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Whenever you buy energy-efficient appliances, you expect lower energy bills and better functions, right? Well, that’s what we’re all aiming for. However, you should know that two price tags come along when you buy energy-efficient appliances: the purchase price and the running costs. Certified ENERGY STAR® appliances are designed so that, on the long road, they assist you to save money and by decreasing energy usage and improving the product or device performance.
Let’s find out the top 5 mistakes you can avoid when you buy energy-efficient appliances:
1. You don’t really know what ENERGY STAR® is
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When you buy energy-efficient appliances, you will hear about the blue label -yes, the ENERGY STAR® label. The first step is to know that we talk about energy efficiency. But what does it truly mean? To now, it is the only standard that is supported by the government that means that the device responds to federal requirements for power usage.
ENERGY STAR® is a label given to products that fulfill efficiency requirements. The phrase energy efficiency implies using less energy to perform an activity. It is the opposite of waste energy, and will gradually reduce your costs and have a good environmental impact.
When an appliance, product, or home gets certified, it means it can give you savings in the medium term.
Ps. Check out our facts about ENERGY STAR® to understand how it works and where it comes from.
2. Bigger isn’t always better: size does matter when you buy energy-efficient appliances
When you want to buy energy-efficient appliances, such as HVAC systems sizing must be taken into account. Sometimes we tend to think that smaller systems consume less electricity, or that bigger is better. But with appliances that’s not the case. Overly tiny air conditioners need to remain in operation for longer periods, hence reducing efficiency. Oversized equipment can decrease the life of the appliances, causing them to turn on and off more often than a well-sized unit.
This similar rule may apply to other appliances as well: bigger is not always better. For instance, when doing laundry, you may optimize efficiency by washing full loads of clothes each time; If you have a larger machine, you might never have enough dirty clothes to fill it up and you will end up spending more energy and water. When you buy energy-efficient appliances always remember: The correct size for a device is the one that meets your use requirements.
3. Understand how they work: Check out if they have different energy-saving settings
Another key factor when you buy energy-efficient appliances is to understand their energy-saving settings. All of the buttons you see on the panels are there for a reason. To give you an example, with laundry machines, if the clothes are only a bit filthy, after a mild wash they will still come out clean; a whole washing cycle will consume more electricity and water than is necessary. An “eco” (or “energy saver”) setting allows you to conserve water and energy, without losing the intensive cleaning.
Once you buy energy-efficient appliances, you can select their cycles and choose whether to use cold water, low duty, hand wash, etc. This will not only save you money but can also impact your clothes’ longevity. If you want to learn more about how to save money when doing laundry check out this article.
4. Don’t buy them just because, do your research
You don’t have to buy energy-efficient appliances if you don’t need them. Intelligent devices can be connected in the house to programmable energy management systems. For example, you may be able to plug regular AC systems into smart thermostats. You may build your efficiency plan by using a programmable thermostat—for example, by lowering your heat while nobody is home or when you’re sleeping.
Other changes can be added as well, intelligent fridges and washing machines are on the market too and can be of great use to make your systems run on lower energy expenditure.
You would be surprised at the number of people that end up overpaying for appliances because they do not conduct adequate research before purchasing. Before you go to the store, look into the manufacturer’s suggested price, the pricing at nearby retailers, and the promotions and discounts that are available. Many businesses will price match or give you a discount if you say you’re going to buy anything else.
Another great idea to get good deals when you buy energy-efficien appliances is to wait until the end of the year when retailers substantially reduce appliances to make space for new models. Avoid buying on impulse; it’s easy to be swayed by a gleaming new washer and dryer at the home improvement store, but completing your research ahead of time will guarantee you get the best price on appliances that meet your requirements and your home.
5. Don’t fall on trends
Yes, appliances can be fashionable as well. Whilst trends in appliances may not be as evident as clothes trends they are there. Before you buy energy-efficient appliances you need to define where you will be spending your money and do it wisely. Check if you need a Wi-Fi washing machine that tells you it finished washing your clothes.
Before you buy energy-efficient appliances, remember you will stick to your large appliances for at least 10-15 years so make sure it’s something you would like to keep. Don’t do it just because it’s popular.
Energy efficiency is a great way to save you your hard-earned money while also contributing to lower CO2 emissions. And, by making conscious changes you can take advantage of a great range of benefits. At PowerChoiceNow we’re here to help you save your hard-earned money. Check out our website, enter your zip code, and some basic information about your consumption. You will find out if there’s a rate that may benefit you more than your current one.
At Power Choice Now, finding a new energy supplier is straightforward and will let you benefit from competitive energy markets and save money.
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