Global warming, recycling, and energy conservation are discussed more now than ever before, and many people are trying to do their best to help the environment. With such a wide variety of appliances available on the market, some homeowners take the step to make sure they have Energy Star® appliances.
These products are seen as the best you can have in your home when it comes to saving energy, but does energy star really save money?
Let’s dive into the world of energy-efficient products and see how much Energy Star® appliances can save you.
What Does Energy Star® Mean?
The Energy Star® label is frequently thrown around when talking about energy-efficient appliances, but do you know what it takes to get that status?
For an appliance to get the stamp of approval, the United States Environmental Protection Agency makes sure that the product meets the efficiency standards and performance when compared to a standard model within their category.
So, do Energy Star® appliances run on less electricity? The answer is yes.
Here are some examples of what appliances can have an Energy Star® label:
Investing in energy-efficient appliances will guarantee significant energy savings for many years. Since Energy Star® appliances run on less electricity, you can save tons in electric bills throughout your Energy Star® clothes dryer’s lifetime. These savings are due to Energy Star® dryers using 20% less energy than standard dryers.
Energy Star® clothes washing machines use 55% less water and up to 50% less energy than conventional models. This means you can save on energy costs every year from your clothes washer alone. An Energy Star dishwasher, which uses 20% more energy-efficient than a standard model, can also help you save annually.
Since Energy Star® appliances run on less electricity, certified refrigerators and freezers will also lower the cost of your energy bills. These refrigerators use up to 15% less energy and are even more energy-efficient than a 60 watt light bulb. In addition, Energy Star® freezers use 10% less energy.
What Are You Saving With Energy Star® Appliances?
It is a common misconception that energy-efficient appliances cost a lot more money than other models. Depending on different components like size and brand, Energy Star® certified appliances are usually around the same price when compared to any other product. Ensuring you have the correct size appliances for your home is crucial; if you purchase an oversized model, you can expect a rise in your utility bills.
Energy Star® appliances can substantially lower your energy bills. If you have the right size and a good amount of Energy Star® appliances in your home, you can expect to save anywhere from 20 to 50 percent on your energy bills. These appliances will also make your house more desirable if you ever decide to sell it. Compared to older models, if your appliances are running efficiently, you might be able to see potential savings of over 100 dollars per year and 600 dollars over five years in your energy bills.
Additional Benefits
If you’re looking to upgrade your appliances, some energy companies offer different credits and savings for new energy-efficient models. When you recycle your old appliances, you may be eligible for credit or have them picked up by a recycler for free.
In an effort to get consumers to be more environmentally conscious, Energy Star also offers tax credits on select appliances and occasional tax-free events.
Energy Savings
While Energy Star® really does save you money, these appliances also help save the environment. These appliances are created to use the least amount of energy during performance. They offer different features like cold-water settings, air circulation, and advanced insulation that allow the product to help the environment and save you money on monthly energy bills.
There is less use of natural gas, few gallons of water wasted, and more natural resources with these features. When fewer natural resources are being used, these products conserve energy and reduce waste and pollution.
Replacing Older Models
As an appliance gets older, the efficiency of the appliance will dramatically decrease. Energy Star® really does save you money, but you will see the most drastic savings when replacing your older, standard appliances.
If you replace newer appliances with those that bear the Energy Star® label, you might not see immediate savings. However, these savings will become more transparent over time.
Cost of Energy Star® Appliances
While some energy-efficient models come at a price premium, many Energy Star® products are now much more affordable than they were a few years ago.
Since the demand for Energy Star products has increased, manufacturers have started ramping up these energy-efficient appliances. This means that the price for these appliances has dropped significantly in recent years, matching or even beating the price of non-certified appliances.
Make the Switch to Energy Star® Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances are the future of home appliances because reducing your environmental footprint while saving money is a win-win situation for everyone.
Energy Star® really does save you money but also helps cultivate a more environmentally conscious household. If you are ready to make the switch, contact the Appliance Doctors today to see what appliances are right for you!
