Are energy efficient appliances worth the investment? That’s the million dollar question. Well, maybe not a million dollars, but certainly something worth considering if you are planning on investing in new appliances any time soon.
As more consumers take actions to “go green,” many companies are offering products that are more environmentally-friendly, including home appliances that reduce your energy use, such as refrigerators and washing machines. However, with all the hype around this trend, it can be hard to determine if these appliances are actually worth the investment when it comes to energy consumption and saving on your monthly bill. Below, we’ll cover a few different aspects to consider when purchasing energy efficient appliances to help you determine whether or not it is worth it.
Are Energy-Saving Appliances Worth the Investment?
Most energy-saving appliances come at a premium price, which can leave many homeowners wondering if the investment is really worth the savings that come with reducing home energy usage. In most cases, the answer is yes. Though the amount of money you will save over time depends on the appliances you replace, electricity costs, and energy efficient incentives available in your area, for the most part investing in these appliances can help you save more money over time while doing your part to help the environment.
According to Energy Sage, home appliances account for about 20 percent of a home’s total electric bill. Many energy efficient appliances use anywhere from 10 to 50 percent less energy each year than their non-energy-saving counterparts. The average home appliance can last anywhere between 10 to 20 years, which means that investing in energy-efficient appliances can provide a significant savings on energy costs over time.
Which Appliances Should I Replace?
Here’s a look at some of the appliances that you might consider replacing with more energy-efficient models:
- Clothes Dryer – The clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy-using appliances in the average American home. In fact, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has found that the typical electric clothes dryer consumes as much energy each year as a new energy efficient refrigerator, clothes washer, and dishwasher combined! Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR dryer can help you cut down your energy usage by 20 percent, which results in a $210 savings over the lifetime of the dryer.
- Refrigerator – The refrigerator is another big energy hog. You can save about 10 percent more energy each year by replacing your old refrigerator with a newer, more energy-efficient model.
- Dishwasher – The dishwasher doesn’t use as much energy as your refrigerator, which is constantly running, and it also doesn’t use as much electricity as a high-heat clothes dryer. However, the energy usage does add up over time with the electricity and water that is needed to run your dishwasher each time. On average, you will save about 12-percent more energy each year by upgrading to an energy-saving model.
Want to save more on your monthly energy bills? Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient HVAC system from Carrier. These heating and air conditioning systems can help you save more money over time by heating and cooling your home more efficiently. Call today to speak with a home comfort specialist that can help you find the right energy-efficient HVAC system for your home: (951) 674-6974.
