The majority of devices look very similar outwardly but they can vary significantly when it comes to energy economy and consequently running costs.
In this article you will learn everything you need to know about energy efficient appliances. Discover what energy energy conserving devices are, how they operate, the advantages of making the switch and when you should make the change. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Triumph Thornton Appliance Repair.
Basically energy efficiency is employing less energy to provide the same function. For example, replacing an incandescent bulb with an energy efficient fluorescent bulb that produces the same illumination or insulating your home so you need less heating.
Energy efficiency is linked to but not the same as energy conservation which requires employing less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. Eg opting to walk when you might normally have used the car or only putting on the washing machine when you have a full load.
Energy efficient appliances are made to give the same results with lower energy requirements allowing you to save energy. Reduced power requirements result in lower utility bills and fewer environmental impacts.
Many devices currently manufactured in the USA are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer better energy efficiency compared to lower efficiency models, normally ranging from 10-50%. Most devices also have EnergyGuide labels which demonstrate how economical they are compared to other equal capacity appliances.
These simple labels can be a good first point of call when figuring out if a device is electricity efficient or not.
Some examples of energy efficient household appliances include:
Electricity saving household appliances work by taking advantage of the latest technology to maximize efficiency. That might look like more advanced insulation in freezers, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in clothes dryers to reduce drying time.
Choosing low energy household appliances makes sense for a number of reasons:
Energy conserving devices save you money by reducing your electricity consumption and by association your electricity bills.
The amount you save and whether or not you enjoy a noticeable difference in your household bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the existing and new devices, how much you use them and the lifespan of the product.
The older the device you are replacing is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. Similarly the more energy the appliance needs to run the greater the potential savings. I.e replacing an worn out, inefficient, too big air conditioning unit with a replacement ENERGY STAR marked one that is the exact size for your home, will make a noticeable difference whereas replacing your fridge with one that is merely 10% more efficient will have a markedly smaller impact.
Research suggests that if your fridge was produced in the 1990’s you could save up to $270 in five years, but if it was made in within the last decade the money you save will be much less.
You also have to make sure you use your appliances efficiency settings to get the greatest savings. For example, there is no point having super energy efficient machine if you always wash at high temperatures.
When contrasting new household appliances factoring in both the purchase price and the usage costs will make sure you make the prime decision for you.
Energy efficiency isn’t all about cutting costs. Reducing energy consumption also has a sustainability impact.
Our actions have massive effects on the environment, one of the most pressing of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere through the consumption of oil and gas that appear to be linked to air pollution and global warming.
As more and more of us are becoming aware of the environmental cost of our daily decisions the market is responding with more environmentally friendly solutions to our requirements. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy washing machines.
The ENERGY STAR certification was created in 1992 to ensure an quickly understandable way for buyers to decide upon more eco-friendly household appliances.
Certified products must meet both energy performance and consumer expectations in regards to quality and features.
The requirements for the ENERGY STAR rating change according to the device being tested. In order to have the rating, appliances must be a minimum percentage less energy intensive than the base design in their category.
This means, not all ENERGY STAR rated goods are the same when it comes to energy efficiency. For example a fridge that is 12% more efficient and one that is 20% more efficient might get the certification. So although making sure you see the star is a simple starting point, it is still worth finding out the actual energy usage before picking the best one for you.
Energy conserving appliances really do make a impact at an individual and national level, reducing your bills and conserving both energy and resources.
If you are shopping for a new device have a look at the EnergyGuide label. It shows the cost of energy an appliance uses and makes it easier to compare makes and models.
You may also want to know how much your energy costs you so you can make better comparisons.
Size makes a difference when it comes to appliances. For example:
Household appliances reduce in efficiency as they deteriorate so replace items that are past their best first and if you are able to, focus on the items that contribute most to your overall energy usage.
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