ENERGY-EFFICIENT APPLIANCES:
Everything But the Kitchen Sink
You’re on a budget and need a new refrigerator. The best buy is the fridge with the lowest price, right? Not necessarily. How much an appliance costs depends on three things: purchase price, repair and maintenance costs, and energy costs. To estimate how much you’ll spend on an appliance over time, you have to consider all these costs.
Energy efficiency is an important part of any decision. All new major home appliances must meet government energy conservation standards. Many appliances exceed these standards and can save you even more money. What makes one appliance more efficient than another? Most of the differences are on the inside. Even if two models look the same, certain features can mean a big difference in your energy bills.
KITCHEN ENERGY SAVERS
- Move your refrigerator away from the stove, dishwasher, or heat vents. Make sure the door seals are airtight.
- Wait until your dishwasher is full before you run it but don’t overload it.
- Use pots that fit the size of the burners on your stove. Use lids so you can cook at a lower temperature.
- Match the water level and temperature settings on your washer to the size of your load. Don’t fill the machine for just a few items.
- Clean your dryer lint filter before you put in a new load.
- Make sure your water heater is set to 120 degrees. Some thermostats are preset to 140 degrees, which can cost you more money.
Enter the EnergyGuide. Manufacturers must use standard tests that let you compare the annual energy use of different models. The law requires manufacturers to put these labels on the inside or outside of many types of appliances. Labels are not required on dryers, ranges, and microwaves. If you don’t see a yellow EnergyGuide label, ask a salesperson for it.
The EnergyGuide label can tell you:
- capacity,
- estimated annual operating costs (for refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, and water heaters) and estimated annual energy consumption, and
- the range of estimated annual operating costs of similar appliances.
For more on using the EnergyGuide label, read EnergyGuidance: Appliance Shopping With the EnergyGuide Label.
Even a small benefit in energy efficiency can have a big payoff over the life of the appliance. The FTC’s Appliance Energy Database website posts results from energy efficiency tests.
 While shopping, look for the Energy Star logo. To earn the logo, appliances must meet strict standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Energy. Since Energy Star products use less energy, they can save you money and help protect the environment. Learn more about the Energy Star program at www.energystar.gov.
To make an energy-smart decision:
- Select the appropriate size and style . Measure the space in your kitchen to be sure your new appliance will fit. Make sure that you have room to open the door fully and have enough clearance for ventilation.
- Factor in the operating cost as well as the purchase price. Check out your choices for refrigerators, washers, and dishwashers on the FTC’s Appliance Energy Database. Use the EnergyGuide label to compare choices. Look for the Energy Star logo to find the most energy-efficient models.
- Know where to shop. Appliance outlets, electronics stores, local retailers, and Internet sites often carry the same brands and models. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, compare deals.
- Ask about special offers . Your local utility company may offer cash rebates, low-interest loans, or other incentive programs if you buy energy-efficient appliances.
For more information, visit the Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network website at www.energysavers.gov or call toll-free
1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463). Your state and local energy offices and local utility company may also have valuable information on ways to save.
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