You may be wondering where all the figures in your electricity bill go when you’ve done everything to keep your consumption to a minimum. You unplug your microwave and TV as soon as you turn it off, and you keep the thermostat or air conditioner dials to temperatures within the threshold of your personal comfort. If you suspect an energy leak, you’re probably right; but it may not leak out like you expect it to be – maybe you’re wasting energy on appliances which do not comply with energy standards. If you still call your refrigerator an ice box due to its age, now’s as good a time as any to replace it with a newer model. But do take note though that just because an appliance is top of the line, it necessarily follows that it’s energy efficient. How do you determine if it consumes less energy for the same performance in the first place? You look for the Energy Star label.
The Energy Star label serves as the federal government’s stamp of approval, particularly from the U.S. Dept. of Energy and the EPA. It was created to serve as criteria for helping the average consumer identify the best products out on the market, in terms of energy efficiency. An appliance which bears the label generally keeps up and exceeds energy standards by up to twenty percent in most appliances, and up to 110 percent in others. Although the Energy Star logo is the ubiquitous mark of energy efficiency compliance, different appliances follow different standards, so it’s best to get acquainted with them before you shop.
Look for a 90 AFUE rating if you’re buying appliances which consume natural gas products – but do remember that size has an effect on the rating, and bigger isn’t always better in many cases. For air conditioners, look for high EER ratings on room-type units, and a 12 or higher SEER rating for central air conditioning units. Units which bear the label usually exceed the federal standard by fifteen percent, at the very least, but if you’re using a room-type air conditioner for spaces which are particularly sunny, opt for higher capacities (10% or more); if you’re going to install it in your kitchen, increase it by 4,000 Btu/hour.
Dishwashers, clothes washers, and hot water heaters usually follow the EF (Energy Factor) standard. For dishwashers, go for units that consume less water, as these basically cost less to operate. For clothes washers, look for features like suds savers, adjustable spin-cycle settings, larger capacities, and front-loading design. Purchase a water heater which has a thick insulation shell. Refrigerators must also bear an FTC label which indicates the amount of kilowatt-hours the unit will consume within a year; a smaller number on the label means it is more energy-efficient. If you’re purchasing one with a built-in freezer, look for the energy-saving switch, and go with units which have sturdy door hinges (as these ensure a tight seal). Appliances with mobile parts and those which consume energy to alter temperatures take up much of your electricity bill, and going for units which let you save a trifle amount is the wise thing to do if you’re budget conscious.
Great post! Green appliances are not only more up-to-date, but they’re key in energy management and efficiency
Comment by George — July 6, 2008 @ 8:19 pm