Newer appliances utilize advanced engineering to operate with minimal energy consumption. Often, these models have a higher upfront cost, but they make up for this investment with lower energy bills over the appliance’s life.
Large white goods like fridge freezers and dishwashers come with an Energy Guide label. This information will show each model’s estimated annual energy consumption and operating cost.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label
The ENERGY STAR label is well known to consumers; it’s a symbol of appliances that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and DOE. ENERGY STAR appliances can save homeowners money on their electricity bills and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying large appliances with Home Depot coupons like refrigerators, washers, dryers, or air-conditioning units. You can also check the Energy Guide label, which gives consumers insight into a particular appliance’s estimated annual energy use under typical conditions.
While a new appliance may initially cost more upfront, it could save you hundreds of dollars over its lifetime through lower power bills. If you’re shopping for a new device, it is essential to consider the upfront costs against your long-term savings when choosing between two models. ENERGY STAR-certified products are the best of both worlds—they have lower upfront costs while providing energy savings. To earn the ENERGY STAR label, an appliance must meet all the following requirements:
Look for the Energy Guide label
The black and yellow Energy Guide label is a manufacturer-required rating system that displays an estimated yearly energy consumption and appliance operating costs. The brand also compares models based on their respective features, making it easier to identify energy-efficient options that can save you money.
The label can be found on many products, including major appliances, heating and cooling equipment, lighting, windows, doors, and skylights. However, only the most efficient models in each category can display an ENERGY STAR logo. The ENERGY STAR program is a government-backed initiative that sets energy efficiency standards for manufacturers and consumers.
The ENERGY STAR label is a widely recognized symbol representing energy-efficient appliances. While you may not see this label on every model in the store, it is an excellent way to compare models while shopping for new appliances quickly. Energy-efficient appliances often cost more upfront, but you can save money on utility bills throughout the product’s lifetime. The amount you spend on energy will depend on your electricity rates, but even slight differences can make a big difference in your monthly bill.
Look for additional features
Whether you are looking for a new refrigerator, washing machine, oven, or any other appliance, it is essential to look for energy-efficient ones. This will help reduce your energy consumption and save you money in the long run. It is also a great way to protect the environment and positively impact our planet.
The most obvious way to find energy-efficient appliances is by looking for the ENERGY STAR label. This label signifies that the device meets strict energy efficiency standards and uses 10-50% less energy than its non-certified counterparts. You can also use the Energy Guide label to compare the estimated annual energy consumption and operating costs of different models to help you make a more informed decision.
Other factors to consider when choosing an electrical appliance include its purpose, size, capacity, features, warranty, and user reviews. By taking the time to research and compare options, you can find an appliance that meets your needs while providing significant long-term value. And, of course, remember to consider the upfront costs against long-term savings!
Evaluate upfront costs against long-term savings
Energy-efficient appliances not only save you money in the long run, but they also help to reduce your environmental impact. You contribute to conservation efforts nationwide and worldwide by drawing less on unsustainable natural resources. Energy-efficient appliances are also kinder to the environment because they produce less waste byproducts during their production processes.
To help you decide which appliance is right for your home, consider assessing upfront costs against potential energy savings. For example, if you have a four-person family that dries large loads of laundry daily, consider upgrading to an energy-efficient washer. This will help offset the higher initial cost and ensure you receive a good value for your investment.
Consider your area’s different electricity and gas rates. These can vary significantly from state to state and utility company to utility company. Using these tips, you can make well-rounded decisions aligning with your energy efficiency goals and meeting your budgetary constraints. Happy appliance shopping!
Assess the overall value proposition
As more and more consumers choose to buy energy-efficient appliances, it becomes increasingly important for governments to design policies that help them save money and reduce their environmental impact. These policies can include minimum energy performance standards, appliance efficiency labels, and incentives like financial rebates or on-bill/on-wage financing (as used by the ECOFRIDGES program in Ghana).
When selecting an electrical appliance, considering its energy consumption rate is also a good idea. This can be found on the ENERGY STAR label, in the product’s description online, or on its specification sheet. If it is not listed, you can estimate the wattage by multiplying the amperes drawn by the voltage of the appliance (e.g., 120 volts for small appliances and 240 volts for large appliances such as clothes dryers) or using an online tool, such as the Home Energy Saver, to find annual energy use based on “typical” usage patterns.
Reducing energy use in homes increases affordability, energy security, and reliability, reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and helps cut the costs of household renewable energy systems. To achieve these benefits, it is critical to adopt new digital tools and business models that unlock the full potential of appliance efficiency policies, enabling them to increase their ambition across more markets.