Energy Saving Appliances Research Before You Buy
The new “buy green, save green” campaign is all over. Even our kindergarteners have been educated in the concepts of reducing energy costs by using only energy saving appliances, cars, etc.
It’s one thing to buy an energy efficient appliance because your old one died. After all, if it’s in the same price range as an appliance that doesn’t carry the Energy Star rating, why not? Most of these appliances are well designed and very attractive. And, if you can save a few dollars a month on your electric and fuel bills, what’s the problem?
Whatever you do, don’t run out to replace your perfectly good appliances with energy efficient rated appliances simply because you think you’ll be saving money. The manufacturers and retail stores certainly want you to believe that, but in reality, any money you save is negligible.
One particular front load washing machine and matching dryer on a recent commercial promises that if you buy the matching dryer “the money you save with the washing machine will pay for the dryer”. Of course what they don’t say is that it could take a few years for that to happen.
The washing machine uses less water because it relies on steam for the cleaning process, however, it uses twice as much electricity in order to push the steam out! Energy efficient? No really.
So, when it comes to the hundred dollars or so at the end of the year, is it worth upgrading to energy efficient appliances? Maybe, if your old one died and you absolutely need to buy a new one… But does it make any sense at all to spend $1500 on a washer and dryer because they promise you’ll save $230 combined over the following year.
What you really need to do is look at your electric, gas and water bills with the old appliances, and then see what happens when you have the new ones installed. An immediate savings could mean a few things. Maybe the appliances do save you money, or there could be other things going on such as remember the week you went to Disney World?
A $2000 investment with annual savings of under $200 could take ten years to break even!! Is this really worth the investment if you are concerned with saving money on fuel bills? Absolutely not. However, if you are simply in the market for updated and more efficient models, only you can decide if the purchase is indeed worth the money you’re spending. Always consider your return on investment and the timeframe.
John Mills is an expert in home improvements. If you would like further information about home improvements or are looking for a trusted double glazing company please visit Anglian Windows at http://www.anglianhome.co.uk.
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