Energy Efficient Appliances

The majority of appliances appear very similar outwardly but they can vary significantly when it comes to energy efficiency and consequently running costs.

Here you will discover all you need to know about electricity saving appliances. Learn more about what energy low energy devices are, how they work, the advantages of making the switch and when you should make the switch. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Manchester Appliance Repair.

What is an Energy Efficient Household Appliance?

In simple terms energy efficiency is using decreased energy to give the same results. For example, replacing an incandescent bulb with a more efficient LED bulb that produces the same amount of light or insulating your roof so you need less heating.

Energy efficiency is linked to but distinct from energy conservation which involves employing less energy by requiring a different result. Eg opting to cycle when you might normally have used the car or just putting on the dishwasher when you have a full load.

Electricity saving appliances are engineered to provide equivalent results in a more efficient way allowing you to save energy. Lower power usage result in lower electricity bills and fewer environmental impacts.

Many appliances available in the United States are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer use less energy than standard models, usually ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances display EnergyGuide labels which demonstrate how efficient they are when looked at next to other similar household appliances.

These simple labels can be a handy starting point when deciding if a device is energy conserving or not.

Types of Energy Efficient Appliances

Some examples of electricity efficient appliances include:

  • Refrigerators
  • Air Purifiers
  • Boilers
  • Washers
  • Tumble Dryers

How Electricity Efficient Appliances work

Electricity efficient appliances work by applying the latest techniques to ensure they waste as little electric as they can. That might look like more advanced insulation in freezers, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to limit drying time.

Reasons to Choose Low Energy Devices

Choosing energy conserving devices makes sense for many reasons:

  1. Reducing energy. The more efficient an appliance is the less energy it uses to complete its purpose. Meaning you can gain a dramatic saving in energy without having to change your habits.
  2. Saving money. Although more efficient devices might have a more expensive up-front cost they will inevitably save you money over time by cutting your utility bills.
  3. Environmental benefits. Most of the electricity we use in our daily lives comes from fossil fuels and results in the emission of greenhouse gases. Reducing our wastefulness of non-renewable resources also keeps them for future generations.
  4. Resource Security. With energy prices continually going up and natural resources constantly being used up choosing energy-efficient devices will allow our demands to be met for longer.

Do Energy Conserving Appliances Actually Cost Less?

Electricity efficient devices save you money by reducing your energy consumption and therefore your energy bills.

The amount you save and whether or not you enjoy a noticeable difference in your monthly bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the existing and future devices, the degree of use and how long the product lasts.

The older the appliance you are replacing is the more you are likely to save. In the same way the more energy the device uses to run the more significant the possible savings. I.e replacing an worn out, wasteful, overcapacity air conditioner with a replacement ENERGY STAR accredited one that is the correct size for your space, will make a notable impact whereas upgrading your fridge with one that is only 10% less energy intensive is likely to have a markedly smaller impact.

Studies suggest that if your fridge was built over 20 years ago you could gain up to $270 in five years, however if it was built in the last 10 years the money you save will be much less.

You also have to make certain you use your appliances energy-efficient 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 running costs will make sure you make the best decision for you.

How Energy Conserving Devices Help the Planet

Reducing energy consumption isn’t only about reducing your bills. Cutting energy usage also has an environmental impact.

Human actions have big effects on the planet, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the air through the use of fossil fuels that can be responsible for air quality decline and climate change.

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

What are ENERGY STAR rating Appliances?

The ENERGY STAR certification was created in 1992 to ensure an readily recognizable way for people to decide upon more sustainable devices.

Certified appliances must meet both power efficiency and consumer expectations in regards to quality and features.

The requirements for the ENERGY STAR mark change according to the device being tested. In order to be awarded the ENERGY STAR, appliances must be at least a certain percentage less energy intensive than the base product in their grouping.

As a result, not all ENERGY STAR rated goods are the same in terms of efficiency. For example a fridge that is 15% more efficient and one that uses 18% less energy might get the certification. Therefore although looking out for the symbol is a good first step, it is still worth looking into the actual energy usage before picking the best one for you.

Is an Energy Conserving Appliance the Best Choice for You?

Electricity efficient devices really do make a difference at a local and national level, meaning more money in your pocket and better use of energy and resources.

When you are shopping for a new device have a look at the EnergyGuide label. It shows the amount of energy an appliance gets through and makes it easier to decide between brands and designs.

You may also want to check how much you spend on your energy so you can make accurate comparisons.

Size matters when it comes to appliances. For example:

  • Running one big fridge is more efficient than paying for two smaller ones. Unless you only turn on the spare one at certain times of the year
  • When purchasing a replacement washing machine consider the load size as running a lower capacity machine multiple times uses more energy than running a bigger machine once.
  • Even the best boiler will never reduce your bills if it’s four times the size you should be using for your home.

Household appliances get less efficient as they get older so replace items that are past their best first and if you have the funds available, focus on the appliances that contribute most to your overall energy usage.

Additional Types of Appliances

CLICK-TO-CALL