Save money, help the environment by choosing energy-efficient appliances
REPAIRMAN REPAIRING DISHWASHER Getty Images If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen or laundry room or have a broken appliance that needs replacing, choosing energy-efficient options may be the way to go. It could save you money in the long run while being better for the environment. Here’s what it all means, what to look … Continued The post Save money, help the environment by choosing energy-efficient appliances appeared first on New Pittsburgh Courier.
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If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen or laundry room or have a broken appliance that needs replacing, choosing energy-efficient options may be the way to go. It could save you money in the long run while being better for the environment. Here’s what it all means, what to look for, and how Duquense Light Co. can save you even more!
What Does Energy-Efficient Mean?
The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA) requires minimum efficiency levels for all appliances, a policy the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) implements. Some companies and products go beyond the minimum standards to reduce waste and emissions for improved efficiency, conservation, and savings. One indicator of this is the ENERGY STAR sticker.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DOE administer the ENERGY STAR program, certifying products as energy-efficient. Companies voluntarily submit their products to be certified. These products go beyond the minimum federal standards to meet the ones set by the program.
Their website states that “in 2019 alone, ENERGY STAR and its partners helped Americans save nearly 500 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity and avoid $39 billion in energy costs. These savings resulted in associated emission reductions of nearly 390 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, roughly equivalent to 5% of U.S. total greenhouse gas emissions….The avoided air pollution due to ENERGY STAR was responsible for an estimated $7 – 17 billion in public health benefits in 2019 alone.”
According to the Environmental and Energy Study Institute, “more than 40% of the total energy consumed in the United States is used for operating buildings, and most of that energy goes toward appliances and building-related equipment.” And, for most residential homes, nearly 90% of its energy consumption is from appliances and building use—15% specifically from appliances. Using energy-efficient appliances can save money, reduce waste and emissions, and decrease common personal and public health issues.
Which Appliances Should I Replace?
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to replace your everyday appliances. The main factor is the age of your current appliances. Most have a lifespan of 10-15 years. If your appliances are more than 10 years old, you may want to start looking at alternative options. This is especially true if your older models are not rated for energy efficiency.
The current condition is critical, too. If your machines are not functioning well, they could be costing additional money in waste or even be a potential danger. Keep an eye on your electric and water bill for extreme increases that may indicate issues with your appliances or their systems. Listen for unusual noises and look out for sparks, broken parts, or problems with electrical features, as these can be indicators of larger problems with your machines.
For appliances that need repairs, a general rule of thumb is that if the cost to repair is more than 50% of the replacement cost, it is probably better to replace it. Other typical times to replace appliances are during a move or renovation. Here is also a time to consider the age and condition when deciding. Upgrading to energy-efficient models is likely an excellent way to go if you decide you want new appliances.
What to Look for in My New Appliances
When shopping for new appliances, consider the features, customer ratings, and warranty options. Your budget will help determine whether a basic (but well-functioning) machine works best or if you want one with all the bells and whistles.
Shopping guide sites such as consumerreports.org provide overviews of available features and ratings. Look for products with positive customer reviews. And consider whether the negative reviews are from an unlucky customer or two who received a rare broken product or from several people reporting the same problem.
Most appliances will come with a one- to three-year manufacturer’s warranty. More extended warranties provide a safety net in case something goes wrong and are often an indicator of the longevity of that product.
The ENERGY STAR website has a list of energy-efficient products with efficiency details sorted by brand name, price, and specific features. These include:
You can also visit the Duquesne Light Co.’s buyer’s guide for recommended and discounted appliances.
Ready to Replace Your Appliances?
Duquesne Light Co. has an appliance recycling program for customers. Benefits of this program include:
Free hauling away of appliances.
Duquesne Light Co. will pay you $50 per room AC unit, refrigerator, or freezer, and $35 per dehumidifier.
Duquesne Light Co. will ensure the old appliance is disposed of responsibly. More than 90% of each unit will be recycled in an environmentally responsible manner.
The decision to replace older, inefficient appliances with new ENERGY STAR models may result in significant cost savings for your family. It also reduces the need for more power plants and reduces the environmental impacts of energy generation.
The post Save money, help the environment by choosing energy-efficient appliances appeared first on New Pittsburgh Courier.
