Energy Saving Home Appliances and Home Electronics

Every home appliance comes with two price tags: what it costs to take it home and what it costs to operate and maintain it each month. ENERGY STAR qualified home appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances. From refrigerators to clothes washers, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances save energy, save money, and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants at the source.

Benefits of ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances

1. Lower Utility Bills: Home Appliances account for nearly 20 percent of the average household’s energy use. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances can save up to $100 a year in energy costs compared to standard appliances.
2. Improved Quality and Durability: Energy-efficient appliances often include quality components surpassing those found in standard appliances. These can result in fewer mechanical problems, longer equipment life, and in many cases extended warranties.
3. Enhanced Performance: ENERGY STAR qualified appliances often outperform standard home appliances due to improved design and advanced technologies. For instance, some ENERGY STAR qualified home appliances include features that decrease operating noise, while others include technologies that reduce water use.

• ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators use up to 40 percent less energy than the conventional refrigerator models sold in 2001 and at least 15 percent less energy than refrigerator models built to current federal standards. These refrigerators feature high-efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms. ENERGY STAR qualified freezers use at least 10 percent less energy than required by current federal standards.

• TIP: Leave space between the refrigerator and walls to allow air movement and brush (or vacuum) refrigerator or freezer coils regularly to maintain efficient operation.

• ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers use at least 25 percent less energy and up to 40 percent less water than standard dishwasher models and can save more than $25 a year in energy and water costs. These dishwashers use “smart” features such as effective washing action, energy-efficient motors, and sensors that determine the necessary cycle length and water temperature.

• TIP: Use short wash cycles for everything but the dirtiest dishes.

ENERGY STAR Clothes Washers

• ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use up to 50 percent less energy and about one-third less water than standard washers. As a result, expect to save up to $75 per year on utility and water bills with additional savings from using less detergent. Most ENERGY STAR qualified washers extract more water during the spin cycle, providing further energy savings when using a clothes dryer because drying time will be shorter. Also, owners will see less wear and tear on clothes from front loading clothes washer models, which do not need an agitator.

• TIP: Use the correct amount and type of detergent; too many bubbles will make the machine work harder than necessary.

Source: ENERGY STAR