Top 5 Energy-Efficient Appliances to Consider for Your Home
When you look at most, if not all, appliances on the market today, you’ll notice there’s a sticker plastered with their energy-efficiency rating. This is because energy efficiency has become a necessity in modern appliances driven out of the need to practice mindful energy consumption and consumption, as well as lowering the electricity bills of homeowners. In today’s article, we’re listing down the top 5 energy-efficient appliances you should consider buying and integrating into your home.
What is an energy efficiency rating?
Energy efficiency rating is a form of measurement that gauges how much energy an appliance or equipment uses, as well as how much carbon it emits into nature. As people, we have to be mindful of our environmental impact and practice sustainability for a better world. Many residential electricians also urge homeowners to make the switch to energy-efficient appliances.
For all we know. The electrical safety standards in Australia may require homeowners and business owners alike to adopt the use of said appliances in the next few years, so it’s better to make the switch now and be ahead of your peers. Many appliances nowadays are also integrated with smart home technology, adding convenience and ease of use to consumers.
What are the top energy-efficient must-have appliances at home?
If you’ve been considering ways to start green living and home improvement in one go, this is your sign. But given how there are a lot of appliances on the market right now, you can start the switch with these five most-used appliances at home.
Energy-efficient washing machines. Did you know? Washing in cold water lowers your carbon footprint by 10%, but you can even lower that with the use of energy-efficient washing machines. Washing machines are one of the appliances that not only consume a lot of energy but also use a lot of water. However, the newest models we’ve seen are designed after high-efficiency (HE) washers; this appliance uses far less water—approximately 20–60% less than the traditional washing machine, which is a great practice for water conservation.
One of the distinct features of energy-efficient washing machines is that they’re generally more efficient than top-loading models. Furthermore, these newer models also allow you to adjust the motor speed depending on the load size and optimize your water usage.
LED lighting. One of the first appliances that showcased energy efficiency is LED lighting; these lighting fixtures emit light in a specific direction, eliminating the need for reflectors and diffusers, and also emitting little heat compared to the traditional lighting fixture. Most importantly, these also last longer, saving you electricity expenses and the cost of a replacement. Melbourne electricians even recommend using them since LED lighting is also sturdier and more durable compared to its traditional counterparts; they are designed to be more resistant to vibrations and breakage. Business owners have been using LED lighting since it saves them the extra cost of calling in commercial electricians for repairs and replacements.
High-efficiency refrigerators. Out of all the appliances listed in today’s article, the refrigerator is the most used one; it’s practically in use 24/7! Because it’s the most energy-consuming appliance, switching to an energy-star-certified model can significantly lessen your energy consumption. These new models are designed to consume less energy without compromising their cooling quality and ensure that they use optimal operations.
High-efficiency refrigerators also have improved insulation, trapping the cold and reducing heat loss. You can expect the interior chambers to remain cold despite the minimal energy consumption. Thanks to advanced technology, they’re also equipped with efficient compressors that allow the refrigerator to operate smoothly. Since we’ve mentioned smart home technology, the newer models of high-efficiency refrigerators also come with digital temperature controls that allow you to set the temperature settings from anywhere and minimize energy waste.
Energy-star certified dishwashers. Aside from intensive water consumption, dishwashers are also known to consume a lot of energy. Choosing an energy-star-certified dishwasher means you’re opting to use less energy—even compared to handwashing.
The recent models available on the market for clean dishes effectively use high-temperature wash cycles, using significantly less water and energy. They also come with water-saving features that use fewer water cycles and utilize air-dry options, eliminating the need for heating components.
Smart thermostats. Because Australia experiences all four seasons, it’s paramount to have a thermostat to control your home’s temperature. Now, we have smart thermostats that allow you to adjust the temperature at specific settings with reduced energy consumption. You can set a schedule and automatically adjust temperatures through their programs, which you can access via a control or smartphone, ensuring that your home is comfortable. With the help of artificial intelligence, some thermostats also adapt to your preferences, learning them and adjusting them accordingly, thus optimizing energy efficiency.
How do I choose energy-efficient appliances?
Maybe you’re looking to upgrade other appliances that are not listed above and have no idea how to do so; consider the following when making a selection:
Check the energy efficiency labels. Most appliances come with an Energy Star label rating them from 1 to 10. It certifies the appliance met the strict energy efficiency guidelines, and as a general rule, the more stars it has, the more energy efficient it is. While you’re at it, check the label of its annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours annually so you can take note and compare it to other models later.
Consider its size and features. Whether you’re single or have your own family, you must select an appliance that is appropriate for your needs. For example, a family of four would need a larger refrigerator compared to a bachelor’s, though this also means the former would use more energy despite the appliance being energy-efficient. Check the label or inquire if it has energy-saving features; for refrigerators, see if they have adjustable shelves so you can minimize air loss by maximizing the interior. For dishwashers, opt for models that have air-dry options and low-temperature cycle wash. Lastly, for washing machines, check if they offer cold water wash cycles.
Use the energy rating calculator. This tool is provided by the Australian government so you can compare the running costs of different models, helping you compute the cost and estimate the potential savings.
At the end of the day, switching out all of your appliances can be pretty heavy on your pockets, but it’s also a great investment. Remember, you’re not only conserving energy and limiting your environmental impact, but you’re also saving up on electrical expenses in the long run.
