The only way
to ensure that you are purchasing an energy efficient appliance is to look for
the Energy Star label. The average new 2011 refrigerator used less electricity than a comparable model did in 1972 yet cost much less, despite more and better features.To find Energy Star products click here and consider following these additional tips on appliances:
Dishwashers
-Older dishwashers require a water supply of at least 130°F. Newer dishwashers have a small water heater to boost water temperature to about 140°F in order to save standby losses of the water heater.
Clothes Washers
-Horizontal-axis machines save 50-75% of both energy and water compared to most vertical-axis models.
-ENERGY STAR qualification requires 1.42 MEF since in 2004. (MEF is the Modified Energy Factor, compared to EF)
Clothes Dryers
-Cleaning the dryer lint filter after each cycle minimizes drying time
-Dryer and vent should be thoroughly cleaned every few years.
-The vent should be a smooth metal pipe, sealed at joints with silicon caulking. (The picture here is an example of incorrect venting as seen in many households.)
Refrigerators and Freezers
Refrigerators account for 9% to 15% of a household's total energy consumption, running day and night 365 days a year. According to ENERGY STAR, the most efficient standard refrigerators use less than 500 kW-hours of electricity per year.
-Keep freezers as full as possible.
-Defrost the freezer when 1/4 inch of frost has accumulated.
-Minimize refrigerator or freezer door openings.
-Clean the coils on refrigerators and freezers with a soft brush once a year.
-Keep the vent clear of dust.
When selecting a new refrigerator, consider the following:
-Automatic defrost models waste energy. Choose a manual defrost model.
-Side-by-side refrigerator/freezers use more energy than units that have the freezer compartment on the top or bottom.
-Upright freezers use more energy than chest freezers.
-Operating two refrigerators uses far more energy than one larger model.
Refrigerators account for 9% to 15% of a household's total energy consumption, running day and night 365 days a year. According to ENERGY STAR, the most efficient standard refrigerators use less than 500 kW-hours of electricity per year.