Most household appliances appear very similar on the face of it but they can vary dramatically when it comes to energy efficiency and consequently running costs.
Here you can learn everything you need to know about energy efficient devices. Learn more about what energy low energy devices are, what makes them different, the advantages of choosing them and whether they are right for you and your home. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Las Cruces Appliance Repair.
What is an Energy Efficient Appliance?
In simple terms energy efficiency is employing less energy to provide the same function. This could mean, replacing a standard light bulb with a more efficient LED bulb that produces the same level of light or insulating your home so you need less heating.
Energy efficiency is linked to but distinct from energy conservation which involves making use of less energy by requiring a different result. Eg choosing to walk when you might normally have used the car or just running the dishwasher when you have a full load.
Energy efficient devices are designed to provide the same results using less energy allowing you to save money. Lower power requirements result in lower utility bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Many appliances available in the USA are ENERGY STAR certified, meaning they offer better energy efficiency compared to standard models, usually ranging from 10-50%. Most appliances have EnergyGuide labels which display how efficient they are in comparison to other equal capacity appliances.
These simple labels can be a good starting point when figuring out if a device is energy conserving or not.
Types of Low Energy Appliances
Some examples of low energy appliances include:
- Fridge-Freezers
- Dehumidifiers
- Boilers
- Washers
- Tumble Dryers
How Electricity Efficient Devices work
Energy efficient household appliances work by applying the latest technology to make sure they waste as little electric as possible. That might mean more advanced insulation in freezers, dirt sensors in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in clothes dryers to reduce drying time.
Benefits of Low Energy Appliances
Choosing energy efficient appliances is a good idea for a number of reasons:
- Saving energy. The more energy-efficient a device is the less resources it needs . Meaning you can gain a dramatic saving in energy without losing any productivity.
- Reducing cost. Although energy-efficient household appliances might have a bigger up-front cost they will usually save you money in the long run by cutting your utility bills.
- Environmental advantages. Most of the energy we need for our homes comes from oil and gas and results in the emission of greenhouse gases. Lessening our exploitation of fossil fuels also conserves them for future generations.
- Energy Security. With resource costs continually increasing and natural resources always being used up choosing more efficient appliances will allow our demands to be met for longer.
Do Low Energy Devices Actually Save Money?
Energy conserving devices save you money by reducing your power consumption and in turn your electricity bills.
The extent to which you save and whether or not you see a noticeable difference in your household bills will depend on the difference between the old and future devices, the intensity of use and how long the product lasts.
The older the appliance you are upgrading is the more you are likely to save. Similarly the more energy the appliance requires to run the bigger the potential savings. I.e replacing an old, wasteful, oversized air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR rated one that is the correct size for your home, could make a noticeable difference whereas uprating your dishwasher with one that is only 10% more efficient will have a markedly smaller impact.
Reports suggest that if your fridge was made in the 1990’s you could gain up to $270 in five years, but if it was built in within the last decade the savings will be much lower.
You also have to make certain you make use of your devices energy saving functions to get the most significant savings. For example, there is no point having super energy efficient machine if you always wash at high temperatures.
When comparing new devices factoring in both the purchase price and the usage costs will ensure you make the top decision for you.
How Electricity Efficient Appliances Help the Environment
Energy efficiency isn’t only about saving you money. Minimizing energy consumption also has an environmental impact.
Our actions have irreversible impacts on the planet, one of the most pressing of which is the release of greenhouse gasses into the environment through the consumption of oil and gas that appear to be linked to air pollution and climate change.
As the general population become more aware of the environmental effect of our daily choices the market is reacting with more energy efficient solutions to our problems. Whether that is electric cars or in this case low energy dehumidifiers.
What are ENERGY STAR Certified Devices?
The ENERGY STAR symbol was formed in 1992 to provide an quickly recognizable way for consumers to opt-for more sustainable appliances.
Rated products must meet both energy performance and consumer needs in regards to performance and attributes.
The conditions for the ENERGY STAR mark vary between different appliances. In order to be awarded the star mark, household appliances must be at least a certain percentage less energy intensive than the standard design in their category.
This means, not all ENERGY STAR rated goods are the same when it comes to energy efficiency. For example a fridge that is 10% more efficient and one that uses 18% less energy could get the symbol. Therefore although making sure you see the rating is a great first step, it is still worth finding out the actual energy usage before picking the best one for you.
Is an Low Energy Appliance Right for You?
Energy conserving devices really do make a difference at a local and national 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 label indicates the amount of energy an appliance needs and makes it easier to compare makes and styles.
You may also want to make a note of how much your energy costs you so you can make accurate comparisons.
Size makes a difference when it comes to home appliances. For example:
- Paying for one bigger fridge requires less energy than having two small ones. Unless you only turn on the extra one at certain times of the year
- When purchasing a new washing machine think about the size of the drum as running a space saving machine multiple times uses more energy than using a higher capacity machine for a single run.
- Even the most efficient water heater will never reduce your bills if it’s four times the spec you require for your home.
Appliances use more energy as they deteriorate so replace over 10 years old first and if you can, focus on the ones that use the most energy.