The majority of devices look very similar from the outside but they can vary significantly when it comes to energy efficiency and therefore running costs.
In this article you can find out everything you need to know about energy conserving household appliances. Learn more about what energy energy conserving appliances are, what makes them different, the benefits of using them and when you should make the investment. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Campbell Appliance Repair.
Basically energy efficiency is using reduced energy to gain the same outcome. This could mean, replacing a standard bulb with a more efficient LED bulb that produces the same amount of light or insulating your walls so you need to turn the heating on less often.
Energy efficiency is related to but not the same as energy conservation which requires employing less energy by adjusting behaviors or habits. For example, opting to take the bus when you might normally have used the car or only using the washing machine when you have a full load.
Energy conserving household appliances are created to offer equivalent outcomes using less energy allowing you to save money. Lower energy requirements result in lower electricity bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Many appliances available in the United States are ENERGY STAR rated, meaning they offer use less energy than base models, usually ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances also have EnergyGuide labels which demonstrate how economical they are compared to other comparable household appliances.
These ratings can be a great place to start when figuring out if a device is electricity efficient or not.
Some examples of electricity efficient devices include:
Energy efficient devices work by taking advantage of the most up to date techniques to maximize efficiency. That might mean better insulation in fridges, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to reduce drying time.
Choosing energy conserving devices is a good idea for multiple reasons:
Energy conserving devices save you money by reducing your power usage and by association your electricity bills.
How much you save and whether or not you see a big reduction in your monthly bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the old and future household appliances, the intensity of use and how long the product lasts.
The older the appliance you are upgrading is the more you are likely to save. Similarly the more energy the appliance requires to run the greater the likely savings. For example substituting an broken, wasteful, overcapacity air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR marked one that is the exact size for your space, could make a notable impact whereas uprating your dishwasher with one that is merely 10% more efficient is likely to have a much less noticeable impact.
Research suggests that if your fridge was made last century you could gain up to $270 in five years, but if it was built in the last 10 years the money you save will be much lower.
You also have to ensure you use your appliances energy-efficient settings to get the best savings. For example, setting your dryer for a fixed time negates its ability to sense when your clothes are nearly dry.
When comparing new appliances factoring in both the upfront price and the ongoing costs will ensure you make the best decision for you.
Reducing energy consumption isn’t all about cutting costs. Cutting energy consumption also has a sustainability impact.
The things we do have big impacts on the environment, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the air through the use of non-renewable resources that can be responsible for air quality degradation and climate change.
As the general population become more aware of the environmental effect of our daily decisions the market is replying with less wasteful solutions to our requirements. Whether that is reusable water bottles or in this case low energy dehumidifiers.
The ENERGY STAR mark was started in 1992 to allow for an easily recognizable way for consumers to decide upon more sustainable household appliances.
Rated products must meet both energy consumption and consumer requirements in regards to performance and attributes.
The qualifications for the ENERGY STAR certification vary between different appliances. In order to have the ENERGY STAR, appliances must be a minimum percentage more efficient than the base model in their class.
As a result, not all ENERGY STAR marked goods are the same when it comes to energy efficiency. I.e a washing machine that is 12% more efficient and one that uses 22% less energy could get the symbol. Thus although looking out for the rating is a good first step, it is still worth looking into the actual energy usage before picking the best one for you.
Energy conserving household appliances really do make a difference at a local and global level, meaning more money in your pocket and more resources to go around.
Next time you are looking for a new device read the EnergyGuide label. This label tells you the cost of energy an appliance needs and makes it simpler to compare 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 matters when it comes to home appliances. For example:
Devices reduce in efficiency as they deteriorate so replace items that are past their best first and if you can, focus on the appliances that use the most energy.
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