Do These 10 Eco

Currently, there is significant conversation surrounding energy consumption and its impact on the environment. A recommended approach to minimize your carbon emissions is to opt for appliances that boast greater energy efficiency.

Today, a variety of household appliances come with “Energy Star” certification, indicating they have satisfied the energy efficiency benchmarks established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Generally speaking, while Energy Star appliances may require a slightly higher initial investment, they can lead to substantial savings in the long run due to decreased electricity and water consumption. (See also: 8 Eco-Friendly Products That Aren’t)

Let’s explore several common appliances along with the potential savings each can offer. Note that actual savings may differ based on local electricity rates.

1. Refrigerator

Your refrigerator is one of the largest consumers of electricity in your home, making it a prime candidate for cost savings when switching to an energy-smart model. However, tangible savings are significant primarily if you’re replacing an older unit. The EPA provides a calculator to help consumers assess potential savings. For an average refrigerator purchased between 2001 and 2008, switching to an Energy Star model could save approximately $15 annually, based on the average U.S. electricity rates. Conversely, if you’re upgrading from a fridge from the 1980s, you could see savings around $145 each year. Your actual savings may vary according to your local electricity costs.

2. Freezer

Transitioning to a new energy-efficient standalone freezer may yield some savings. Most modern freezers consume about 10% less energy compared to older models, with savings increasing for those over a decade old. Nearly half of the 36 million freezers in the U.S. are older than ten years, contributing to an annual cost of $990 million for consumers, as reported by the EPA.

3. Washing Machine

Another significant energy user is your washing machine, which not only consumes electricity but also uses a considerable amount of water. An Energy Star certified model can reduce water usage per cycle from 25 gallons to just 13. For perspective, a typical family consumes about 400 gallons of water daily. New models also lower electricity consumption by 25%, leading to an estimated savings of $180 each year, according to the EPA. Maximizing savings is possible if you wash with cold water, as a cold rinse costs around 60% less than a warm one, according to Silicon Valley Power.

4. Dishwashers

If you upgrade from a dishwasher manufactured before 1994 to a new energy-efficient model, you may see the greatest savings. Older dishwashers can waste up to 10 gallons of water per cycle and consume excess electricity, which can rack up to an extra $35 annually on your utility bills.

5. Dehumidifiers

According to the EPA, modern dehumidifiers are 15% more efficient than their predecessors. However, even if you operate your unit for 10 hours a day over the course of a year, the cost remains around $150, which is not a significant savings impact.

6. Air Purifiers

While air purifiers are effective at removing fine particulates from the air, they can consume more energy than expected; some models may even use more electricity than a refrigerator. By switching to an energy-efficient purifier, you could reduce energy consumption by as much as 40%, equating to about 225 kilowatt-hours annually. This translates to approximately $25 in yearly savings, or around $215 over the appliance’s lifespan.

7. Hot Water Heaters

No appliance in your home tends to consume more energy than your water heater, aside from lighting. Opting for an Energy Star certified water heater could lead to significant cost savings. In certain states, cash incentives may be available for purchasing such a unit. The federal government notes that a family of four typically spends about $300 yearly on electricity with an Energy Star heat pump water heater, which is less than half the cost associated with an older standard electric resistance model. Over the heater’s lifetime, this can mean savings of over $3,000. Various states, including New Hampshire, offer rebates, with New Hampshire providing up to $1,000.

8. Televisions

Televisions are advancing in size and resolution, yet manufacturers are also making strides in energy efficiency. Energy Star models are reportedly about 25% more efficient than older televisions. However, the overall savings may not be substantial; combined with Energy Star compliant audio systems and Blu-ray players, the total savings come to approximately $200 over the life of these devices.

9. Pool Pumps

While owning a pool may not seem financially wise, you can mitigate costs by switching to an energy-efficient pump. New pumps, designed for two-speed or variable-speed operation, can lead to a reduction in electricity consumption by up to 70%, which could result in savings between $280 and $340 per year, according to government data. Incentives may also be available, depending on your state.

10. Water Coolers

If you enjoy having a bottled water cooler at home, transitioning to an energy-efficient model could yield modest savings—approximately $70 over the unit’s lifespan. For greater savings, consider models with on-demand hot and cold functionalities.

Are your appliances energy efficient?

Enjoyed this article? Pin it!