You may not realize the importance of energy efficient appliances in the home. The greenhouse gases emitted from your home can be twice as high as those from your car. You may look at the initial price tag when buying a new appliance without considering the energy costs associated with the different choices. Considering that 13% of your energy costs are generally spent on running your household appliances, you could see the return on investment (ROI) of an energy efficient appliance quickly even if the initial investment was slightly higher.
What Is ENERGY STAR?
Due to the adverse effects of high energy use, the federal energy efficiency standards have heightened. An energy-efficient refrigerator today, for example, may use half the energy of a 12 year old refrigerator. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have created the ENERGY STAR program to promote energy savings in every household.
Energy efficient appliances that have passed the strict standards set by ENERGY STAR will display the ENERGY STAR logo. The blue and white logo appears with the image of a star and the word “energy”.
To determine the energy efficiency of each appliance, test results are printed on a yellow EnergyGuide label displayed on the appliance or packaging. The data shows estimations of how much energy the product uses and compares annual operating costs and energy consumption of similar products.
How Much More Efficient Are ENERGY STAR Appliances?
It is helpful to examine the energy conservation to truly understand the impact that ENERGY STAR is making. Here’s a look at the typical energy saving of ENERGY STAR products compared to non-qualified models today:
Refrigerators: 20% more energy efficient
Freezers: 10% more energy efficient
Clothes washers: 30% more energy efficient (+ 50% more water efficient)
Dishwashers: 10% more energy efficient
Dehumidifiers: 15% more energy efficient
Room air cleaners: 40% more energy efficient
Water coolers: 50% more energy efficient
Why Energy Conservation Is Important
Most homes and businesses run on non-renewable fuel. In addition, the power plants, in the process of producing energy for residents, emit harmful gas emissions. Since ENERGY STAR appliances consume less energy, the demand on the power plants is lowered, decreasing emissions and conserving fuel resources. In fact, in 2007, U.S. residents saved 180 billion kilowatt-hours because of ENERGY STAR, equal to 5% of the overall demand for energy in the United States. In 2009, Americans were able to save up to $17 billion in utility bills by utilizing ENERGY STAR appliances, equivalent to lowering greenhouse gas emissions by 30 million cars.
The government or your local utility may offer ENERGY STAR rebates or incentives. An energy efficient appliance can help you save on your utility bills and at the same time help in the preservation of the environment.
References
(2010) About ENERGY STAR. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
(2010) ENERGY STAR® Air Conditioners and Heaters. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
(2007) ENERGY STAR® 2007 Annual Report. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
