At a Glance:
How Does a Product Reach Energy Star Status?
Can You Save Money With Energy Star Appliances?
How to Find Energy Star Appliances
Examples of High-Quality Energy Star Appliances
The average American spends $5,640.72 on utilities each year. This comes out to a $470 per month rate on average. It’s no wonder that so many people want to reduce their energy costs when even a few dollars saved here or there could add up significantly over the course of a year.
One way to save money is by buying Energy Star appliances, but there is still a lot of confusion around these units. What does it mean to be Energy Star certified? How much can you actually save with these models? Learn more about this certification process and how you can benefit from looking for the Energy Star logo.
What is Energy Star?
Energy Star is a program developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a group that is committed to monitoring waste creation in the country and reducing it to better protect the environment. The EPA handles a variety of issues, from massive oil spills to day-to-day electricity consumption in consumer homes.
Energy Star was created to provide an objective, third-party certification process to identify the most energy-efficient appliances on the market. Energy-saving appliances use less water and electricity, thus reducing your utility bills. This reduction also reduces your impact on the environment.
While one dishwasher won’t make much of a difference, millions of dishwashers, refrigerators, laundry systems, and ranges across the country can all add up to reduce our clean water and electricity usage.
How Does a Product Reach Energy Star Status?
The main challenge with assigning an Energy Star label to products is that each appliance has different energy and water needs. The EPA can’t set water usage guidelines for all appliances because cooktops and ranges don’t use water. Similarly, a dryer will use different amounts of electricity than a refrigerator throughout the week.
Each appliance type has its own guidelines for Energy Star standards. These are often based on the current requirements for energy usage. For example, a refrigerator would have to use 15% less energy than the minimum federal standards to qualify as an Energy Star appliance. An efficient TV would use less than 3 watts or less when it is switched off, compared to most TVs that use 6 watts of electricity when they aren’t in use.
As a consumer, you can decide how much you want to know about efficient appliances. You can research the energy consumption regulations and requirements or trust the Energy Star brand. This label was created to streamline the research process so most people could buy efficient products without having to learn about wattage or research water consumption first.
Can You Save Money With Energy Star Appliances?
This is often the million-dollar question that customers bring up: is it worth the cost to buy an Energy Star model? Energy Star models will use less energy and water regardless of how they are used; however, your daily habits can determine how much you really save with these units.
For example, prewashing dishes is a known way to wastewater. Faucets are incredibly inefficient and you are basically double-washing your dishes. If you buy an Energy Star dishwasher that is powerful enough to eliminate prewashing, you might notice a drop in your water bill. This could be because of the certification but also because of the change in your behavior.
The same concept appliances to laundry units. Front-load washers use less water on average. Switching from a top-load to a front-load Energy Star washer could double your potential savings. It is impossible to identify whether the savings came from the Energy Star appliances or changes to your cleaning habits.
How to Find Energy Star Appliances
There are two ways to find Energy Star appliances in your search. The first is to look for them organically. Find a few top appliances that you like and check to see if they are Energy Star certified. Some brands place the blue Energy Star logo directly on the appliance or somewhere on the packaging.
The next way is to search directly. The EPA has a product finder tool where you can filter your search by category and look for specific products. With this method, you can start your search with a list of Energy Star appliances and then choose the best brands and models that work for your needs.
Examples of High-Quality Energy Star Appliances
You don’t have to run out and buy all new appliances to accommodate Energy Star guidelines. Instead, look for the Energy Star logo when it is time to upgrade or replace your older models.
Energy Star appliances are so diverse that you won’t have to pay more for energy-efficient products. Here are just a few examples of energy-efficient units to see how stylish and functional they are.
Samsung Brushed Black Top Load Laundry
This laundry set is a great place to start when learning about Energy Star appliances. Top-load washers typically use more water because the drums have to fill up all the way; however, they can still be efficient in other ways. These units might use less electricity to run or have a design style that maximizes the washing process without using as much water.
You can still buy laundry units that match your preferred style while maintaining energy efficiency. Front-load models aren’t for everyone and this pair could be a better choice for your home.
GE® White Front Load Laundry Pair
GE White Front Load Laundry Pair
If you are interested in front-load laundry units, there are plenty of Energy Star models to choose from. There’s a common myth that energy-efficient models are smaller because they use less energy and water. However, you can actually reduce your energy consumption even more by buying large-capacity units like these.
A large-capacity washer will be able to fit more clothes, which means you can fit your laundry pile into one cycle instead of two. This can significantly cut back on your water usage and the time you spend waiting for your clothes to wash and dry.
Don’t shy away from Energy Star appliances if you have a big family or use your appliances frequently. You can still be efficient with large units.
Whirlpool® 26.8 Cu. Ft. Fingerprint Resistant Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Whirlpool Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
Energy-efficient refrigerators come in a variety of styles. You can still find French-door units, side-by-side models, and bottom-freezer appliances that meet your needs. This particular model has an exterior water and ice dispenser, which is more efficient than keeping the system inside. You won’t have to open your refrigerator to get water or ice – further reducing your energy usage.
You can see what people think about this model by reading customer reviews. One person writes, “It's spacious and so far reliable as previous appliances that I've bought from this manufacturer. Love the layout and versatility of the movable shelving and storage space.”
KitchenAid® 24" Stainless Steel with Printshield Built-In Dishwasher
KitchenAid 24" Stainless Steel with Printshield Built-In Dishwasher
Almost every appliance in your home can have some form of Energy Star certification. When it comes to dishwashers, the EPA wants to highlight models that use less water and have lower electricity needs than standard units.
You can learn about the efficiency of this dishwasher by reading online reviews. One buyer says, “Though this dishwasher is smaller compared to other KitchenAid washers I have owned it stands up to the challenge of cleaning my dishes. It has all the features I need and want even an additional tray for large utensils.”
FAQ
Are Energy Star appliances worth it?
Energy Star appliances are proven to be better than federal standards for reduced energy consumption. If you practice other good habits to reduce your electricity and water usage, then you might find that Energy Star appliances help lower your utility bills and overall consumption rates.
Do Energy Star appliances last as long?
Energy Star certification can be found on a variety of brands. While it is a symbol of quality, research the particular brand and model you want to buy before you purchase it. Some brands are made to last longer than others in order to provide more value to customers.
What does the Energy Star label mean?
Energy Star is an objective, third-party certification by the EPA. It means that the appliances use less energy and water than the expected federal guidelines. Customers can look for its blue logo instead of researching energy consumption and use on their own, creating an easier buying process.
Why Trust Spencers TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencers TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Energy Star Appliances at Spencers
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop appliances online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find Energy Star appliances for your home. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: Does Unplugging Your Appliances Really Save Electricity?