As the world’s population grows, people are consuming more and more power. The average American now consumes about 110 kilowatt-hours of electricity per day (kWh/day). This is an increase of about 15% over the past 20 years. With increased energy consumption comes increasing greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. To help slow down these trends, many people are turning to modern appliances that can improve energy efficiency in their homes.
Outdated appliances
Outdated appliances can cost you more than just money. They also waste more energy, especially if they are not regularly maintained.
Outdated electric water heaters, for example, can use up to 3 times as much electricity per day as a modern one would. And refrigerators that are at least 10 years old generally consume 30-50% more energy than newer models. By using the definitive resource all households need, people may attempt to fix an old water heater on their own in an attempt to save some money. However, this attempt may end in injury or damage to the appliance. Leaky water heaters can lead to excess water and molding under floors and around appliances. Always call a professional if you notice anything wrong with your appliance, regardless of age.
Energy-efficient appliances on the market today
For those who are interested in improving energy efficiency, many modern appliances can be useful.
- Newer refrigerators not only use less electricity but also use 40% less water. Many of the features that help accomplish this include:
- Ice makers and dispensers in the doors can save up to 22 gallons of water a year over a refrigerator without an ice maker. This is due to reduced evaporation and fewer times you have to open the door.
- A through-the-door filtered-water system uses an extra 3 gallons of water per day while reducing pollutants from your drinking water by up to 99%. The filter should be changed every 4 months because it will ensure cleaner tasting, better smelling water.
- Thermally insulated compressors use half as much energy compared to older models, which helps cut costs and reduce emissions.
- Countertop microwaves use 70% less energy than a traditional oven.
How can you tell if an appliance is energy-efficient or not?
Many appliances now come with labels that indicate their energy efficiency. These labels make it easy to compare different models of appliances from different manufacturers. The Energy Star label is one of the most common energy-efficiency ratings.
If an appliance has this label, it means that it meets strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To date, over 23,000 products have earned the Energy Star label, including a wide variety of appliances.
Why should you upgrade to energy-efficient appliances in your home?
Not only are there many reasons to make the switch in your home, but it is also becoming increasingly affordable. Many manufacturers offer rebates when you buy energy-efficient appliances. Some utilities will rebate money for recycling older models of appliances that are still in working condition. Taking advantage of these programs can help offset the cost of purchasing new appliances. Energy-efficient appliances are not just good for the planet; they can save you money and benefit your household health as well.
Benefits of using energy-efficient appliances?
There are many benefits to using energy-efficient appliances in your home, including reducing your carbon footprint and helping preserve the environment. Appliances that are more energy-efficient use less electricity, which means there is less demand for power from the grid. This reduces the number of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.
Additionally, when you upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, you may be eligible for rebates from the manufacturer or your utility company. Using appliances that have earned the Energy Star label can also save you money on your energy bill.
How much money can you save?
The amount of money you can save depends on the efficiency rating of your appliances. The EPA offers an online calculator to help you estimate how much you could save by making the switch. For example, if you replace all your lighting with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), you could reduce electricity consumption by up to 75% and save more than $100 in annual energy costs.
If you find it difficult to purchase new appliances, there are other ways that you can help improve energy efficiency in your home:
- changing out old or broken appliances
- updating appliances that are too large for your home
- unplugging unnecessary appliances when they aren’t in use
- water heating only what is necessary
- using cold water when doing laundry
- limiting the number of baths and showers taken in a day.
You can start by making sure your home is energy efficient before renovating it and putting money into new appliances.
It’s worth investing in energy-efficient appliances because of all the benefits they offer. The more efficient your appliances are, the fewer greenhouse gases emitted and money spent on electricity bills. Start by making sure your home is energy efficient before renovating it and putting money into new appliances that may not be as effective or cost-effective. A little bit goes a long way when you invest in these types of products to help protect our planet for generations to come.