The most energy efficient appliances are those that carry the Energy Star Label. They are admittedly more costly than other appliances. However, the savings that they generate will clearly pay you back. Statistics indicate that replacing a refrigerator purchased in the 80s with an Energy Star equivalent will save 100 dollars per year in electrical costs.
If you replace your washing machine that was purchased in the early 90s with an Energy Star equivalent, the new unit will save you 110 dollars per year. A new energy saving dishwasher will save 25 dollars per year.
The newer appliances also last longer in addition to using less power. The average life expectancy for any energy efficient appliance ranges between 10 and 20 years. When you multiple this by the annual savings of each appliance, you can readily see how much money you will be saving over the next two decades.
To get the best deals on energy saving appliances, you need to first do some research. Do not go rushing out to the closest store to your house. Look online and search through all the stores within a 10 mile radius of your home. Even with the extra dollar or two in gas you spend, you may save considerably on prices if you drive a bit further. There are also appliances you can order online that can be shipped to your home at very reasonable rates.
Buy an energy efficient appliance that is appropriately sized for the task. Take into consideration just how many groceries you need to refrigerate, and how many you need to freeze, before you buy a refrigerator freezer unit. Think also about how often you do dishes, and how often you do laundry. Oversized equipment, even if it is an energy saving product by nature, still represents a waste of power.
Check the specifications of an appliance as well to see how much power it uses. Also, look for the Energy Star Label. Some appliances have a specific rating that tells you just how efficient they are. If you find an energy efficient appliance that costs a great deal of money, compare that appliance to the one you are currently using. Call the manufacturer if necessary to help calculate how much you will save on a monthly basis. This will give you an idea of how quickly the appliance will pay for itself.
If you cannot reach the manufacturer, research the product online by product name and product number. You should be able to find plenty of consumer reports on the unit and make an intelligent decision from there.
You should also look for energy saving appliances that offer special discounts or rebates. As environmental awareness increases globally, the pressure is on manufacturers to promote green products as much as possible. Many companies are now rebating energy saving products in order to increase both their sales and public image.
Finally, go with brands that are reputable. The best manufacturers are well aware of the need to engineer increasingly energy efficient appliances. You may pay more for a good brand, but you will get a better warranty, better technical support if applicable, better safety features, and longer product life.
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