Many devices look very similar on the face of it but they can vary completely when it comes to energy economy and consequently running costs.
In this article you can learn everything you need to know about low energy devices. Discover what energy efficient devices are, what makes them different, the benefits of choosing them and when you should make the switch. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Tru Trenton Appliance Repair.
What is an Energy Efficient Home Appliance?
In simple terms energy efficiency is employing less energy to give the same results. This could mean, replacing a filament bulb with a more efficient fluorescent bulb that produces the same illumination or insulating your roof so you need to turn the heating on less often.
Energy efficiency is related to but different from energy conservation which requires employing less energy by requiring a different result. For example, opting to walk when you might normally have used the car or just using the dishwasher when you have a full load.
Electricity efficient devices are created to provide the same results in a more efficient way allowing you to save money. Reduced electricity usage result in lower energy bills and less use of fossil fuels.
Many appliances currently manufactured in the United States are ENERGY STAR rated, meaning they offer use less power than lower efficiency models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most devices have EnergyGuide labels which display how efficient they are when looked at next to other comparable household appliances.
These simple labels can be a great place to start when determining if an appliance is energy efficient or not.
Types of Electricity Efficient Household Appliances
Some examples of energy conserving devices include:
- Fridges
- Air Conditioners
- Water Heaters
- Washing Machines
- Dishwashers
How Electricity Efficient Household Appliances work
Energy conserving appliances work by taking advantage of the latest technology to maximize efficiency. That might mean superior insulation in freezers, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in tumble dryers to reduce drying time.
Reasons to Choose Low Energy Devices
Switching to low energy household appliances is a good idea for many reasons:
- Reducing energy. The more efficient a device is the less power it needs . Meaning you can gain a noticeable saving in energy without losing any productivity.
- Reducing cost. Although energy-efficient devices might have a higher up-front cost they will inevitably save you money in the long run by cutting your utility bills.
- Environmental advantages. Most of the power we need for our daily lives comes from non-renewable resources and results in the emission of greenhouse gases. Reducing our wastefulness of fossil fuels also conserves them for future generations.
- Resource Security. With energy prices consistently going up and natural resources constantly depleting choosing energy-efficient appliances is a more sustainable option.
Do Low Energy Appliances Actually Reduce Bills?
Energy conserving devices save you money by reducing your electricity usage and by association your utility bills.
The amount you save and whether or not you notice a substantial difference in your annual bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the existing and replacement appliances, the amount they get used and the lifespan of the product.
The older the appliance you are upgrading is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. In the same way the more energy the device uses to run the more significant the possible savings. I.e substituting an worn out, wasteful, oversized air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the perfect size for your space, will make a marked impact whereas replacing your dishwasher with one that is merely 10% more efficient will have a much less noticeable impact.
Studies suggest that if your fridge was produced over 20 years ago you are looking to save up to $270 in five years, however if it was made in the last 10 years the savings will be much less.
You also have to make sure you make use of your appliances efficiency settings to get the best reductions. For example, setting your dryer for a fixed time negates its ability to sense when your clothes are nearly dry.
When examining new household appliances factoring in both the ticket price and the ongoing costs will help you make the top choice for you.
How Energy Conserving Appliances Help the Planet
Reducing energy consumption isn’t only about saving you money. Reducing energy requirements also has an environmental impact.
Our actions have massive impacts on the environment, one of the most obvious of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the air through the consumption of non-renewable resources that are likely to be correlated to air quality decline and global warming.
As we become more aware of the environmental impact of our daily actions the market is reacting with less wasteful solutions to our needs. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy air conditioners.
What are ENERGY STAR marked Appliances?
The ENERGY STAR symbol was started in 1992 to allow for an quickly understandable way for consumers to opt-for more eco-friendly household appliances.
Certified products must meet both power consumption and consumer expectations in regards to performance and features.
The conditions for the ENERGY STAR mark are different for different types of goods. In order to be awarded the rating, appliances must be a minimum percentage more efficient than the standard product in their grouping.
However, not all ENERGY STAR marked products are the same in terms of efficiency. I.e a fridge that uses 10% less energy and one that uses 22% less energy could get the symbol. Thus although only looking at products with the star is a great first step, it is still worth checking the actual figures before picking the best one for you.
Is an Low Energy Appliance Right for You?
Energy conserving devices really do make a impression at a local and global level, meaning more money in your pocket and better use of energy and resources.
Next time you are shopping for a new device check the EnergyGuide label. It tells you the cost of electricity an appliance uses and makes it easier to contrast makes and models.
You may also want to check how much your energy costs you so you can make accurate comparisons.
Size matters when it comes to appliances. For example:
- Having one bigger fridge is more efficient than having two small ones. Unless you only turn on the second one at certain times of the year
- When purchasing a replacement washing machine consider the size of the drum as running a smaller machine twice will cost more than turning on a higher capacity machine for a single run.
- Even the most efficient boiler will not reduce your bills if it’s three times the spec you require for your home.
Appliances get less efficient as they deteriorate so replace items that are past their best first and if you have the funds available, focus on the items that contribute most to your overall energy usage.