HOME ENERGY APPLIANCES GUIDE TECHNIQUES Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center TACTICS &TIPS Home appliances and electronics can be big energy users. They eliminate much of the labor involved in such tasks as washing and drying clothes and cooling and cooking food. At the same time, they use significant amounts of electric and natural gas energy. Appliances can account Selecting and for about one-fifth of all the energy used in the home. operating energy efficient: The good news is that appliance models on the Page 4). Initially developed by the U.S. market today are much more efficient than those Environmental Protection Agency for computers Refrigerators of just ten years ago, thanks to the National and other office equipment, the ENERGY STAR Appliance Energy Conservation Act which set min- label serves as a seal of approval on more than Freezers imum energy standards for many appliances and three dozen products including refrigerators, air specified deadlines for meeting those standards. If conditioners, DVD players, cordless phones and Washers an appliance is more than 10 years old, replacing fax machines. An ENERGY STAR label also means it will likely achieve energy savings. The same is quality, durability and long life. (See page 4 for a Dryers true for consumer electronics such as computers, list of home appliances that are covered by the TVs, VCRs, telephones and other electronics—recent ENERGY STAR program). For more information Ovens and Cook improvements to electronics means they use much about ENERGY STAR, call 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888- Tops less energy in standby mode. 782-7937) or visit the web site www.energystar.gov. Lighting Look for the efficiency labels What is the true cost of an appliance? The easiest way to choose an energy efficient Owning and operating a new appliance is like Home Office product is to look for the efficiency labels, either buying on the installment plan. The purchase Equipment an Energy Guide label or an ENERGY STAR® price is only a down payment. The rest of the cost label or both. is paid to the utility company through gas and electric bills, month after month, for as long as Energy Guide labels, the yellow and black stickers the appliance works. These monthly energy costs found on many appliances and electronics, are a add up. The chart below compares the energy useful tool for consumers to compare energy effi- costs (based on a rate of 7 cents per kWh and 65 ciencies of different models. In addition to listing cents per therm of natural gas) for typical major the estimated annual operating cost of the appli- home appliances. A ten-year-old model is com- ance, they show how the particular model com- pared to a new appliance meeting the minimum pares in energy use to other similar models. (See standard and when available, to an equivalent Figure 1) ENERGY STAR model. ENERGY STAR appliances ENERGY STAR labels appear on appliances and are the most energy efficient appliances currently available. Continuing improvements by appliance Related Guides: electronics that meet strict energy efficiency stan- dards. The label may be black and white with a manufacturers make it likely that new models Low Cost/No Cost Ideas coming on the market will have even higher lev- Combustion & Makeup Air star, or color with a globe, or the new logo which is light blue with the words ENERGY STAR (see els of efficiencies. Minnesota Department of Commerce 1 Buying used Major Appliance Energy Cost Comparison appliances Appliance Type 10 yr. old New—Minimum ENERGY STAR The Energy Information Refrigerator $60 (857 kWh) $39 (558 kWh) $35 (502 kWh) Center strongly recommends buying a new Chest Freezer $24 (325 kWh) $22 (291.9 kWh) N/A rather than a used appliance. Although Clothes Washer $74 (1051 kWh)) $60 (852 kWh) $21 (294 kWh) purchasing used appliances Clothes Dryer (Electric) $76 (1,080 kWh) $76 (1,080 kWh) N/A are substantially cheaper than new appliances, they Clothes Dryer (Natural Gas) $23 (12 Mcf) $23 (12 Mcf) N/A are generally less efficient than new models of similar Dishwasher $60 (860 kWh) $49 (700 kWh) $39 (555 kWh) style and size and therefore will actually cost Utility Rebates Refrigerators & Freezers more to own and operate Many electric and gas utilities in the state of Refrigerators particularly have benefited from in the long run. Minnesota offer rebates for new appliances such recent advancements in energy efficiency: the The money saved by as refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and average refrigerator manufactured today is at reduced energy room air conditioners. Every utility determines least two to three times as efficient as the average consumption is likely to the eligible appliance and rebate amount, but model of 10 or more years ago. The older a refrig- justify the cost of given the cost of a new appliance, it pays to do erator is, the more energy savings will be purchasing a new your homework and call your local utility to learn achieved with the purchase of an ENERGY STAR appliance. This is especially what rebates are available before you buy. model. An ENERGY STAR refrigerator can save an true for appliances such as average of about 350 kWh/year compared to a refrigerators, which in Appliance operation and functioning 10-year-old-model and 700 kWh/year recent years have maintenance compared to a functioning 20-year-old model. improved substantially in Buying an efficient appliance is the first step in energy efficiency. If the only Choosing a refrigerator and freezer option is to buy a used reducing appliance energy use and costs; equally refrigerator, look for important is the next step—maintaining and operat- Begin by determining the appropriate size for energy efficiency features ing the appliance to ensure maximum efficiency. household needs. Too large a refrigerator, besides described in the sections Read the owner’s manual that comes with the appli- costing more than a smaller model, wastes space below on individual ance and carefully follow the manufacturer’s recom- and energy. Too small a model leads to extra trips appliances. Also, call the mendations. If the owner’s manual cannot be found, to the store. manufacturer and ask for contact the manufacturer and ask that a manual be the Energy Guide label for sent. Set aside one week in the year to perform Manual defrost refrigerators use less electricity than the model under thorough maintenance on all appliances in the automatic defrost models, but they are not widely consideration. home—or make an appointment for those you can’t available in all sizes. Manual defrost models also service (such as heating, cooling & water heating). must be defrosted on a regular basis to maintain their efficiency. Features such as automatic icemak- Repairs ers and through-the-door dispensers can increase When an appliance needs repair and it is covered energy consumption and frequency of repairs. by a warranty, be sure to use an authorized ser- Considering a second refrigerator? Generally it is vice dealer, otherwise repair costs may not be much less expensive to buy and operate one reimbursed. If the warranty period has elapsed, refrigerator than two smaller refrigerators, espe- but the problem began while the appliance was cially if the second refrigerator is an old model. still under warranty, reimbursement may still be possible—be sure to check. Also, when having an Manual defrost freezers are more common than appliance repaired, routinely have the service per- automatic defrost models and generally do a bet- son check and replace worn gaskets and belts. ter job of storing food. Since the freezer is opened less frequently than a refrigerator, frost builds up more slowly. Chest freezers are typically 15-20 2 Minnesota Department of Commerce The Cost of Small Appliances Appliance Type Avg. Monthly kWh Monthly Cost* Hair dryer (used once a day) 2 $0.14 Power tools 3 $0.21 Vacuum cleaner (used 1 hr a week) 4 $0.28 Waterbed heater 100 $7.00 Electric blanket 14 $0.98 Dehumidifier (depends on kW size & hours (size X hours of use) up to $20.00 of operation) Portable humidifier 25 – 60 $1.75–$4.20 Auto engine block heater (size X hours of use) up to $25.00 Toaster (used once a day) 3 $0.21 Coffee makers (depends on kW size & hours (size X hours of use) up to $4.00 of operation) VCR (used 10 hrs a week) 2 $0.14 Personal computer (used 40 hours a week) 20 $1.40 Television (color, used 50 hours a week) 41 $2.87 Stereo system 9 $0.63 * -- At $.07 per kWh The list above was compiled to give homeowners a general idea about the amount of energy consumed by household appliances. Obviously, your exact consumption will vary depending upon power consumption and usage. Here’s how to calculate the specific amount of energy an appliance consumes: (Wattage x Hours Used Per Month) / 1,000 = Monthly kWh consumption. To convert this number to monthly cost, multiply the result by the kWh price you pay for electricity. You can usually find the wattage of most appliances stamped on the bottom or back of the appliance, or on its "nameplate." The wattage listed is the maximum power drawn by the appliance. Since many appliances have a range of settings (for example, the setting on a hair dryer), the actual amount of power consumed will depend on the setting that is used. percent more efficient than upright freezers the refrigerator in good condition, and cleaning because they are better insulated and cold air the food compartments as well as the refrigerator doesn’t spill out when they are opened.