When you are shopping around for a new appliance, there are a lot of different things to consider. One important consideration is whether you should buy an energy-efficient appliance. While energy-efficient appliances are becoming more prominent in the appliance market, there is still some question as to whether the energy-efficient label is worth it. Are these appliances really more energy efficient? Will they save me money? Are they worth the extra cost? We have done the research and found answers to these questions for you to help make the decision process easier when you go to purchase your next appliance.
Are Energy-Efficient Appliances More Energy Efficient?
If an appliance is supposed to be energy efficient, it will have the Energy Star label. Energy Star is a program created by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, and it gives appliances an Energy Star label if they have been certified to save energy, money, and the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, appliances with an Energy Star label are more energy-efficient than other appliances on the market.
On the other hand, if you replace a major appliance that is over ten years old, any new appliance that you purchase will be significantly more energy efficient than your old one. However, for optimum energy efficiency, you should purchase a new appliance with an Energy Star label, as it is guaranteed to be more energy-efficient than standard models. There are many different brands that offer appliances that meet the Energy Star criteria. Be sure to also check the EnergyGuide label so see how its energy use compares to other models.
Will Energy-Efficient Appliances Save Me Money?
Check out the EnergyGuide label on new appliances to see if they can save you money on energy and water costs. Use these labels to compare appliances and decide if an energy-efficient appliance is right for you, and if so, which model to choose. Here are some of the energy cost savings for different appliance types:
- Washing Machines – An Energy Star washing machine can reduce energy costs by 33 percent and water costs by 50 percent. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, energy-efficient motors also spin more water out of clothes, so your dryer will not have to work as hard either.
- Dryers – An Energy Star dryer uses about 20 percent less energy than standard dryers. Energy-efficient dryers often have sensors so that they are not wasting energy on over-drying clothes.
- Refrigerators and Freezers – Energy Star refrigerators use 15 percent less energy than standard refrigerators, and Energy Star freezers use 10 percent less energy than other models. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an energy-efficient Energy Star refrigerator uses less energy than a 60-watt light bulb.
- Dishwashers – If a dishwasher is Energy Star certified, it will use about 10 percent less energy and 20 percent less water than standard dishwashers. The Environmental Protection Agency states an energy-efficient dishwasher can save you over 1,900 gallons of water over its lifetime. These dishwashers also typically clean dishes much more efficiently.
- Dehumidifiers – People often underestimate the amount of energy a standard dehumidifier uses, but the Environmental Protection Agency states that it can use more energy than a dishwasher, washing machine, and refrigerator combined. An Energy Star dehumidifier, however, uses 15 percent less energy and over its lifetime can save you $175.
- Room Air Conditioners – An Energy Star room air conditioner will cost you less than $75 each year to run. This is because these energy-efficient appliances use better insulation and seals than other models.
Are Energy-Efficient Appliances Worth the Extra Cost?
It’s no surprise that it costs more to purchase energy-efficient appliances than standard models. However, these higher initial costs are outweighed by the long-term energy savings benefits of the appliances. As you saw above, Energy Star certified appliances can save you anywhere from 10 to 50 percent in energy costs. This means your energy-efficient appliance will save you more money than its initial higher cost. These statistics from the National Resource Defense Council prove this point:
- If you replace a 1980s refrigerator with a new Energy Star model, you can save $100 a year in energy costs.
- If you replace a pre-1994 washer with an Energy Star model, you can save up $110 a year in energy costs.
- A new Energy Star dishwasher can save you $25 a year in utility bills.
If you multiply these energy savings by the 10 to 20 years your new appliance will last, the costs of an energy-efficient appliance will be surpassed by the energy savings you will see over the years.
Professional Appliance Installation in East Tennessee
Whether you decide to purchase an energy-efficient appliance or a standard appliance, you will likely need a professional to help you install it. Real Time Appliance Repairs provides appliance installation services to make sure your new residential or commercial appliance is properly installed and working. Our expert team has knowledge and experience in plumbing and electrical, so we can handle both water and electric hookups for your appliance. Reach out to us today to schedule professional appliance installation services with the best company in East Tennessee. Call us at 865-233-5606 or fill out our online contact form.