Most devices look very comparable from the outside but they can vary significantly when it comes to energy saving and consequently operating expenditure.
In this article you will learn everything you need to know about low energy devices. Learn more about what energy electricity efficient household appliances are, how they operate, the benefits of paying that little bit extra and when you should make the switch. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact EZ Whittier Appliance Repair.
What is an Energy Efficient Home Appliance?
In simple terms energy efficiency is using less energy to provide the same function. This could mean, replacing a traditional light bulb with a lower energy fluorescent bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your home so you need less heating.
Energy efficiency is similar to but not the same as energy conservation which involves using less energy by adjusting behaviours or habits. Eg choosing to walk when you might normally have used the car or only putting on the dishwasher when you have a full load.
Electricity efficient appliances are designed to give the same outcomes with lower energy requirements allowing you to save money. Lower power requirements result in lower electricity bills and less use of fossil fuels.
Many household appliances for sale in the United States are ENERGY STAR marked, meaning they offer superior energy efficiency compared to lower efficiency models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances will also have EnergyGuide labels which display how efficient they are when looked at next to other equal capacity devices.
These simple labels can be a handy first point of call when determining if an appliance is energy conserving or not.
Types of Electricity Saving Household Appliances
Some examples of electricity saving appliances include:
- Fridge-Freezers
- Air Conditioners
- Water Heaters
- Washers
- Tumble Dryers
How Energy Efficient Household Appliances work
Low energy household appliances work by taking advantage of the latest techniques to make sure they waste as little power as they can. That might be superior insulation in freezers, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in clothes dryers to reduce drying time.
Advantages of Electricity Efficient Appliances
Using energy conserving devices is a good idea for a number of reasons:
- Reducing energy. The less energy intensive an appliance is the less resources it requires . Meaning you can see a noticeable saving in energy without having to change your habits.
- Reducing cost. Although lower energy devices might have a more expensive initial cost they will inevitably save you money over time by reducing your energy bills.
- Environmental advantages. Most of the energy we use in our daily lives comes from fossil fuels and results in the emission of greenhouse gases. Lessening our wastefulness of fossil fuels also keeps them for future generations.
- Resource Security. With fuel costs continually rising and natural resources constantly depleting choosing energy-efficient devices is a more sustainable option.
Do Electricity Efficient Devices Genuinely Cost Less?
Low energy household appliances save you money by reducing your electricity usage and in turn your utility bills.
How much you save and whether or not you see a substantial fall in your monthly bills will depend on the difference between the previous and new household appliances, the degree of use and the lifespan of the product.
The older the device you are replacing is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. Likewise the more energy it uses to run the bigger the likely savings. I.e replacing an worn out, wasteful, oversized air conditioner with a replacement ENERGY STAR rated one that is the exact size for your space, will make a notable impact whereas upgrading your fridge with one that is just 10% less energy intensive will have a significantly less noticeable impact.
Studies suggest that if your fridge was built 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 financial rewards will be much less significant.
You also have to ensure you use your appliances energy saving functions 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 comparing new appliances factoring in both the upfront price and the running costs will ensure you make the best decision for you.
How Electricity Efficient Devices Help the Environment
Energy efficiency isn’t only about saving you money. Reducing energy consumption also has an environmental impact.
Our actions have massive impacts on the natural world, one of the most obvious of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the environment through the use of non-renewable resources that can be responsible for air quality degradation and global warming.
As more and more of us are becoming aware of the environmental effect of our daily choices the market is responding with less wasteful solutions to our requirements. Whether that is reusable straws or in this case low energy refrigerators.
What are ENERGY STAR marked Devices?
The ENERGY STAR symbol was started in 1992 to allow for an easily recognizable way for buyers to opt-for more eco-friendly appliances.
Certified appliances must meet both energy efficiency and consumer expectations in regards to performance and features.
The conditions for the ENERGY STAR certification are different for different types of goods. In order to gain the ENERGY STAR, devices must be at least a certain percentage more efficient than the base design in their category.
This means, not all ENERGY STAR marked appliances are equal in terms of efficiency. I.e a fridge that uses 15% less energy and one that is 22% more efficient would get the certification. So although only looking at products with the symbol is a great starting point, it is still worth looking into the actual figures before making your final choice.
Is an Electricity Efficient Appliance Right for You?
Energy conserving appliances really do make a impression on an individual and international level, saving you money over time and better use of energy and resources.
When you are looking for a new device read the EnergyGuide label. This shows the cost of electricity an appliance needs and makes it easier to compare brands and models.
You might also want to check how much you spend on your energy so you can make accurate comparisons.
Size makes a difference when it comes to home appliances. For example:
- Paying for one bigger fridge is more efficient than running two little ones. Unless you only use the extra one at certain times of the year
- When choosing a replacement washing machine think about the amount of washing you tend to do as running a lower capacity machine multiple times is less efficient than running a bigger machine for a single run.
- Even the best water heater will never save you money if it’s three times the capacity you require for your home.
Appliances get less efficient as they deteriorate so replace older items first and if you have the funds available, focus on the items that contribute most to your overall energy usage.