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Home appliances have become a modern-day necessity. From your fridge to your dryer, these household appliances are used every day. Especially for a large family, that can put quite a strain on your pocket due to high utility bills.
The solution you're looking for can be found in energy-efficient appliances. You'll find yourself spending less on bills, allowing you to allocate more towards other expenses – like a family bonding trip to Disneyland.
If you've been considering an appliance upgrade or two, here's everything you need to know about energy-efficient options and why they're the way to go.
Contents:
What is an energy efficient appliance?
How will I know if a home appliance is energy efficient?
What are the benefits of owning ENERGY STAR® certified appliances?
What type of cooking appliances are ENERGY STAR® certified?
What laundry appliances use less energy?
Where can I buy energy efficient appliances?
What is an energy efficient appliance?
Energy-efficient appliances use less energy to perform the same task with the same or better results. How is that possible? The average household uses more energy than it needs. The emitted energy that is not used to perform a task is called energy waste.
For example, when using a gas stove, if you place a plastic bowl near your burner, it’ll heat up and sometimes melt. That's because some of the heat from the burner is being dispersed in different directions. That's wasted energy because it is not being used to perform your cooking task. In this scenario, you're using more energy than needed.
Modern technology has found many ways to reduce energy waste, enabling the average household to use a precise amount of energy needed for a task, therefore being energy efficient.
That's how energy-efficient appliances are able to perform the same task using less; by reducing the emission of wasted energy.
How will I know if a home appliance is energy efficient?
Energy-efficient appliances are usually ENERGY STAR® certified. This certification lets you know that these products have been tested to meet the highest energy efficiency standards. Through this internationally recognized symbol, you'll be able to easily identify which appliances are reliable and globally trusted.
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Keep in mind that there are levels of efficiency. Some appliances and products will be more efficient than others. The top performers are referred to as 'ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient'. These appliances have superior energy-saving abilities. You can identify these top performers with the symbol displayed on the side.
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What are the benefits of owning ENERGY STAR® certified appliances?
There are many benefits to owning ENERGY STAR® certified appliances. It enables you to live sustainably and will have you feeling incredibly proud of your decision.
Save Energy
According to Natural Resources Canada, ENERGY STAR® products are "typically in the top fifteen to thirty percent of their class for energy performance."
Appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines can also be water efficient. They're built to use less energy and water. Do you know what that means?
Less Energy Emitted, More Money in your Pocket
The less energy and water you use, the lower your utility bills. Between 2000 and 2018, households across Canada saved $7.8 billion in energy costs (Energy Fact Book, p. 44).
According to Natural Resources Canada, the average Canadian household spent about $4000 on energy costs in 2019. Over $2000 of energy expenses went towards heating/cooling spaces, lighting, and operating appliances (Energy Fact Book, p. 38). Investing in energy-saving household solutions such as ENERGY STAR appliances, modern heating/cooling systems, smart lighting can reduce your utility bills significantly year after year.
Eco-friendly and Helps the Environment
Energy-efficient appliances are generally eco-friendly. They’re good for your wallet and better for the planet. Collectively, owners of ENERGY STAR® certified appliances are making a difference by decreasing their carbon footprint.
Natural Resources Canada reported a 28% improvement in residential energy efficiency between 2000 to 2018 (Energy Fact Book, p. 44).
Less energy usage means less greenhouse gas emitted. Living sustainably to preserve our planet for future generations is heroic. Using energy-efficient appliances is one of the many efforts you can make to help preserve the earth for your children and grandchildren.
What type of cooking appliances are energy efficient?
You'll be surprised to discover that many energy-efficient appliances perform better and faster than traditional models. Let's explore how you can maximize energy efficiency in each cooking appliance category.
Fridges and Freezers
Unlike most appliances, fridges and freezers must be on 24/7 and contribute to a sizable chunk of your energy cost. Fridge-freezer combos with a top or bottom freezer are up to 20% more energy efficient than side-by-side combos.
Some families require more storage space and often need an extra freezer. Of course, this adds to the energy consumption of your household. To maximize efficiency, opt for a chest-style freezer, which uses up to 51% less energy than upright freezers.
Looking for one of the most efficient options available? See below for 'ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient 2023’ fridges and freezers.
Frigidaire Freezer:quality(90))
LG Refrigerator :quality(90))
Built-In Fridge:quality(90))
Ovens, Cooktops, and Ranges
Convection and combination ovens are typically the most energy efficient oven types because they cook food faster using lower temperatures. These oven types use fewer resources to deliver better results: evenly and perfectly cooked meals. With a convection or combination oven, you can expect better food and lowered energy consumption. It's a win-win situation for your belly and pocket.
When it comes to cooktops, induction is the way to go. This type of cooktop emits the least amount of wasted energy compared to others in the market, making them the most energy efficient option. Induction cooktops transfer 85-90% of the heat to cook the food, compared to 65-70% of regular electric cooktops. These cooktops heat your pots and pans instantly, so your food starts cooking much faster. This means shorter cook times and less energy used.
Based on what we know about the most efficient ovens and cooktops, the most energy-efficient range will have a convection oven and an induction cooktop.
Dishwashers
To qualify as an energy-efficient appliance, dishwashers must complete tasks while using less resources. An ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher uses about 12% less energy and 30% less water than a standard model. Have a look at 'ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient 2023' dishwashers below.
Fisher and Paykel Dishwashers
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Blomberg Dishwashers
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What laundry appliances are energy efficient?
According to BC Hydro, ENERGY STAR®-certified washing machines use approximately 25% less energy and 33% less water. If you want an even more efficient washer, certified front-loading machines can decrease your water use by up to 40% and cut your electricity use by up to 65%.
ENERGY STAR®-certified dryers use about 20% less energy than other models. An energy-efficient laundry combo will decrease your energy use and save you quite a bit of money in the long run. See below for a list of 'ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient 2023' washers and dryers.
Combo
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Shop Samsung Combo:quality(90))
Shop Electrolux Combo
Washer
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Shop Electrolux Washer:quality(90))
Shop Samsung Washer
Dryer
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Shop Bosch Dryer:quality(90))
Shop Asko Dryer
Where can I buy energy-efficient appliances?
BC Hydro and Trail Appliances are working together to make energy efficient appliances easily available to British Columbia residents.
Are you considering upgrading or replacing your appliances with more efficient models? Your journey to an energy-efficient household is a showroom away!
Shop ENERGY STAR appliances online of visit your local Trail Appliances showroom. With our Price Match Guarantee, you can shop confidently knowing that you’ll always get the best price!
Are you considering upgrading or replacing your appliances with more efficient models? Your journey to an energy-efficient household is a showroom away!
