Energy Star appliances offer endless benefits for your home. But the most significant of these is their ability to reduce a home’s carbon footprint while saving you money in the long run.
Atlanta Appliances walks you through the ins and outs of the Energy Star label. Learn what this program is used for, the difference it makes in various appliances, and how it benefits the homeowner and our planet.
It is amazing how affordable these energy-efficient products really are and how much cash they’ll help you save. Not to mention, their low impact on the environment is unprecedented.
Continue reading to find out more about Energy Star appliances.
What is Energy Star?
The Energy Star rating was developed by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in 1992. The program was designed to recognize the appliances using far less energy than their counterparts. Devices that have earned this label have met specific standards and guidelines.
Marked with a yellow tag, the Energy Star certified products are at the top of their class. Other machines may have attained the title “energy-efficient.” However, these units fall short compared to Energy Star appliances.
Saving BIG with Energy Star Appliances
You really can’t go wrong with investing in an Energy Star appliance. It pays to own one of these units- and in more ways than one.
Merely owning one of these innovative machines can save you over $100 annually on your bills. Plus, many high-end units can be yours for an affordable price.
Our planet desperately needs more people to buy these beneficial appliances. That’s why there are many incentives from the government and utility companies. For instance, there are rebates on appliance purchases, tax credits, etc.
A Closer Look at Energy Star Appliances
Today’s various home appliances were intentionally created to make our lives easier. Without having to exhaust yourself washing clothes by hand, you can spend more time with your kids. Or perhaps you’re able to put in more hours at the office to get that dream promotion.
Whatever your case, using these appliances daily has been the norm for some time now. And without realizing how far we have come, it’s easy to take them for granted.
That being said, our new reality comes with cons, too. The average home utilizes many machines, from dishwashers to laundry dryers. In turn, our homes use tons of energy, water, and other precious resources.
That’s why the Energy Star appliances are so crucial to our modern world. Now that we’ve become comfortable with all the fancy machines that make our lives less chaotic, it is time to figure out how to reduce the energy they use.
It’s better for the planet and better for the homeowner. While reducing chemical emissions and limiting energy consumption, we are being kind to our natural world and saving some cash along the way.
Energy Star Appliances in the Laundry Room
You can find these incredible machines in every room of the house. Though, for this blog, we will highlight the most common appliances found in the laundry room and kitchen to get a general idea of what an Energy Star appliance looks like.
Dryers: Out of all your home’s appliances, the dryer likely uses the most energy. And if it is outdated, you can pretty much guarantee that this machine is gobbling up more energy than necessary. So, if you’re deciding to buy at least one Energy Star appliance, a dryer is the way to go.
However, you shouldn’t expect to see a significant difference in your utility bills. Unfortunately, the average certified dryer only saves about $20 each year. So, to be clear, purchasing one of these dryers is for those wanting to genuinely make a difference in the environment rather than simply save some cash.
Nevertheless, Energy Star dryers use 20% less energy than machines without this rating.
Washers: The average household will wash 300 loads of laundry every year. That’s a lot of water and energy use! Fortunately, with the top energy-efficient washers, you’ll decrease your energy use by 25%. Plus, you will use about 33% less water than you currently use.
Not to mention, you can easily find these products at budget-friendly prices. And if you’re seeking more of a high-end machine, there are plenty to pick from, too. Remember to account for about $370 in energy savings over the product’s lifetime.
Energy Star Appliances in the Kitchen
We use our kitchens daily, if not three times a day for each meal. With this perspective, it’s easy to see how kitchen appliances use massive amounts of energy year after year. That’s why deciding to integrate Energy Star Appliances into the kitchen is an excellent way to save money and give back to your planet.
Refrigerators: In recent years, refrigerators have come a long way in utilizing the Energy Star program. In the past, purchasing one of these energy-efficient machines meant compromising performance.
However, this is no longer the case. Modern Energy Star refrigerators do not trade energy savings for quality of operation. In fact, there are now hundreds of incredible models to choose from. And they range in price from $300 to $7,500, providing options for any budget.
What’s more, you save $200 over the appliance’s lifespan. This means that if you purchase a less expensive Energy Star refrigerator, you’ll make a good portion of your money back with the cash you save on utility bills.
Dishwashers: These ultra-convenient machines are notorious for heavily consuming water and energy. And the debate on whether washing dishes by hand uses less water continues to stump us all.
So, if you are looking for a way to save energy and water, look no further than the many Energy Star dishwashers available today. These machines guarantee a decrease in resource consumption, unlike other controversial methods.
Save 12% on electricity and 3,870 gallons of water with an Energy Star dishwasher.
Tips for Picking the Best Energy Star Appliances for Your Home
Now that you’re more familiar with the Energy Star label, you may be eager to snatch your keys and wallet and head out to the local appliance store.
But, before you do, there’s one final step to take. Ensure you make the best decision for your family, home, and lifestyle by using the following tips.
1 | Do Some Online Research
If you haven’t yet, take some time to investigate some of the products you may be considering. It’s all too easy to get carried away while shopping. You want to avoid going with the very first appliance you see, even if a helpful employee points it out as the best option for you.
In reality, you are the only person who can decide what will suit you and your family best. So, start your journey with some online research before arriving at the store. You’ll want to read trusted content regarding the following:
- What kind of budget will you need to stick to?
- How do certain appliances compare to others?
- Which Energy Star appliances have the best customer reviews?
- Are there any customer reports on issues you will need to avoid?
2 | Read the Yellow Label
Energy Star appliances usually have a tag called the EnergyGuide label. It’s bright yellow and hard to miss.
On the Energy Star tag, you’ll find all the basic information you need to compare one Energy Star product to another. So, when you are at the store searching for which appliance you’ll go home with, remember to be patient, and take your time to read the labels. Doing this will allow you to make the best decision possible.
3 | Choose Features Wisely
With all the bells and whistles modern appliances offer, people can be quickly distracted from what they genuinely need in a product. Sure, some features make life easier. However, it is critical to decide without being hypnotized by the shiny buttons and fascinating features.
To prevent getting carried away in the moment, determine what you need before starting your shopping. You will be thanking yourself later when you spend a lot less money on an Energy Star appliance that addresses the needs of your unique household.
Reach Out to The Experts at Atlanta Appliance Services
Atlanta Appliance is happy to offer a wide range of appliance repair services, including new appliance installation. You can trust our experienced and professional repair technicians with your brand-new Energy Star appliance.
We ensure each repair is durable and extends the machine’s useful lifespan, which allows you to save with your Energy Star appliance for as long as possible.
After deciding which appliance is right for you, contact Atlanta Appliance Services for your installation and repair needs.
Caring for your home’s appliances is what we do best!