When shopping for appliances, consider two price tags. The first one covers the purchase price — think of it as a down payment. The second price tag is the cost of operating the appliance during its lifetime. You will be paying on that second price tag every month with your utility bill for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on the appliance.
When shopping, consider labels and features that can help ensure you purchase appliances with a low operating cost.
The ENERGY STAR® label
When shopping for a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label. The ENERGY STAR program encourages the use of energy-efficient products that protect the environment and save money. The ENERGY STAR label helps you identify high-efficiency models. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR, a product must meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ENERGY STAR-qualified products exceed the federal minimum standards for efficiency and quality — sometimes significantly. Look for the label on appliances, electronics, water heaters, windows, and other energy-consuming products in your home.
The EnergyGuide label
To help you determine whether an appliance is energy-efficient, the federal government requires most appliances to display the bright yellow and black EnergyGuide label. Although these labels will not indicate which appliance is the most efficient on the market, they will display the annual energy consumption and operating costs for each appliance, allowing you to compare them yourself.
Smart appliances and home management products
Some manufacturers are now offering “smart” appliances that can be connected to or controlled by smart electric meters or home energy management systems, helping you shift your electricity use to off-peak hours. Air conditioners, water heaters, refrigerators, dishwashers, and other appliances may be available as smart appliances. Smart thermostats can also be installed to manage new or existing heating and cooling systems.
Smart appliances don’t just turn off during times of peak electricity demand; instead, they use subtle methods to shift their energy use. You might not even be aware of it. For example, your air conditioner may run slightly less often, or your water heater may adjust its heating cycle to operate when energy costs are lower, without impacting its performance.
If your electric cooperative offers lower rates for electricity during periods of lower demand, such as nights and weekends, also known as time-of-use rates, you may be able to save on your utility bill. Such changes may be unnoticeable to you, but could add up to significant savings on your energy costs. Your co-op can provide you with more information about the availability of smart grid technologies and time-based electricity rates in your area, as well as how they can benefit you.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy
