ENERGY STAR energy efficient appliances will save you money by using less electricity. Below are common examples. See the ENERGY STAR website for information on how to select various energy efficient appliances.
Clothes dryers – electric dryers are the most energy-hungry appliance in the average American home. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a typical electric dryer can consume as much energy per year as a new energy efficient refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher combined or even more. ENERGY STAR certified dryers use 20 percent less electricity than a conventional model. It could save you $210 in electric bills over the lifetime of your dryer. Tip: air drying your laundry will also save you money.
Clothes washers – an ENERGY STAR certified clothes washer uses 40 to 50 percent less energy and about 55 percent less water than standard washers. When you replace your conventional washing machine with an energy efficient model, you could save up to $50 per year on utility and water bills. Energy efficient front-loading clothes washers also require less detergent than top-loading washers.
Refrigerators – since your refrigerator is running 24 hours a day all year long, it is one of the largest consumers of electricity. If you have a refrigerator that is more than 15 years old, you can save money on your energy bills with an ENERGY STAR certified energy efficient refrigerator, which uses up to 40 percent less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001.
Dishwashers – ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers are 12 percent more efficient than non-certified models, saving you electricity and water. Installing an energy efficient dishwasher will save you approximately $25 per year.
Induction Stovetops – These stovetops are the most efficient cooking option. Induction technology uses magnetic currents to directly heat your pots and pans. They boil water 50% faster, control heat more precisely and are safer than gas and electric coil stovetops.
Don’t forget the rebates! Energy efficient appliances will save you money in the long run by lowering your electricity bills over time. There are also rebates available to help lower the purchase price or to incentivize customers to recycle the old model. MassSave, the Massachusetts sponsored energy efficiency program, offers rebates that can make the purchase of an energy-efficient model more attractive. For example, you could get a $500 rebate when you buy an induction stove. Check on the MassSave rebate website for currently available rebates before you go shopping.
