Energy efficient washing machines don't have to be as terrible a home improvement as energy efficient appliances are reputed to be. While they do cost more there are ways to reduce the initial upfront costs and increase the benefits of energy efficiency. This article will illustrate how energy efficient washing machines can be bought for a home without spending too much money up front and how to both benefit and maximize from the energy efficiency of the appliance.
Government Energy Star Regulation and foreign appliances
The best energy efficiency standards in the United States are set by the Government and indicated by the energy star symbol and guidelines. In other countries these standards differ and may be more stringent so as long as the power socket is compatible with the appliance imported appliances may be even more energy efficient than appliances produced for a national market. Some appliances from Canada may meet higher energy efficiency standards for a similar or lower up front cost.
NAFTA or the North American Free Trade Agreement allows Canadian products to be bought in the United States without heavy taxation. According to Energy Star guidelines, washing machines meeting energy star requirements use up to 50% less energy than conventional washing machines. This is significantly less than a cheaper less efficient appliance and precludes the fact if the energy efficient washer can be obtained for a cheaper price then it is definitely a deal.
How to spend less on an energy efficient washer
Washing machines like Drying machines come in different sizes. The larger the size the more expensive it is. This is the first thing to consider when purchasing a new Energy-efficient washing machine. If one buys a machine 25% smaller but with over 50% energy savings than a conventional machine that is 33% larger than the machine which is 25% smaller then the savings will not only increase from the energy efficiency, but the energy required to run the smaller machine.
Depending on one's clothes washing needs this may not be feasible in which case the 33.33% larger machine will be required. Nevertheless, the more one's clothes washing needs with the larger machine, the greater one's savings will be as the same use of the larger machine will lead to proportional savings. In other words, by using a machine size proportional to one's clothes washing requirements will yield better energy savings.
A second way to spend less on an energy efficient washer is to finance it with a 12 month or greater 0 down, 0% interest for 12 months or greater offer. This allows a household to earn the savings from the washing machine and apply those savings to the monthly payments a year later. In other words, by paying 0 down for 12 months without interest the money savings generated from the energy savings can be applied to the payments 12 months thereafter. For example, if by using the energy efficient appliance a household saves $10/month on the energy bill that is $120.00 after one year. That is enough for at least 1-2 payments on the machine. After three years at this rate of savings the machine will have paid itself off if it cost around $360.00. The trick then becomes how to find the best deal on an energy efficient washer.
New Year sales, closeout sales and after Christmas sales are good times to make big purchases as regularly price items may be marked down anywhere from 10-50% off. This can be all that is needed to make an energy efficient appliance cost effective as well as energy effective. By shopping around and comparing prices, sizes, warranty's etc. one is improving ones chance of not only a better informed decision, but a better price, higher savings and a nicer laundry machine.
Ownership, life-span, and property value
When buying an energy efficient washing machine it can also be useful to consider how long it will be owned for as the longer it is owned trouble free, the more the savings will be. Also, if the appliance is resold after a period costs associated with the machine may be regained especially if the machine holds its value. Brands that hold their value would therefore be beneficial in this instance of resale. Also, if a house is to be sold at a future point, energy efficient machines may present an additional savings opportunity and potentially even an earnings opportunity if they enhance the premium value of a home.
If the above factors are considered when considering an energy efficient washing machine one's decision will potentially be more successful. Doing plenty of research, considering all the financial advantages and drawbacks, comparing appliances etc. can all make buying an energy efficient appliance a more successful endeavor.
Sources:
1. http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=clotheswash.pr_clothes_washers
2. http://tinyurl.com/3trtby2 (Green Peace)
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