Washers
- Tumble Dryers
How Low Energy Devices work
Low energy appliances work by taking advantage of the latest techniques to minimize electricity consumption. That might look like more advanced insulation in freezers, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to reduce drying time.
Advantages of Low Energy Devices
Switching to energy efficient appliances is a good idea for many reasons:
- Saving energy. The less energy intensive an appliance is the less power it requires . Meaning you can experience a noticeable reduction in energy consumption without losing any productivity.
- Saving money. Although more efficient household appliances might have a more expensive up-front cost they will inevitably save you money over time by reducing your energy bills.
- Environmental benefits. Most of the power 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 use in a more sustainable way.
- Energy Security. With energy costs continually going up and natural resources constantly depleting choosing more efficient appliances will allow our demands to be met for longer.
Do Energy Conserving Devices Actually Cost Less?
Low energy household appliances save you money by reducing your power usage and therefore your electricity bills.
The amount you save and whether or not you enjoy a substantial reduction in your household bills will depend on the difference between the previous and new household appliances, how much you use them and how long the product lasts.
The older the good you are replacing is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. In the same way the more energy the appliance uses to run the bigger the likely savings. I.e substituting an broken, inefficient, overcapacity air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR marked one that is the perfect size for your home, could make a notable difference whereas uprating your dishwasher with one that is only 10% more efficient will have a significantly less noticeable impact.
Studies suggest that if your fridge was built in the 1990’s you are looking to save up to $270 in five years, but if it was built in the last 10 years the financial rewards will be much lower.
You also have to ensure you understand your household appliances efficiency settings to get the best 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 usage costs will make sure you make the prime decision for you.
How Electricity Saving Appliances Help the Environment
Energy efficiency isn’t just about reducing your bills. Minimizing energy requirements also has an environmental impact.
The things we do have irreversible impacts on the environment, one of the most obvious of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through the use of oil and gas that have been linked to air pollution and climate change.
As more and more of us are becoming aware of the environmental cost of our daily actions the market is replying with more environmentally friendly solutions to our needs. Whether that is reusable coffee cups or in this case low energy air conditioners.
What are ENERGY STAR rated Devices?
The ENERGY STAR rating was started in 1992 to ensure an easily understandable way for people to opt-for more sustainable devices.
Certified products must meet both energy efficiency and consumer needs in regards to performance and attributes.
The conditions for the ENERGY STAR certification are different for different types of goods. In order to be awarded the star mark, household appliances must be a minimum percentage more efficient than the standard model in their class.
However, not all ENERGY STAR marked appliances are the same in terms of efficiency. For example a washing machine that is 12% more efficient and one that uses 18% less energy would get the certification. Therefore although looking out for the star is a simple first step, it is still worth finding out the actual energy savings before making your final choice.
Is an Energy Efficient Appliance Right for Your Home?
Electricity efficient appliances really do make a impression at a local and international level, saving you money over time and conserving both energy and resources.
Next time you are looking for a new device check the EnergyGuide label. This indicates the amount of energy an appliance needs and makes it simpler to contrast makes and models.
You’ll also want to make a note of how much you spend on your energy so you can make accurate comparisons.
Size makes a difference when it comes to home appliances. For example:
- Having one large fridge is more efficient than paying for two smaller ones. Unless you only use the extra one at certain times of the year
- When buying a replacement washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a smaller machine multiple times uses more energy than using a bigger machine once.
- Even the best water heater will be unable to reduce your bills if it’s two times the size you need for your home.
Household appliances use more energy as they get older so replace older items first and if you can, focus on the ones that contribute most to your overall energy usage.