Energy Efficient Appliances

Many appliances look very comparable on the face of it but they can vary all together when it comes to energy saving and as a result operating expenditure.

In this article you will understand all you need to know about low energy devices. Learn more about what energy low energy devices are, what makes them different, the benefits of making the switch and whether they are right for you and your home. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact J&L Thousand Oaks Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Appliance?

Basically energy efficiency is using lower energy to perform the same function. For example, replacing an incandescent light bulb with a lower energy LED bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your home so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is linked to but distinct from energy conservation which involves making use of less energy by requiring a different result. For example, choosing to take the bus when you might normally have used the car or only putting on the dishwasher when you have a full load.

Low energy appliances are created to offer the same results in a more efficient way allowing you to save money. Reduced energy usage result in lower utility bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Many household appliances for sale in the USA are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they offer use less power than lower efficiency models, usually ranging from 10-50%. Most devices display EnergyGuide labels which lay out how economical they are in comparison to other similar appliances.

These simple labels can be a handy starting point when figuring out if a device is low energy or not.

Types of Low Energy Devices

Some different types of energy efficient devices include:

  • Refrigerators
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Boilers
  • Washing Machines
  • Dishwashers

How Energy Efficient Household Appliances work

Energy conserving household appliances work by utilizing the best current techniques to maximize efficiency. That might look like superior insulation in fridges, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in tumble dryers to reduce drying time.

Reasons to Switch to Electricity Saving Devices

Using energy efficient appliances makes sense for multiple reasons:

  1. Saving energy. The more energy-efficient a device is the less power it needs to complete its task. Meaning you can gain a noticeable reduction in energy consumption without losing any productivity.
  2. Saving money. Although more efficient appliances are likely to have a more expensive ticket price they will generally save you money in the long run by reducing your energy bills.
  3. Environmental advantages. Most of the electricity we use in our daily lives comes from non-renewable resources and results in the emission of greenhouse gases. Reducing our abuse of non-renewable resources also keeps them for future use in a more sustainable way.
  4. Fuel Security. With energy prices constantly rising and natural resources constantly depleting choosing energy-efficient appliances is a more sustainable option.

Do Low Energy Devices Genuinely Cost Less?

Energy conserving appliances save you money by reducing your energy consumption and in turn your energy bills.

How much you save and whether or not you notice a noticeable fall in your monthly bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the existing and future appliances, the degree of use and the lifespan of the product.

The older the appliance you are replacing is the bigger the difference you are likely to see. Likewise the more energy the device requires to run the bigger the potential savings. For example substituting an broken, wasteful, too big air conditioning unit with a new ENERGY STAR rated one that is the exact size for your home, will make a noticeable impact whereas replacing your dishwasher with one that is only 10% more efficient is likely to have a significantly less noticeable impact.

Studies suggest that if your fridge was made over 20 years ago you could gain up to $270 in five years, but 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 household appliances energy-efficient functions to get the greatest savings. For example, manual defrost is more energy-efficient than auto defrost, but only if you remember to keep defrosting.

When examining new appliances factoring in both the ticket price and the ongoing costs will make sure you make the best choice for you.

How Electricity Saving Household Appliances Help the Planet

Reducing energy consumption isn’t only about cutting costs. Minimizing energy usage also has a sustainability impact.

Human actions have irreversible effects on the planet, one of the most obvious of which is the release of greenhouse gasses into the air through the consumption of non-renewable resources that can be linked to air pollution and global warming.

As the general population become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily actions the market is replying with more eco-friendly solutions to our requirements. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy air conditioners.

What are ENERGY STAR rated Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR rating was formed in 1992 to allow for an quickly recognizable way for consumers to decide upon more eco-friendly household appliances.

Rated products must meet both energy consumption and consumer expectations in regards to quality and attributes.

The qualifications for the ENERGY STAR rating vary between different appliances. In order to gain the ENERGY STAR, devices must be at least a certain percentage more efficient than the base product in their class.

However, not all ENERGY STAR certified goods are equal when it comes to energy efficiency. I.e a freezer that uses 15% less energy and one that is 20% more efficient would get the symbol. So although looking out for the rating is a good first step, it is still worth checking the actual figures before making your final choice.

Is an Electricity Saving Appliance Right for Your Home?

Low energy devices really do make a impression at a local and national level, reducing your bills and conserving both energy and resources.

When you are looking for a new device have a look at the EnergyGuide label. This label indicates the amount of energy an appliance uses and makes it more straight forward to decide between brands and models.

You might also want to check how much your energy costs you so you can make more personalized comparisons.

Size matters when it comes to appliances. For example:

  • Paying for one full size fridge requires less energy than having two small ones. Unless you only need the second one at certain times of the year
  • When choosing a new washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a smaller machine two times uses more energy than using a bigger machine for a single run.
  • Even the lowest energy water heater will never reduce your bills if it’s two times the size you need for your home.

Appliances reduce in efficiency as they deteriorate so replace over 10 years old first and if you can, focus on the items that contribute most to your overall energy usage.

Additional Types of Appliances