Energy Star Appliances for the Home
When contemplating the purchase of a new appliance, a buyer should give careful consideration to the machines with an Energy Star rating.
Energy Star appliances have a higher initial cost. However, running these appliances over time will more than compensate for that higher price tag. Just like an LED light bulb has a higher initial cost but a lower operating cost, so Energy Star appliances make up for their purchase price in long-term operating costs.
Types of appliances
Some of the home appliances which enjoy an Energy Star rating include water heaters, washing machines and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, air purifiers, and more. But these ratings can be slightly confusing; for example, an Energy Star rated washing machine will actually run longer than a traditional washing machine. How can that save energy? When an Energy Star rating is calculated, it not only takes run time into consideration but also calculates the amount of energy required to heat the water and how much water the appliance needs. Performance is also a crucial part of an Energy Star rating; an appliance that doesn't clean thoroughly or perform correctly isn't a sound investment. It is the bottom line cumulative cost of all factors, including performance, that determine whether or not an appliance is given an Energy Star rating.
Professional installation
Professional installation is not required to own an Energy Star appliance. However, once a consumer spends the money to purchase an Energy Star appliance, it makes sense to want the highest quality installation available for that appliance. Professional installation, repair, and maintenance will ensure that the device is undamaged and installed safely. For example, purchasing an Energy Star water heater will cost more than installing a conventional water heater. But an Energy Star water heater will save money month after month. It can only continue to do that if it operates correctly.
The biggest cost of operating a washing machine is the water, which, when cut, saves more money than the added electricity of longer running times.
How long will it take an Energy Star Appliance to pay for itself?
The length of time an Energy Star Appliance will take to recoup the cost of the purchase price depends on several factors. The first factor is how often the family uses the appliance. So, for example. A family will use a water heater every day, but the washing machine, perhaps two or three times a week. Also, it depends on the kilowatt per hour a family pays for energy costs and what they pay for water. So you can see it's not a simple equation. But the average Energy Star appliance pays for itself between three and seven years. The exception? A tankless water heater, which takes approximately 20 years to pay for itself.
If you're considering getting a new appliance, it's worth your while to look into Energy Star appliances. If you buy an appliance and would like for us to install that for you, give us a call. We'd be happy to help.