Due in large part to the current economic, energy, and environmental crises, product developers are putting particular emphasis on energy efficiency – as are nature-friendly consumers. Widespread effort to use the minimum amount of energy for maximum mechanical functioning is the aim of product developers and consumers – a fortunate trend since advances and personal effort in this field are essential for everyone’s well-being. Technology in everyday household appliances has made significant progress over the past 20 years, and brands are a ferocious competition to put out the most advanced and efficient products.

The well-respected ENERGY STAR program brands, with its logo products that are technologically up to par, are making it easier for consumers to make wise choices regarding their household items. ENERGY STAR evaluates a wide variety of products including appliances, electronics, and construction equipment. Those in search for new appliances are well-advised to consult the ENERGY STAR list of approved products beforehand! [1]

In addition to keeping an eye out for the best products, it benefits the individual to know what makes a product energy efficient, mechanically speaking, and how they can maintain their appliances to function optimally while using as little energy as possible. This is beneficial not only for the environment, but also for one’s electric bills.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators are the biggest energy guzzlers of the house accounting for about one-sixth of electricity consumption. One can reduce the cost of refrigeration by investing in an appropriately-sized model (a full-sized refrigerator is superfluous for a small household), by keeping the thermostat between 34 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit (an ideal temperature for food storage), and by regularly defrosting the inside. It is also important to note that top/bottom models use less energy than side-by-side models.

Washing Machines

The easiest solution to energy-efficient clothes washing is, of course, to do the task by hand. Otherwise, when searching for a washer, opt for front-loading washers (those with a horizontal spinner axis), which require less water to drench the clothing. Also, as water heating requires energy, cold cycles are more economical. One can also search for a washer with a fast spin momentum at the end of the cycle, as this lessens the need for machine-drying. A list of ENERGY STAR-certified washers, which must be 40% more energy efficient than the industry standard to qualify for the label, can be found on energystar.gov.

Dishwashers

Consistent with washing machines, the most energy-efficient dishwashers use minimal water and electricity. Dishwashers produced after 1994 that meet the ENERGY STAR standards use 5.8 gallons of water per cycle or less – however, one can use even less than this by setting the washer to the “short cycle” option. This simply abbreviates each stage of the washing, resulting in less water and electricity expenditure. Many washers also have a “no heat” drying option, which cuts down even further the amount of electricity used.

Dryers

Much like clothes-washing, it should be noted foremost that the most energy-efficient way to dry one’s clothing is to use a clothes line, or lay garments flat to dry. However, if one is committed to machine-drying, there are efforts that can be taken to maximize energy efficiency. To begin, gas-powered driers are better than electric ones because the burning of gas generates more energy than electricity. Proper maintenance of machines includes removing lint regularly and keeping the machine in a warm, dry space so that it doesn’t have to use as much power to reach the proper temperature – also, drying loads in succession recycles heat, reducing the machine’s task of producing it. ENERGY STAR does not label dryers because they all use similar amounts of energy, but it is agreed upon that combination washer-drier machines use less energy than two separate machines do.

Water Heaters

This appliance comes in more varieties than any other; the consumer can choose between heaters powered by gas, electricity, heat pumps, and solar power, among other sources. By far, the most cost-effective and energy-efficient option is the solar-powered model, although they are initially the most expensive. Unfortunately, they are only the best option when used in mid to warm climates. For consumers in colder hemispheres, heat pumps are a good alternative. Their advantage over conventional water heaters, which must constantly heat reserves of hot water, is that they simply move heat from one place to another; obtaining it from the surrounding room, for instance. It is helpful to keep the water tank insulated, and also to keep the thermostat around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. A list of ENERGY STAR-approved heat pump models, which must be 10% more energy efficient than the industry standard to qualify for the label, can be found on energystar.gov.

Source:

1. http://www.energystar.gov

This article is from Wellhome, which provides Home Energy Audits or Assessments with the ability to upgrade HVAC, Windows, and Home Insulation, and perform Duct Tightening and Air Sealing to create a comfortable more well balanced home that performs at its best level. Home energy assessments through WellHome allow the homeowner to get a bigger picture of the efficiency of the home and its ability to maintain comfortable temperatures and air flow.