Home Appliances

Home appliances make up a significant portion of your annual energy usage and costs. If you are trying to make your home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, consider replacing outdated, inefficient appliances with newer, more efficient models. Although your upfront costs may be a bit higher than with less efficient products, the long-term savings will usually compensate for the initial investment.

Types

Energy-efficient products are available for virtually every area of your home, including the kitchen, bathroom, office and laundry room. Green home appliances range from complex heating and cooling systems to simple small appliances. According to the Arizona Public Service Company (APS), heating and cooling equipment and water heaters are the most energy-consuming home appliances, followed by large appliances such as refrigerators, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers and kitchen ranges. As noted by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, however, other appliances that are often overlooked, such as small appliances and light fixtures, also use a significant percent of total energy.

Benefits

Energy-efficient appliances offer a variety of benefits for consumers. One of the primary benefits of green appliances is decreased energy costs. According to Energy Savers, Americans spend about 20 percent of their energy costs on appliance operation. The Energy Star label provides an estimated annual energy cost for certified appliances for consumer guidance. In addition to lowered energy costs, green appliances are beneficial for the environment, since they decrease harmful carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, either directly or indirectly.

Shopping Tips

Although it is not the only legitimate certification program, the Energy Star label is usually a dependable way to measure product efficiency. The Energy Star program is jointly operated by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Energy Star--certified appliances are guaranteed to exceed the minimum federal standards for efficiency. The program certifies most types of appliances, with the exception of stove ranges and ovens. Some appliances may also be eligible for tax credits or rebates.

Considerations

In addition to purchasing energy-efficient home appliances, proper usage is also a key component to decreased energy use. Use energy saver options on any appliances you have, such as dishwashers. Keep refrigerators away from heat sources, such as ovens and stove tops. Wash clothes in an appropriately sized load to avoid wasting water and electricity. Finally, have complicated appliances, such as heating and cooling equipment or plumbing appliances, installed by a professional. Improper installation can decrease efficiency and reduce any potential energy savings.

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