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If you live in a typical U.S. home, the appliances in your home
are responsible for about 20% of your energy bills. Refrigerators,
freezers, clothes washers, dryers, dishwashers, and ranges and ovens
are the primary energy-using appliances in most households (hot
water heaters are discussed in the Saving
Water and Heating It Efficiently section). Taking steps to save
energy while using these appliances, and replacing old inefficient
appliances with modern ones, can save you money.
In the United States, all refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers,
and dishwashers are sold with yellow EnergyGuide
labels to indicate their energy efficiency. These labels provide
an estimated annual operating cost for the appliance, and also indicate
the cost of operating the models with the highest annual operating
cost and the lowest annual operating cost. By comparing a model's
annual operating cost with the operating cost of the most efficient
model, you can compare their efficiencies.
Another label to help you identify energy-efficient appliances
is the ENERGY
STAR® label. Promoted
by DOE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the ENERGY
STAR is only awarded to appliances that significantly
exceed the minimum national efficiency standards.
For energy-saving tips, tips on buying new appliances, and contacts
and links see the Energy
Savers appliances page featuring:
Also check out the major
appliance shopping guide.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy compiles
a list of the most energy-efficient
appliances annually, including refrigerators, clothes washers,
and dishwashers. More information about appliances can be found
in EREC consumer information briefs on:
Energy Efficiency Standards for
Residential Appliances
Energy Use of Some
Typical Home Appliances
Energy-Efficient Appliances:
Resource List
See also the Energy
Efficient Appliances Technology Fact Sheet (PDF 780 KB)
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