If saving energy is your goal, there’s one kitchen appliance to replace first for maximum return on investment.
Photo by Scott Van Osdol
Q: My husband and I just bought a home that was built in the 1970s. The kitchen appliances are so old that they may be originals, but we only have enough money for one appliance upgrade. Which appliance replacement will help reduce our energy bills the most?
A: You’re smart to consider energy use as you look at replacing appliances because most new appliances use much less energy than they did in the past. Manufacturers have found innovative ways to reduce appliance energy use without sacrificing performance. The federal government began tightening appliance standards in the 1980s and has continued as technological innovations have become more cost-effective.
It may seem like the oldest appliance should go first, especially if you want the looks and features of a newer oven or dishwasher. But the appliance replacement most likely to produce the greatest energy savings is your refrigerator.
An older fridge can cost about $20 to run every month. Replacing an old fridge with a new Energy Star-rated model can cut that down to less than $5 a month. The Energy Star label certifies that the appliance has been tested to federal government standards and proven to use substantially less electricity than comparable models.
New refrigerators will include an additional label, the Energy Guide label, which shows how much energy it uses annually and compares that to the most and least efficient models available. It’s also possible to measure how much energy your fridge is using with a kilowatt-hour meter. Energy auditors use these meters to measure energy use for common household appliances.
When you’re looking to replace an old fridge, style counts. A top-freezer setup is the most efficient, while a lower-freezer unit offers medium savings, and a side-by-side style is the least energy efficient.
If your goal is to save money on your energy bill, resist the urge to keep the old fridge in the basement or garage––that won’t help you reduce your energy use. An old fridge in an uninsulated garage on a hot summer day can use a lot of energy. Maybe you just need more freezer space. If so, we recommend the most efficient freezer you can find. You can find recommendations on energystar.gov.
If your current fridge is in good condition, another appliance you may want to consider upgrading is the dishwasher. With most of us spending more time at home these days, chances are you’re using your dishwasher more than you used to.
As with any major purchase, be sure to read customer reviews for any brands and models you’re considering, and look for additional opportunities to save money, like an upcoming Presidents Day appliance sale.
Send questions to Energy Q&A, South Carolina Living, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033, or email energyqa@scliving.coop.