Look for the Star
    Even if you’re not now in the market for a new dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, or other major appliance, you no doubt will be at some point in the coming years.Â
     It matters what model you buy. For virtually every type of appliance, some models are far more energy-efficient than others. And the Energy Star seal on an appliance shows that it is among the very most efficient models available. According to Go Green, Live Rich by David Bach, the Energy Star symbol can be found on energy-saving models in 50 appliance categories for home and office. Â
    While an appliance that has earned the Energy Star may cost more than some other models in its category, the total cost of purchasing and operating the appliance will be less than a model that has not earned the Energy Star. For example, an Energy Star washing machine may cost $150 more than a less efficient model, according to Bach. But since operation of the machine saves $50 a year on electric bills, the machine pays for itself quickly, ultimately saving the owner a significant sum.Â
    Other efficiencies may also be found through purchasing an Energy Star appliance. An example is that Energy Star washing machine. It uses 7,000 fewer gallons of water per year than its non-Energy Star counterpart, Bach reports.
    In 2006, Americans saved so much energy by using Energy Star appliances that the equivalent of  25 million cars’ worth of greenhouse emissions were not added to the air, according to Bach. And Americans saved a total of $14 billion on utility bills, says Bach.
    For more information about how you can save energy–and money–through the federal Energy Star program, visit www.energystar.gov. –April MooreÂ
May 16th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Our time to replace the appliances (the old ones had been here for 20 years) was 2008. All four units (fridge, stove, dishwasher & microwave) went kaput all within the space of a couple of months (how’s that for planned obsolescence?). For the new ones it was Energy Star all the way. We saw utility bill benefits immediately. At first we thought that it was maybe a fluke, but after a year and a half, the savings are real. Multiply this across the population and we’re talking real money….
Some years ago we replaced the laundry with a front loader. The water and electricity savings have been significant, you use much less detergent, and the clothes survive better (less twisting, etc.) than with a spindle machine.
May 17th, 2009 at 7:39 am
Interesting. I hadn’t realized that a front-loading washing machine uses less detergent and is easier on the clothes. Thanks.
May 17th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Those energy star ratings give a lot of information. As our kitchen appliances wore out — the oven first, then the dishwasher — we didn’t have one for almost two years. Then when the refrigerator went, we bought all new stuff. I couldn’t believe the differences between designs within the same brand. Same for the washer — If only there were ratings for other dynamics to save energy — consolidated design, reusable/brown water, features that could be separated out. It seems that all refrigerators have mandatory ice makers. We didn’t want an ice maker. etc. Glad you continue to educate us! Thanks!
May 18th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
April,
Thanks for this valuable info. We may be replacing our dishwasher soon.
May 29th, 2009 at 9:39 am
A front-loading washing machine uses a fraction of the water and detergent of a top loader, and is much gentler on your clothes. I didn’t know they used less electricity, and think maybe they don’t, as the length of cycle is much longer. But they are definitely a move in the right direction. Have come down a little in price but still a lot more expensive than top loaders. Hope mine will last a long time.