Many appliances appear very similar outwardly but they can vary significantly when it comes to energy efficiency and as a result operating costs.
In this article you can learn everything you need to know about electricity efficient appliances. Discover what energy efficient appliances are, how they work, the benefits of paying that little bit extra and whether they are right for you and your home. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Same-Day Skokie Appliance Repair.
In simple terms energy efficiency is using lower energy to perform the same function. For example, replacing an incandescent light bulb with a more efficient LED bulb that produces the same level of light or insulating your home so you need less heating.
Energy efficiency is related to but different from energy conservation which involves using less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. For example, choosing to cycle when you might normally have used the car or only putting on the dishwasher when you have a full load.
Electricity efficient devices are engineered to provide equivalent results in a more efficient way allowing you to save energy. Less energy requirements result in lower electricity bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Many devices available in the USA are ENERGY STAR rated, meaning they offer superior energy efficiency compared to lower rated models, usually ranging from 10-50%. Most appliances also have EnergyGuide labels which lay out how economical they are in comparison to other similar household appliances.
These simple labels can be a handy first point of call when figuring out if a device is energy conserving or not.
Some examples of energy efficient devices include:
Energy efficient household appliances work by taking advantage of the most up to date techniques to maximize efficiency. That might mean better insulation in fridges, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to minimize drying time.
Using energy conserving devices makes sense for a number of reasons:
Energy conserving appliances save you money by reducing your electricity consumption and in turn your energy bills.
How much you save and whether or not you notice a big difference in your annual bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the old and new appliances, the amount they get used and how long the product lasts.
The older the device you are upgrading is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. In the same way the more energy the device requires to run the greater the potential savings. I.e substituting an old, inefficient, too big air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the perfect size for your space, will make a marked difference whereas replacing your fridge with one that is only 10% more efficient is likely to have a much smaller impact.
Research suggests that if your fridge was built last century you could gain up to $270 in five years, however if it was produced in the last 10 years the financial rewards will be much lower.
You also have to ensure you use your devices energy saving settings to get the greatest savings. For example, setting your dryer for a fixed time negates its ability to sense when your clothes are nearly dry.
When contrasting new devices factoring in both the purchase price and the running costs will ensure you make the best choice for you.
Energy efficiency isn’t only about cutting costs. Cutting energy usage also has an environmental impact.
Our actions have big effects on the natural world, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the environment through the burning of non-renewable resources that appear to be correlated to air quality degradation and climate change.
As the general population become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily choices the market is replying with more eco-friendly solutions to our problems. Whether that is electric cars or in this case low energy air conditioners.
The ENERGY STAR certification was formed in 1992 to provide an quickly detectable way for consumers to decide upon more sustainable appliances.
Certified products must meet both energy efficiency and consumer requirements in regards to performance and features.
The conditions for the ENERGY STAR rating change according to the device being tested. In order to be awarded the star mark, household appliances are required to be a minimum percentage more efficient than the base design in their class.
However, not all ENERGY STAR certified appliances are the same in terms of efficiency. For example a fridge that is 12% more efficient and one that uses 20% less energy would get the symbol. Therefore although making sure you see the star is a great first step, it is still worth finding out the actual energy savings before making your final choice.
Energy efficient devices really do make a difference at a local and global level, reducing your bills and conserving both energy and resources.
Next time you are looking for a new device check the EnergyGuide label. This label tells you the cost of energy an appliance uses and makes it easier to contrast makes and styles.
You might also want to know how much you spend on your energy so you can make better comparisons.
Size counts when it comes to appliances. For example:
Appliances get less efficient as they age so replace older items first and if you are able to, focus on the ones that contribute most to your overall energy usage.
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