Energy Star appliances not only save you money but are good for the planet. Your monthly energy bill is made up mainly of the energy use of your electrical appliances. You know that. Any savings on your electric bill is helpful these days. 

The yellow sticker on your machine will indicate the level of energy efficiency the product you are considering provides.

In the article below, we will clue you to the savings proven by using Energy Star appliances. As always, should you have any problem with your Energy Star appliance, call Gulf Coast Appliance right away.

The History of Energy Star

In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed the Energy Star rating as a voluntary means to identify appliances designed to use less energy. Since then, manufacturers have continued to strive to create better machines and gain the rating for their products.

There are strict guidelines for companies to follow to gain the rating because Energy Star is a federally mandated program for energy efficiency. However, if a product is merely labeled “energy-efficient,” it may use less energy than other products in its class. Still, it did not meet the requirements necessary to acquire the Energy Star label.

Financial Savings

The financial savings of an energy star appliance is most likely the first thing you think of when it comes to these appliances. When shopping for new appliances, there are two costs to consider. The cost of the device is first, then the cost to operate the machine should be factored in.

A home equipped with energy star appliances can save $100 or more per appliance per year on your electric bill. And these appliances cost no more at the time of purchase than those not earning the rating.

Not to mention, the government, utility companies, and others offer rebates on appliances, tax credits, and more incentives to purchase the energy star appliances, which offsets any higher costs. That is an immediate saving.

Energy Star Appliances

Appliances getting the Energy Star rating include refrigerators, HVAC, water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, and other electrical items. They are crucial to the running of our homes. Without them, we sacrifice a level of comfort we have come to know.

According to energystar.gov,

“Better energy efficiency and performance means lower utility and maintenance costs. ENERGY STAR certified homes and apartments are at least 10% more energy-efficient than homes built to code and achieve a 20% improvement on average, and even more when compared to most resale homes on the market today.”

When purchasing a new appliance, homeowners will want to look for the yellow Energy Star tag and blue energy star logo or ask an associate to show them the machines ranking Energy Star efficient. This way, you will be assured you will get the rebates and other savings associated with the tag.

Now, let’s look at how the Energy Star label makes a difference in the common appliances throughout your home.

Washers

Did you know most families wash a total of 300 laundry loads annually? That’s a lot of clothes washing which makes this machine one of the most used appliances in the home. Therefore, there’s ample opportunity to save with an Energy Star label.

Experience a 25% decrease in energy use and 33% less water use with an Energy Star certified washing machine. There are about 50 different models to choose from, so you are sure to find one that works for you.

Plus, there’s a vast range of prices among these appliances. You’ll quickly find one for under $700. Or, you can choose to invest in a high-end Energy Star washing machine for around $2,500. Keep in mind that you’ll be saving about $370 in energy costs during its lifespan.

Dryers

Dryers are one of the most energy-guzzling appliances in the home. Specifically, outdated and inefficient dryers will leave a massive carbon footprint. This makes an Energy Star clothes dryer an excellent choice for those looking to genuinely make a difference for the planet. 

The machine must use 20% less energy than its counterparts to be Energy Star certified. However, if you choose to invest in an energy-efficient dryer, don’t expect major savings on utility bills. In fact, people typically see only $20 in savings each year. 

But, if you’re primarily driven by the impact you’ll make on our world’s health, choosing an Energy Star dryer is the way to go. Not to mention, it’ll avoid over-drying your clothes and reduce wear and tear on delicate fabrics.

Refrigerators

In today’s market, there are hundreds of Energy Star certified refrigerators to pick from. And the least of these machines will already save you 9% on electricity bills. Energy-efficient refrigerators have only recently become so impressive over the last few years. These appliances save big on electricity without compromising performance.

The cost for a fridge with a yellow tag will span from $300 to $7,500. And you’ll save about $200 over the machine’s lifetime. In other words, you’ll get most of your money back when purchasing a budget-friendly Energy Star refrigerator. 

Dishwashers

It’s no secret that dishwashers use enormous amounts of water. However, innovators have proven that this appliance is capable of much more.

Not only do you save 12% on electricity, but the average dishwasher with an Energy Star label will save a whopping 3,870 gallons of water. Because of these incredible numbers, an energy-efficient dishwasher is one of the smartest purchases you can make for home appliances. 

How Do They Work?

These energy star appliances work by maximizing the energy needed to complete a job. Operating under a lower temperature or in a more efficient manner saves you money and helps the environment by preserving power. Each product gaining the rank of Energy Star meets a specific set of requirements for that product. 

Suppose you encounter a problem with one of your Energy Star appliances. In that case, a technician can repair the unit the same as a non-energy efficient appliance. There is no more expense associated with the upgrade to Energy Star.

Choosing the Right Energy Star Appliance for You

If you’re looking to save on utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint, you’re on the right path considering Energy Star appliances for your home. Before heading out to the store, the final step is to ensure you know everything there is to know about deciding on the right appliance for you. Use the following as a guide while you do your Energy Star appliance shopping:

1. Check the Label: Take some time to read the yellow Energy Star tag. This information will help you compare one product to another, giving you the statistics to determine which is best for you.
2. Know What Added Features You Need: Don’t get lost in the sea of fancy buttons and features these impressive appliances are equipped with. Before heading to the store, know what you are looking for. And while shopping, be patient and take time to genuinely assess if the added features will be used in your home.
3. Do Your Homework: Many Energy Star products are on the market, and more are invented every year. And with this, being overwhelmed by all your options is certainly possible. It’s almost easier to buy the first one you see and call the job done. However, we encourage you to spend a few minutes researching the units online and reading through customer reviews.

Servicing Energy Star Appliances

Should you need a repair, don’t hesitate to call the local experts at Gulf Coast Appliance Repair. The training and certifications the Gulf Coast team has acquired will put your mind at ease as they service your appliances. 

For over ten years, our friendly techs have been serving the Pinellas County community. Specializing in repairing appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, stoves, dishwashers, and more, we aim to get the job done right the first time out. Your appliances will be back to work for you in no time. 

Contact the office today to schedule your appliance repair service.