In the modern world, there is an electrical appliance for every need that we have. As our hunger for easy living increases, we buy more machines to give us the comfort we want. Energy-efficient appliances are now freely available on the market. However, when shopping for energy-efficient appliances, be sure to select them wisely.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Did you know that the average home creates more pollution than the average car? The electricity we use to run all our appliances and devices comes from power plants that burn fossil fuels. The consumption of fossil fuels results in air pollution. Air pollution results in global warming, which changes the climate of our planet. To save energy, it is essential to purchasing energy-efficient appliances.
Purchasing Energy Efficient Appliances
You can do your part for the environment by purchasing or replacing your energy-efficient appliances.
Although appliances may look innocuous from the outside, their inefficient, wasteful electricity use may prove harmful to the environment. When selecting your devices and appliances, consider the following:
Ensure that the appliance has enough space. The device must have enough room for ventilation to be energy efficient.
Weigh the purchase price with the advertised energy efficiency. The appliance’s power efficiency may offset your initial capital outlay over the long term.
There are incentive schemes and cashback deals, low-interest loans to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient devices and appliances. For example:
If you are purchasing a company that works from a home office, you can claim a tax deduction. That is to say, in respect of energy efficiency savings under Section 12L of the South African Income Tax ACT.
Energy Star Energy Efficient Appliances
We’ve all see the logo on our appliances. Perhaps you’ve seen it on your monitor or microwave. Energy Star is the symbol of energy efficiency. It’s a label created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The aim is to help consumers save money and minimise air pollution. Buying energy-efficient appliances make a big difference.
The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) has introduced a product labelling standard for electrical and electronic appliances. This includes dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, tumble-dryers and televisions. Look for the Energy Star logo or the uniquely South Africa Energy Efficiency labelling.
These labels assist the consumer in deciding whether the appliances meet their standards of energy efficiency. As a result, the power is shifted to the consumer as they become more informed. An apparatus receives the Energy Star rating if it is significantly more energy-efficient than the minimum government standards. Standard testing procedures determine this. To learn more about the Energy Star Programme, go to www.energystar.gov.us.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators in the old days used so much electricity they dimmed the lights and had engines that sounded like Dakotas. Although much improved, the fridge is still the biggest consumer of energy in the house, among the appliances. Buying the correct one is essential. Check those labels above. Make sure the device you need is energy-efficient.
But what can you do with the one you have to make it more efficient? Here are a few tips:
Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 4°C. The freezer temperature should be 18°C. Check temperatures periodically. Place a thermometer in a jar in the refrigerator overnight and adjust accordingly.
Fill the freezer with plastic containers of water when not or underusing it. This will keep the refrigerator from using energy to freeze this space.
Always defrost your freezer. Note that automatic defrosting freezes are less efficient than manual ones. Get cracking as soon as you see a 1cm build-up of ice.
Wait until the food has cooled down before putting it in the refrigerator.
Other Appliances/Devices
Stoves: only preheat when baking. Use the hot plate, which is the nearest in size to the pan you plan to use. Energy is wasted if the hotplate is larger than the pan.
Washer Dryer: As much as 90% of the energy used by your washing machine is used to heat the water. For most washing applications, warm wash and cold rinse are sufficient. The rinse temperature doesn’t affect the quality of the cleaning. Clean the dryer lint screen after each use. Lint builds up significantly reduces energy efficiency. Overloading the dryer lengthens drying time. Clothes dry in 40 minutes to one hour.
Other Devices: Ensure the computer’s monitor is switched off when not in use. As much as 60% of the computer’s energy goes to the monitor. Even on standby, devices like faxes and printers use 30 watts of electricity. If you are purchasing a laptop, consider switching to a computer that uses 50% less power—purchasing a printer? Choose an inkjet over a laser that uses more energy.
Even if they are energy star rated homeowners, air conditioners should first insulate the roof with roof insulation. Once this is done, assess if you are still in need of the appliance. Several insulation types are SANS compliant and will give you great benefits. The Isotherm, a dust-free allergy free insulation, is very popular and a big money saver. However, the best insulation by far is the Think Pink Aerolite.
Finally ‘Phantom Power:
I am unplugging DVD players, TVs and Audio players. Many devices around your home use up ‘phantom power’ by sitting idle with power going to the pilot light and maintaining other standby functions.
You have more control over the use of power in your home than you may think. Whether it’s how you purchase an appliance or use or maintain it, think about energy efficiency.