Today’s appliances are much more energy efficient than older models. If you’re using appliances that are over 10 years old, it may be costing you more in energy consumption than it would to replace them. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, appliances and electronics account for approximately 20 percent of the energy consumption in the average US home. You can save up to 30 percent on the cost of electricity by using Energy Star appliances. In addition, a percentage of the cost is tax deductible. The Energy Star program was created by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promote energy efficiency. As a part of the program, products that meet the performance requirements specified by the agencies receive an Energy Star rating. You can identify these products by the Energy Star label. The following is a list of energy efficient appliances and some tips on how to further increase your savings.
Air Conditioning
Central air conditioners are rated with a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), and room air conditioners are rated with an EER (Energy Efficiency Rating). A higher rating indicates a more energy efficient unit. Energy Star central air conditioners are typically 14 percent more efficient than regular units, while Energy Star room air conditioners are approximately 10 percent more efficient than conventional models.
Some of the most efficient central air conditioners available are Carrier’s Infinity series with a SEER of 21, their Performance series rated at 20 and the Comfort series with a SEER of 17. Trane’s Energy Star models are also highly efficient. Their XL20i model has a SEER of 20, and their XL15i is rated at 16. Turbo Air offers some of the most efficient Energy Star room air conditioners. Their 9000 BTU, TAS-09EH has an EER of 13.5 and their 18000 BTU, TAS-18EH is rated at 13. Regardless of the air conditioner you use, you can save energy and lower the cost of cooling by making sure your ducts are properly sealed, doors and windows seal adequately, and by installing a programmable thermostat. Choosing the right sized unit will also reduce energy consumption and increase the longevity of the unit.
Laundry Machines
Clothes washers first became Energy Star qualified in 1997. If you are using an older model, you could save more than $100 each year by purchasing an Energy Star model. Energy Star washers must have a capacity of at least 1.6 cubic feet. Their energy efficiency is rated with a modified energy factor (MEF), a metric comprised of the energy required to operate the washer and heat the water. If you’re searching for the most energy efficient washers, LG Electronics’ WM2010C and WM2000C models use about 148 kWh of energy each year. Samsung’s WF219 washer uses approximately 130 kWh annually, and the Frigidaire FAFS4474 consumes around 104 kWh. Dryers are not Energy Star qualified. However, you can save energy by purchasing a model equipped with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the dryer when the clothes are dry.
Dishwashers
The first Energy Star dishwashers were manufactured in 1994. Using an older model may cost you an additional $40 each year on your utility bill. Some of the most energy efficient dishwashers are the Bosch Energy Star models, which use 180 kWh each year and exceed National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) standards by 159 percent. A more cost effective alternative is Whirlpool’s GU3100XTV, which uses 270 kWh annually and exceeds NAECA standards by 78 percent. You can further reduce the amount of energy consumed by choosing models with a “light wash” for dishes that are only moderately soiled. This cycle reduces the length of time the dishwasher operates. Allowing your dishes to air dry rather than using the dryer cycle on your dishwasher will also save energy.
Water Heaters
The hot water heater is usually the third largest energy consumer in your home. If it is 10 years old or older, its operating efficiency is probably below 50 percent. The EPA and DOE recommend replacing electric hot water heaters with high efficiency gas models. In addition, tankless water heaters offer substantial energy savings, whereas the water is heated on demand rather than stored. You can also lower the amount of energy used by setting the thermostat on your hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees. Taking showers instead of baths and using low flow shower heads offer additional savings.
Refrigerator/Freezer
Sun Frost offers some of the most energy efficient refrigerators on the market. Their Energy Star, RF-16 model has 14.31 cubic feet of space with a top mounted freezer and uses 256 kWh annually. The unit exceeds NAECA standards by 36 percent. GE’s GTH17 and GTK17 provides 16.5 cubic feet of space with a top mounted freezer and consumes 324 kWh each year, as does Hot Point’s HTJ17, HTN17 and HTH17 models. These refrigerators use 30 percent less energy than the standards set by the NAECA. If you’re searching for an energy efficient freezer, Haier’s ESCM071, 7.05 cubic foot chest freezer uses 215 kWh annually and Frigidaire’s FFN09M5HW, 8.8 cubic foot chest freezer consumes 264 kWh each year. You can reduce the amount of energy consumed by choosing a refrigerator with the freezer mounted on top rather than on the side or bottom. Those with an automatic ice maker or front dispenser also use more energy.
Ovens and Stoves
Although ovens and stoves are not Energy Star rated, some forms of cooking are more energy efficient than others. Microwaves heat food faster and are much more energy efficient than convection ovens. Gas stoves and ovens are also a less expensive alternative to convection cooking but are not very efficient. The latest technology, induction-heating, provides much greater energy efficiency. Induction heating produces a high-frequency magnetic field to heat metal cooking pans. You can further increase the efficiency of your oven by not opening the door more than necessary while cooking.
