Energy Efficient Appliances

Keep your energy bills down by filling your home with Energy Efficient Appliances and use them properly to maximize energy savings. Here are tips for choosing the right appliance and then maintaining it for maximum savings.

Energy Star

This international program makes it much easier to find energy saving appliances. Products that adhere to strict energy saving guidelines are approved to bear the Energy Star logo. If you don’t see the logo, just ask.

More on Energy Star ...

Large appliances, whether they are Energy Star or not, are usually displayed with information about energy usage. You can find out how much energy the appliance uses and how much you should expect to pay to maintain it.

• In the US, look for the yellow and black Energy Guide
• In Canada, look for the EnerGuide
• In the EU, look for the multicolored Energy Label

Proper Maintenance

Maintaining your appliances will help them last longer and work more efficiently. The more efficiently they can work, the less energy and money they will use. Keep Filters and Accessories clean, inspect hoses and other parts for damages, make sure nothing is leaking. If you do notice something, be sure to take care of it right away to keep the appliance in tip top shape ... and saving energy!

Unplug When Not In Use

Even the most energy efficient appliances can be more energy saving if unplugged when not in use. When electronics are off but still plugged in, they are in standby mode and still use a little bit of energy. Of course refrigerators and clocks that run all the time have to stay plugged in but some electronics that aren’t used every day can easily be unplugged when turned off.

Hint: using surge protectors or a Smart Power Strip can help make other appliances easy to reach and unplug.

Buy The Right Size

If you find that your refrigerator is always empty, maybe a smaller one would be more appropriate, and would use less energy. Do you need a television in every room? What about the extra freezer in the garage?

If you have too many appliances or appliances that are too big that don't get used, it's a bit of a waste having them. On the other hand, if you have appliances that are too small, they will often get over worked which isn't efficient either. Consider your energy needs and then buy the appliance that is right for you.

Use Appliances Wisely

Of course, the less we use appliances the less energy we use. So even the most energy efficient appliance can be more efficient when used less. Often, we can get by without using our appliances at all. For example, it's a sunny day outside. Why not hang out the clothes instead of using the dryer. Sometimes, a fan, which uses much less energy, can be used instead of air conditioning. And when it's cold, simply putting on a sweater is all it takes without turning up the furnace. There are all sorts of ways to use appliances less: some are super easy and some take a little effort but it's worth it to save energy and money.

If you really want to cut down on the energy your appliances use, try these non electric appliances. Just like in the old days, right?

Return from our Energy Efficient Appliances to our Home Page