The majority of devices look very comparable from the outside but they can vary significantly when it comes to energy economy and therefore running expenditure.
In this article you will learn all you need to know about energy efficient devices. Discover what energy electricity efficient appliances are, how they operate, the advantages of using them and when you should make the change. For questions concerning energy-efficient appliances and other home appliances, contact Key Glendale Appliance Repair.
What is an Energy Efficient Appliance?
Basically energy efficiency is employing lower energy to provide the same function. This could mean, replacing a traditional light bulb with an energy efficient fluorescent bulb that produces the same brightness or insulating your home so you need to turn the heating on less often.
Energy efficiency is related to but different 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 using the washing machine when you have a full load.
Energy efficient devices are created to offer equivalent outcomes using less energy allowing you to save energy. Lower electricity usage result in lower electricity bills and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Many devices currently manufactured in the United States are ENERGY STAR rated, meaning they offer use less power than lower rated models, typically ranging from 10-50%. Most household appliances display EnergyGuide labels which lay out how efficient they are in comparison to other similar appliances.
These simple labels can be a handy first point of call when figuring out if a device is energy conserving or not.
Types of Energy Efficient Appliances
Some different types of energy efficient appliances include:
- Refrigerators
- Air Purifiers
- Water Heaters
- Washing Machines
- Dishwashers
How Low Energy Household Appliances work
Electricity efficient household appliances work by applying the latest techniques to minimize electricity consumption. That might be more advanced insulation in fridges, filters in dishwashers, or moisture sensors in dryers to reduce drying time.
Advantages of Energy Efficient Devices
Using energy efficient household appliances is a good idea for a number of reasons:
- Saving energy. The more energy-efficient a device is the less power it requires . Meaning you can see a big reduction in energy consumption without having to change your habits.
- Reducing cost. Although lower energy household appliances may have a higher up-front cost they will usually save you money over time by reducing your energy bills.
- Environmental benefits. Most of the electricity we use in our daily lives comes from oil and gas and results in greenhouse gas emissions. Lessening our use of non-renewable resources also conserves them for future use in a more sustainable way.
- Resource Security. With resource costs consistently rising and natural resources continually depleting choosing energy-efficient devices will allow our demands to be met for longer.
Do Electricity Efficient Household Appliances Really Cost Less?
Low energy devices save you money by reducing your power usage and by association your energy bills.
The extent to which you save and whether or not you notice a noticeable reduction in your household bills will depend on the relative efficiency of the existing and new appliances, the intensity of use and the lifespan of the product.
The older the device you are upgrading is the more significant the difference you are likely to see. In the same way the more energy the device needs to run the greater the potential savings. I.e substituting an broken, wasteful, oversized air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR rated one that is the exact size for your space, could make a notable difference whereas replacing your fridge with one that is just 10% more efficient will have a much less noticeable impact.
Research suggests that if your fridge was made in the 1990’s you are looking to save up to $270 in five years, but if it was built in within the last decade the savings will be much less significant.
You also have to ensure you use your devices efficiency functions to get the greatest reductions. For example, there is no point having super energy efficient machine if you always wash at high temperatures.
When comparing new appliances factoring in both the purchase price and the ongoing costs will ensure you make the prime decision for you.
How Energy Conserving Devices Help the Planet
Energy efficiency isn’t all about reducing your bills. Reducing energy consumption also has an environmental impact.
The things we do have irreversible effects on the environment, one of the most prevalent of which is the release of carbon dioxide into the air through the consumption of fossil fuels that can be linked to air pollution and climate change.
As more and more of us are becoming aware of the environmental effect of our daily decisions the market is responding with less wasteful solutions to our requirements. Whether that is cheaper solar panels or in this case low energy air conditioners.
What are ENERGY STAR rating Household Appliances?
The ENERGY STAR mark was formed in 1992 to ensure an readily recognizable way for consumers to opt-for more efficient appliances.
Rated appliances must meet both energy efficiency and consumer expectations in regards to fulfillment and attributes.
The conditions for the ENERGY STAR rating change according to the device being tested. In order to gain the rating, devices must be a minimum percentage less energy intensive than the standard product in their grouping.
As a result, not all ENERGY STAR marked goods are the same in terms of efficiency. I.e a washing machine that uses 12% less energy and one that uses 20% less energy could get the certification. So although looking out for the rating is a simple place to start, it is still worth looking into the actual energy usage before making your final choice.
Is an Electricity Efficient Appliance Right for You?
Energy efficient devices really do make a impression on an individual and national level, reducing your bills and more resources to go around.
When you are looking for a new appliance check the EnergyGuide label. This indicates the amount of energy an appliance uses and makes it simpler to contrast makes and models.
You’ll also want to make a note of how much you spend on your energy so you can make accurate comparisons.
Size counts when it comes to appliances. For example:
- Paying for one bigger fridge is more efficient than having two little ones. Unless you only use the spare one occasionally
- When choosing a replacement washing machine think about the size of the drum as running a space saving machine twice is less efficient than running a higher capacity machine once.
- Even the lowest energy boiler will never reduce your bills if it’s two times the capacity you need for your home.
Devices reduce in efficiency as they deteriorate so replace older items first and if you have the funds available, focus on the appliances that use the most energy.
