Money tips: Energy-efficient washing machines

US-PDGov

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)

Money Saving Tips for Purchasing an Energy Efficient Refrigerator

New replacement refrigerators can be purchased with energy efficiency in mind as each model of refrigerator has different features, model criteria and energy consumption that affect its energy use. Since the energy efficiency of refrigerators became regulated starting in 1993, energy star efficiency ratings have come into effect increasing the energy efficiency of these appliances even more. 

When buying an efficient refrigerator, first consider consulting energy star's 'refrigerator retirement savings calculator' to see how size and model of a new refrigerator can affect operating costs. Also, one should not only take into consideration the energy guide located on or near the refrigerator but other factors that can influence the cost savings of refrigerator use.

The following is a list of several items that can be planned for and/or adjusted on a refrigerator to enhance energy efficiency. Some of the factors affecting a refrigerator's energy consumption are listed below. Similar and other refrigerator energy efficiency buying tips are available at the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) website and the sources listed at the end of this article.

• Size of refrigerator 

• Energy consuming extras and refrigerator lighting

• Temperature controls 

• Factory established energy efficiency 

• Warranty on the refrigerator and energy star ratings 

• Location of condenser coils and coolant type

Size: Naturally larger refrigerators use more energy but hold more food. The larger a household the greater the chance a larger refrigerator and possibly even an additional freezer may be required. Keeping the size of a refrigerator optimal can help lower energy costs and add useful space to a kitchen.

Amenities: Extras like an ice machine, cold water dispenser and stylized handles and shapes can be fun and interesting but cost more. These amenities are not essential and may best excluded especially if a budget must be met. A simple refrigerator with a freezer will also make ice but one will have to store it in an internal ice bucket rather than use the ice maker dispenser. Refrigerator bulbs can also be either removed or replaced with a low wattage compact fluorescent light bulb to save electricity.

Temperature controls: Refrigerators have temperature controls for both the fridge and freezer sections. Understanding how the temperature controls work and adjusting them to the right levels can have a significant effect on energy consumption. Additionally, the external temperature around a refrigerator can also influence how hard the fridge has to work. For this reason, fridges and/or freezers in basements and rooms not exposed to direct sunlight may require less energy. The manual of a fridge should have instructions on the best use of a refrigerator.

Efficiency: This is the most important feature when selecting an energy efficient refrigerator as this can determine how consistently, and how much the fridge will save energy. The higer the energy efficiency rating or EER, the more energy efficient the fridge should be. The higher rating may also be costlier but could possibly be tax deductible in some countries and locations.

Warranty and expected lifespan: The longer the original buyer warranty lasts the better as these manufacturers warranties don't require additional purchase of extended warranty. If a fridge is a good fridge it may not need an extended warranty and repairs may be included with other warranties such as home owners warranties and home insurance policies. The longer a refrigerator is expected to last the better as this will prolong having to buy a new one after that and lower the distributed cost over time.

Coil location, type and cleanliness: The location of the condenser coils and the type of cooling system a refrigerator uses will affect how efficient the fridge is. Before purchasing a refrigerator studying the mechanics of a fridge, how coils work and why different fridge cooling units are more efficient than others may assist in purchasing a more energy efficient model. After buying a fridge, reading the fridge manual and keeping the condenser coils of a refrigerator dust free and with enough airflow can also enhance their efficiency. While the cost savings may be small at first, cumulatively the pennies may add up especially if used in conjunction with some of the other techniques in this article.

An energy efficient refrigerator depends on several variables including the product design, size, location, usage related aspects, lighting and other fixtures and the cooling system itself. Buying an energy efficient refrigerator may only become cost effective if one's pre-existing refrigerator is very old and cannot be replaced or repaired inexpensively i.e. if one has to put down the money for a new fridge considering energy efficiency may not be a bad idea. 

The time it takes for the cost savings of energy efficient refrigerators to add up varies with the model and usage and how closely some of the tips in this article are followed. Generally, the smaller and cheaper the fridge was at time of purchase in addition to the EER level, the less time it will take to recoup cost. After purchase maintenance and usage can also affect how much energy a refrigerator uses. Practicing some of the tips provided in this article and/or its sources may help improve household energy savings.

Sources:

http://www.aceee.org/consumerguide/refrigeration.htm
http://www.alcoa.com/makeanimpact/en/tips/tips.asp?cat_id=at_home_appliances
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=refrig.calculator
http://www.horizonservicesinc.com/reference/tips-articles/refrigerator-maintenance-save-energy