How to replace old appliances with energy efficient ones

Sustainability. Energy Efficiency. Reduced Carbon Footprint.

These are all buzz words in today’s economy but energy efficiency is more than simply something trendy- it offers real value to homeowners. More efficient appliances will help with reduce energy costs while also being less wasteful of energy.

Overall, energy saving appliances will pay off in the long run. They can be more expensive than standard appliances, but it is important to note that parts for repairing older appliances can begin to disappear as new more efficient models enter the market. This means saving money at the register can lead to earlier replacement. Newer model appliances usually come with warranties as well. You can save up to 20% off your utility bills when switching old appliances and/or more environmentally friendly devices. Here is a brief list of items to replace with energy efficient ones and how we can help:

• Refrigerator (ice maker line)
• Dish washer (water lines)
• Kitchen Range (gas ranges)
• Insta-Hot Faucets (Fixture and water line)
• Furnace (filters, ducts, high efficiency models, tune-ups & cleaning, air quality improvement)
• Air Conditioning (tune-ups, cleaning, ducts, high efficiency models, air quality improvement)
• Water Heater (tune-ups, high efficiency models, water quality issues)
• Low Flow Shower Heads (install or replace)
• Low Flow Toilets (install or replace)
• Washing Machine (water lines, drain lines)
• Water Quality (water filtration for the house or a single faucet to reduce water bottle waste)

If you have non-energy efficient appliances that are 12 years old or older, you will likely see a decrease in your utility bills over the course of a year simply by switching them out.

1. Choose Energy Star labeled appliances. These certified appliances have undergone government testing to ensure they use less energy.
2. Know what you need. Bigger isn’t better- the right fit for your home size and usage is what should determine the size of the appliance. When making changes, make sure your electrical system is able to accommodate the upgrade, as this can be an additional expense. Compare that expense to the savings you expect to obtain over the next several years.
3. Understand that sometimes you may spend a bit more at the register for these appliances, but you will see a savings on your utility bill.
4. Read the EnergyStar sticker for costs to run. Some models will offer reduced costs just based on the design. For example, the type of freezer or water heater can make a huge difference in the cost to operate it. Be sure to compare different models to see the cost savings.