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Every
appliance
has
two
prices:
the
sticker
price,
and
the
one
you
pay
to
run
the
appliance
year-round.
Considering
that
a
minor
expense
today
could
translate
into
huge
savings
tomorrow,
you’ll
want
to
know
your
options
before
buying
your
next
major
home
appliance.
So
what
appliances
are
energy-efficient?
ENERGY
STAR
certified
applicances
(a
joint
program
between
the
U.S.
Environmental
Protection
Agency
[EPA]
and
the
U.S.
Department
of
Energy)
are
ones
that
use
less
energy.
In
2007,
Americans
bought
enough
ENERGY
STAR
applicances
to
limit
emmissions
equivilant
to
green
house
gases
from
27
million
cars
—
all
the
while
saving
$16
billion
on
their
utility
bills,
or
roughly
one-third
their
annual
utility
cost
(source:
ENERGY
STAR).
If
you’re
trying
to
both
increase
efficiency
and
boost
the
resale
value
of
your
home,
look
for
machines
that
have
earned
the
ENERGY
STAR
label,
meaning
they
have
met
strict
energy-efficiency
guidelines.
It’s
also
important
to
check
the
EnergyGuide
labels
on
appliances
to
see
consumption
rates
for
that
model
expressed
in
annual
kilowatt
hours
and
the
approximate
annual
cost
of
running
the
appliance.
The
following
additional
tips
should
also
help:
Refrigerators
–
Next
to
your
furnace
and
water
heater,
your
refrigerator
uses
the
most
energy
in
your
home,
so
make
sure
a
new
fridge
suits
your
needs.
If
it’s
too
large,
you’ll
waste
energy
cooling
phantom
food;
too
small
may
simply
be
inconvenient.
Models
with
freezers
on
the
top
or
bottom
are
more
efficient
than
those
with
freezers
on
the
side.
Stoves
–
Cooking
habits
should
determine
which
is
best
for
you.
While
the
design
and
price
of
today’s
gas
and
electric
stoves
are
similar,
gas
stoves
require
less
energy
for
stovetop
cooking.
If
you
do a
lot
of
baking
or
oven
use,
however,
the
electric
stove
is a
better
option.
Clothes
Washers
–
According
to
the
EPA,
Horizontal-axis
washers
use
50
percent
less
energy,
less
water
and
less
soap.
This
translates
into
savings
on
average
of
about
$95
a
year
for
the
average
household
Clothes
Dryers
–
ENERGY
STAR
does
not
label
dryers
since
most
consume
the
same
amount
of
energy.
Do,
however,
try
to
buy
one
with
a
moisture
sensor
that
will
automatically
shut
off
the
dryer
when
your
clothes
are
dry,
rather
than
completing
the
cycle.
Air
Conditioners
–
Ensure
correct
size
for
your
room
and
go
for
energy
efficiency.
If
it’s
cooling
a
sunny
room,
consider
increasing
capacity
by
10
percent.
Natural
gas
and
oil
systems
–
Look
for
the
Federal
Trade
Commission
EnergyGuide
label
with
an
Annual
Fuel
Utilization
Efficiency
(AFUE)
rating.
This
measures
the
seasonal
annual
efficiency
(ENERGY
STAR
furnaces
have
a 90
AFUE
rating
or
above).
It’s
becoming
increasingly
simple
to
add
efficient
appliances
to
your
home.
While
it
may
initially
seem
more
expensive,
you’ll
see
savings
in
subsequent
bills,
and
create
added
interest
in
your
property
when
it’s
time
to
sell.
Contact
Me
I can help you with every
aspect of buying or selling your home because I’m
experienced, because I am a Better Homes and Gardens
Rand Realty Real Estate Professional . . .and because I
care.
As
your
Better
Homes
and
Gardens
Rand
Realty
Sales
Professional,
I
will
provide
you
with
the
information
you
need
to
make
an
educated
decision.
The relationship between a home buyer or seller and their agent is based on trust, shared goals and understanding. I strive to continually improve and to do this I listen and take the needs and wants into consideration.
For assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact me, whether it's to get started on helping you realize your goals and dreams, or just to ask a question - no pressure, no hassle, no obligation - just a friendly conversation. I would welcome the opportunity to make a difference for you. |
