Choosing Efficient Appliances

How To Choose Energy Efficient Appliances

At a time where money is tight all around, most people probably aren’t overly concerned with home energy efficiency or energy efficient appliances.

Energy efficient appliances:

Homes that are less energy efficient not only harm the environment by wasting natural resources, but also harm your bank account by draining it through high utility bills. Some of the biggest direct contributors to improving energy inefficiency in a home are its appliances.

For example, older models consume up to 33% more energy than newer, Energy Star certified energy efficient appliances. By replacing them with newer ones, you can save up to $400 annually in energy costs! Not only that, newer, Energy Star certified appliances have a longer working life. But what if you can’t afford new appliances right now?

There are still steps you can take to save energy and reduce your costs.

Refrigerator:

Wait until food has cooled down before refrigerating it; it’s healthier as well as more energy efficient

It should not be located near other appliances that emit heat, i.e., stove or dishwasher

Check the door gasket to make sure the seal is intact

Stove:

Match the pot to the burner; heat is lost when a pot is too small

Make sure the oven door seal is in good condition

Turn off the oven a few minutes before food is ready; the oven heat will continue cooking it

Washer/Dryer:

Wait until you have a full load before doing the laundry

Try to do a cold wash as often as possible

Don’t overload the dryer; this increases drying time, which results in more energy used

Dishwasher:

Don’t pre-rinse dirty dishes

Run the dishwasher at full capacity

Use the air-dry instead of heat-dry option

A Home Energy Professional can tell you if your appliances need replacing and what you should be looking for in new, energy efficient appliances. You can also visit our RESNET Interactive House for more energy saving tips and advice on how to bring down your energy usage.