"Pinch me, I'm Irish," and leprechauns are some of the many ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. While you can always indulge by wearing green and going to themed-parties, there's another way to go green — we're talking about energy-efficient appliances!
When you switch to energy-efficient appliances, you’ll enjoy several benefits, such as preventing greenhouse emissions and reducing your carbon footprint. In fact, if you switch to an Energy Star refrigerator, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 8,200 pounds over 5 years!
On top of that, you'll also save on water and energy usage, which helps reduce your monthly energy bill. So, if you're thinking of making the switch, our experts have just the guide for you!
Refrigerators
Refrigerators use the most electricity out of all your kitchen appliances, with older molders (around 15 years older or more) using twice as much as a newer model. But even with a newer model, you can further reduce the energy you use by choosing the right refrigerator type.
Both top- and bottom-freezer refrigerators are more energy-efficient than side-by-sides or French door refrigerators because their one-door design makes it easier to trap in the cold. Which makes either one a solid choice for energy saving. Keep in mind that features like automatic ice makers, through-the-door ice and water dispensers, and anti-sweat heaters will consume up to 20 percent more energy.
But if you find an Energy Star-labeled French door or side-by-side refrigerator you really love, you can still lower your energy costs and keep all your St. Patrick’s Day drinks and snacks fresh!
Dishwashers
Dishwashers have come a long way from the earlier models that would use tons of water. Newer models now use half the water and energy levels, with 4 to 6 gallons of water per load. But you can further your efficiency with an Energy Star dishwasher.
An Energy Star-certified dishwasher is 12 percent more efficient than a non-certified one, saving you around $35 per year on utility costs. Several features can improve this number even more including, auto soil sensors, half load cycles, and optional heat dry.
This way you can handle all the after-party cleanup on St. Pattie’s Day in a snap, with just the right amount of water and energy!
Ranges
There aren't any Energy Star-certified ranges, but you can still opt for more energy-efficient ranges. Induction ranges are currently the most energy-efficient since they use electromagnetic technology that utilizes 15 percent less power than electric coil ranges. And they even boil water faster than a regular electric range!
But if you don't want to upgrade to induction, you can upgrade to a newer electric smooth top or coil range. Be sure to look for convection cooking as it uses 20 percent less energy than standard models. Self-cleaning models are also ideal as the insulation prevents heat from escaping.
Either way, those green goodies you make for the St. Pattie’s party will taste amazing!
Washers
Your washer is another essential appliance when making the switch to energy efficiency. If your washer is over a decade old, it will cost you $180 per year on excess water and energy usage.
But when you upgrade to an Energy Star washer, you'll use an average of 40 percent less water and 25 percent less energy than standard models. This equals $40 per year in energy costs and 3,000 gallons of water every year. And since Energy Star models feature bigger capacities, you can also wash more clothes at once.
Now you don't have to spend ALL day doing the laundry and have all your green clothes clean and ready to go!
Dryers
While energy-efficient dryers won't have as much impact as their washer counterparts, making the switch is still beneficial. Energy Star dryers use 20 percent less energy than regular models, saving about $215 in energy costs throughout the appliance's lifetime.
But you can increase your energy efficiency even more with the right features. Look for timed dry, sensor dry, eco dry, or low heat settings. These will help you use less energy whenever you dry a load of clothes.
Make the Switch Today
Switching to eco-friendly appliances can only improve your life. The benefits are hard to ignore, from reduced energy bill costs to lessening your effect on the environment — so don't! You can check whether your appliances make the Energy Star cut by checking the model number on their site. And if they don’t, you can always upgrade!
Have questions about which appliances fit your home? Give us a call! Our Elders Appliance team is ready to help you with what you need.