Appliances: When should you upgrade?
Buying a new appliance can feel daunting. When shopping, keep in mind that not all new appliances are high efficiency and not all old appliances are inefficient. The less efficient your current appliance, the more you will save with an upgrade.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators have seen major efficiency improvements over the years. New refrigerators use up to 73% less energy than 1970s models and about a third less than 20-year-old models.
For example, a 1980s fridge uses 2,000 kilowatt hours per year, so at 14 cents per kWh, it costs $280 per year to operate. New Energy Star-certified refrigerator prices start at $500 with yearly energy costs ranging from $38 to $122. So a new, $1,000 Energy Star-certified refrigerator with a $100 yearly energy cost saves $180 per year, paying for itself in about 5 1/2 years.
Washers and dryers
New Energy Star-certified clothes washers and dryers are also more efficient than older models.
Energy Star-certified front loaders use about 50% less energy and water than top-load agitator washers and about 25% less energy and water than top-load impeller washers that don’t have an agitator.
Energy Star-certified new dryer models may produce savings compared with older ones, but, as with washers, be sure to calculate the efficiency versus the up-front cost—the upgrade may not be worth it.
TV sets
Just like the lightbulbs in your home, LED televisions offer increased efficiency. Energy Star-certified televisions are 34% more efficient than conventional models. If you have a working LED television, swapping to an Energy Star model is more efficient but may not make up for the cost of a new TV. Instead, check the efficiency settings on your TV or buy a smart power strip that turns off other connected devices when not in use.
SAVINGS SOURCES
When making a decision to replace an older appliance, make energystar.gov your first stop. Use the Energy Star Product Finder at energystar.gov to compare products. The yellow EnergyGuide label on new appliances shows the yearly energy cost, kilowatt-hour electricity use and Energy Star logo, if certified.
MIRANDA BOUTELLE writes on energy efficiency for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
