January 21, 2022

A Guide to Buying Energy-Efficient Appliances

Use these guidelines to invest in energy-saving appliances for your home.

All appliances can be greener!

You don’t always need a brand new appliance to save energy in your home. Most appliances that are less than 10 years old maintain above-average efficiency. Use your appliances, regardless of age, in a more efficient way for savings on electricity, gas, and water. For example, wash full loads in your machine and use cold water settings. You can also air-dry clothes on a clothesline during warmer months so that you do not have to use a dryer.

Read the EnergyGuide label

The yellow stickers on appliances are the EnergyGuide labels and provide important information, including size and model, estimated energy consumption and yearly operating costs. This is a great comparison tool and way to estimate the total cost of an appliance over its lifetime.

Comparing pros and cons

Calculate which of your current appliances requires the most energy to operate by checking the wattage or the EnergyGuide label. Then, figure out which appliances you could replace for the biggest increase in efficiency and monthly utility savings. The refrigerator is one of the most energy-consuming appliances in the home, and replacing an older model with an Energy Star model can save you over 15 percent more on electric utilities. A new Energy Star certified washing machine uses 45 percent less water than standard models, which makes them a good first investment to reduce high water costs. With new technology, the air conditioners, boilers and furnaces available today are around 15 percent more efficient than those made 10 to 20 years ago.

Smart appliances

Smart appliances can be linked to programmable energy management systems for an extra level of energy saving. For example, a programmable thermostat may control the HVAC system so you can create your own efficiency strategy from a mobile device, such as changing the temperature settings when no one is at home. Smart refrigerators and dishwashers are also available.

For more resources and budgeting advice on your energy-efficient purchase, visit your local Citizens First Bank in person or online.