Energy-Efficient Appliances
Technology Snapshot & Benefits:
Both immediate and
indirect economic savings can come from energy-efficient appliances such as
refrigerators, horizontal-axis washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers,
etc. Immediate and continuing savings accrue from lower utility bills for
electricity and/or water. The performance levels of these appliances meet, and
generally exceed, those of industry "standard" models. As a case in point,
consider household refrigeration. By the late 1970s, refrigerators reached
their most inefficient performance by requiring about 1750 kiloWatt-hours per
year to operate. Modern energy-efficient refrigerators provide the same or
better service at 450-550 kiloWatt-hours per year, and they are much quieter in
operation.
Estimated Cost Savings:
The direct
economic savings achieved by efficient appliances are a function of how much the
appliance will be used, the performance level of the equipment being replaced,
and local costs for utilities. When you replace older equipment, it is not
uncommon for electricity consumption for that appliance to decrease by 50% or
more. In general, if the appliance being replaced is more than 15 years old,
and it is replaced with a state-of-the-art unit, you may expect utility savings
of 20%-60% compared with the energy required by the previous appliance.
Horizontal-axis washing machines typically save consumers 50% in both electric
and water utilities. Additional savings come from reduced quantities of
detergent.
Your monthly electrical bill is
for all electricity used by all electrical loads in the building, so changing a
single appliance will lower the bill, but in proportion to the amount of
electricity formerly used by that appliance. If refrigeration represents 15-20% of your electric bill, a new refrigerator that is twice as efficient as the
unit being replaced will lower your total bill by about 7-10%.
Any increase in initial cost is
usually more than made up in monthly savings. See
ACEEE
Consumer Guide to Home Energy Saving for more detailed information on appliances and savings.
Issues:
Availability of
the most energy-efficient appliances may be an issue. Sometimes the best
equipment is in demand, which can mean that discounts and sale prices are either
unavailable or of lower value. Over time, as manufacturers and suppliers clear
inventories of less efficient models by offering discounts, expect the price of
efficient appliances to come down as well.
Regional Issues:
Primarily,
regional issues involve supply, delivery, and installation.
Installation
(Getting It Done):
Be sure to price shop and to
get two or three (or more) prices. Inquire about installation and removal of
your old unit. For any refrigeration unit, be sure that the refrigerant will be
removed and recycled responsibly. Refrigerants are very potent greenhouse gases
and must be captured and contained. Shopping for price and availability will
give you perspective on the true costs of equipment and installation in your
area.
Videos On This Topic
How to Save with Energy
Star Appliances (1:49) - The Home Depot -
In this video from The Home
Depot's "Save Money, Save Energy" series, find out more about how much money
you can save by installing Energy Star Appliances.
Ailing Appliances (4:17) - National Geographic Green Homes-
There are many appliances in
your home that you may not think use too much energy, but in reality are costing
hundreds of dollars every year. In this video from the National Geographic Green
Guide, find out what to look for when replacing appliances and how to make sure
you are maximizing your energy savings and minimizing environmental impact.
Advantages of Energy Star Appliances in Your Home (1:01) - Danny Lipford -
Buying Energy Star
appliances can help you save as much as 10-50% on your energy bills as well as
reduce water use. In this short video, hear a little bit more about why it is
important to look for the Energy Star label and how much of an impact it can
have on the environment.
Energy Star Home Review (4:40) - Energy Star Podcast -
Watch as Tom Kraeutler of
The Money Pit Home Improvements Radio Show talks about ways to implement
energy-efficient practices in a room-by-room home tour that includes Energy Star
appliances, CFL light bulbs, and programmable thermostats.
More
Information on This Topic:
U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:
Energy Savers - Appliances
U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program: Dishwasher
Tips
U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program: Laundry
Tips
U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program: Refrigerator/Freezer
Energy Tips
Energy Star®: Appliances
Energy Star®: Clothes Washers
Energy Star®: Dehumidifiers
Energy Star®: Dishwashers
Energy Star®: Refrigerators
Energy Star®: Room Air Conditioners