With skyrocketing energy costs and environmental concerns lurking around every corner, homeowners across the country are looking more and more to how they can conserve energy in their home. Costs are so high in some areas that the city of Fairbanks, Alaska, is so concerned about its energy consumption that it is considering not having any Christmas lights next year – you can read more about Fairbanks here. As well as homeowners, business owners are also looking to cut costs on utility expenditure – which is possible by using more energy-efficient appliances, but it might be a better use of time looking to compare energy providers to search for a cheaper plan, using comparison sites like Utility Bidder or others. Enter the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star label, which applies to everything from refrigerators and air conditioners, to televisions and dishwashers. If you have a number of appliances in your home, it is important to protect them and keep maintenance costs down with a USA Home Warranty. While the idea behind the Energy Star label is to make it easier for homeowners to shop for energy efficient appliances, the question has to be asked whether the appliances that qualify are really worth the higher initial costs. This Pros, Cons, & Costs aims to find out.
Energy Star Appliances: the Pros
It seems that most of the hype around the Energy Star label is well deserved. According to journalist Judy Ketteler of GAIAM Life, Energy Star rated appliances saved homeowners over 14 billion dollars in 2006 alone, and reduced national fossil fuel emissions during that year by the equivalent of 25 million cars. As those numbers are bound to increase as technology advances, it’s clear that Energy Star appliances are a plus for the environment and your pocketbook at the same time. Here’s the Pros of installing Energy Star appliances in your home.
Reduced Energy Costs – According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star appliances can reduce your home appliance energy usage, and costs, by as much as 10 percent to 50 percent. While specific savings vary home to home, the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) estimates that energy efficiency standards have already saved American homeowners in the neighborhood of $200 billion to date, or about $2,000 per household
Environmentally Friendly – Energy Star appliances aren’t just good for your pocketbook. According to sources as varied as the Washington Post, the NRDC, and the U.S. Government, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and our reliance on dwindling fossil fuel resources and foreign oil.
More Convenience – Energy Star appliances are also more convenient. For example, according to information provided by the NRDC and the Washington Post, purchasing Energy Star washer and dryer means that you can wash more clothes in a single load, and dry them faster. In other words, you’ll do less loads of laundry, and in less time, if you shop with Energy Star labels in mind.
Energy Star Appliances: the Cons
The goal of Pros, Cons, & Costs is to provide homeowners with the information they need on a given subject, pointing out both it’s strengths and it’s weaknesses. When it comes to Energy Star appliances, we’re having a tough time finding any reasons why you wouldn’t want to choose this option. Sure these appliances are going to cost you a little bit more up front, but when it really comes down to it, the long term energy saving benefits of Energy Star appliances far outweigh the only negative we can find: higher initial costs.
Energy Star Appliances: the Costs
That said, just what are Energy Star appliances going to cost the average homeowner? It’s really a matter of perspective. There’s no question that you’ll pay more up front by choosing an Energy Star rated appliance, but when you look at long term energy savings, it becomes clear that your higher initial investment will end up paying for itself as the years roll by. Just in case you’re still curious what you have to gain, here’s a few numbers from the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) to help seal the deal. According to the NRDC, replacing a 1980’s model refrigerator with a new, Energy Star rated model can save you $100 a year in total energy costs, replacing a pre-1994 clothes washer with an Energy Star washer will save you as much as $110 a year, and a new, Energy Star dishwasher will save you about $25 per year on your utility bills. Multiply those savings by the 10 to 20 year lifespan of most appliances, and it’s clear to us here at Pros, Cons, & Costs that upgrading to an Energy Star appliance is worth every penny, and then some.