Energy-Efficient Appliances for Your Home

Jessie Casson/DigitalVision/Getty images

What are energy-efficient appliances?

Energy-efficient appliances use less energy to do the same job compared to standard models. Today, the average consumer uses multiple appliances to power their home. From HVAC units to kitchen appliances, multiple products consume energy around the clock. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) found that residential electricity consumption contributed to 311 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2023. Lowering your home’s energy consumption can help combat the strain of harmful emissions on the environment. As an added bonus, conserving energy can also lead to savings on your electricity bill.

Energy-efficient products

ENERGY STAR is a program founded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies which energy-efficient products adhere to the EPA’s standards. Learn how much energy you can save with ENERGY STAR-certified products.

Clothes washers and dryers

According to ENERGY STAR, the average family runs about 300 loads of laundry each year. A certified washing machine uses 20% less energy and approximately 30% less water than standard washing machines. Additionally, a certified dryer uses around 20% less energy than typical models. Considering how often the average household does laundry, these products can significantly reduce your home’s electricity usage.

Refrigerators and freezers

Refrigerators and freezers are constantly running, making these appliances a huge saving opportunity. An ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator is 15% more efficient than a regular model and uses less energy than a 60-watt (W) light bulb. A certified freezer uses 10% less energy than standard models.

Dishwashers

An ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher saves approximately 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime. By using less water, this product helps conserve natural resources and reduce water pollution. This product costs around $50 a year to operate, making it more affordable than less efficient models.

Dehumidifiers

You may be surprised to learn how much energy a standard dehumidifier uses. According to ENERGY STAR, a dehumidifier left running will consume more energy than a washing machine, dishwasher, and refrigerator combined. However, a model with an ENERGY STAR label uses 15% less energy and can save you roughly $175 over the appliance’s lifetime.

Air cleaners and purifiers

ENERGY STAR-certified room air cleaners and purifiers offer significant energy savings. They’re 40% more energy-efficient, and you would save $25 a year compared to using the standard versions of these appliances.

Air conditioners

By replacing your room air conditioner with one that bears the ENERGY STAR label, you will spend less than $60 a year to operate it. Appliances that have earned the label use higher-quality insulation materials and have a better seal between the window opening and the unit.

Government incentives

Upgrading to new appliances can result in a large price tag. Fortunately, there are government incentives to help with the investment. The Inflation Reduction Act offers a 30% tax credit for energy-efficient upgrades, including appliances. This federal climate law encourages consumers to lower their home’s carbon footprint, which can lead to energy savings.