Cleaning up on energy costs
According to the 2018 ratings at energystar.gov/products, the most efficient clothes washers and dryers are front-loading models.
Photo courtesy of Whirlpool
Q: Several of my appliances are getting old and will need to be replaced soon. Will the appliance choices I make have much impact on my energy bill?
A: Your energy use varies month to month based on multiple factors, so it can be difficult to see exactly how much difference an appliance upgrade makes on your monthly power bill. But in general, yes—today’s newer, more efficient appliances use significantly less electricity than older units.
When shopping for new appliances, it’s best to view the purchase over the lifetime of the equipment. Think about the upfront cost and the lifetime energy savings. In a recent Consumer Reports test of new refrigerators, the editors calculated that the most energy-efficient model reviewed could save a homeowner $68 a year on power bills compared to the least efficient model. Multiply that difference over a decade or two, and you begin to see the potential return on investment.
Almost any major household appliance on the market today will use considerably less energy than a comparable model from a decade ago, thanks to efforts by manufacturers to meet or exceed U.S. Department of Energy standards. By some estimates, these standards save American consumers $60 billion each year.
For a better idea of how much money you can save from a specific appliance, consult the yellow EnergyGuide label that shows the estimated energy use and operating cost per year. These labels will help you compare different models and calculate the initial cost against the long-term savings. Just remember that these label numbers are estimates. Actual costs will be determined by how often you use the appliance and your local utility rates.
Some appliances will also have a blue Energy Star label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This indicates the appliance is substantially more efficient than the minimum standards. Energy Star-rated products cost more to purchase, but they have the greatest potential to lower your monthly energy use, especially if you use the appliance often. To learn more about the EnergyGuide and Energy Star labels, visit energystar.gov.
Reviewing these labels may yield surprises. In some cases, the configuration of the appliance can also make a substantial difference in how efficiently it uses electricity. According to the latest Energy Star ratings (available at energystar.gov/products), a side-by-side refrigerator/freezer uses about 70 percent more energy than models that stack the refrigerator and freezer. The most efficient clothes washers and dryers on the market today? The front-loading models.
How you operate appliances can also make a difference. Here are easy ways to save:
Refrigerator/Freezer. Set your refrigerator at 35 to 38 degrees and your freezer at zero degrees, and keep both relatively full for the most efficient operation. Make sure there is adequate airflow between the wall and the back of the unit and keep the coils clean of dust. If you need to keep an older refrigerator or freezer for a few more years, check the door seals and replace them if they are cracked and leaking air.
Stove/Oven. Use the correct size of burner to fit the pan. And in warmer months, use smaller appliances like microwaves or slow cookers instead of the oven, when possible.
Dishwasher. Use the most energy-efficient and shortest setting that gets your dishes clean. Wait to run a load until the dishwasher is full, and allow dishes to air dry rather than using the heated dry function.
Send questions to Energy Q&A, South Carolina Living, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, or email energyqa@scliving.coop.
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