Choose energy efficient appliances for you house and save money!
Note that money isn't all you are saving!
Actually, that is the moto of "Energy Star"
Energy efficient appliances earn the energy star when they comply with very strict energy efficiency requirements. An energy efficient appliance is designed carefully in order to use as less energy as possible, contributing to the energy sustainability that is required for a greener future. Reducing the energy demands of each domestic appliance may end in a really respectful reduction on electricity bills at the end of the month.
However, the most important thing here is that if we consider all the homes of a city reducing their energy needs, we can finally achieve a huge cut down of the CO2 offsets due to electricity production. Thus, if you are buying a new product, whatever it is (fridge, stove, clothe/dish washer, compact fluorescent bulb (CFL), air conditioner, etc.), make sure it has the "energy star logo" on it.
But, What is ENERGY STAR?
It is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
After an Agreement between the Government of the US and the European Community (EU), the EU ENERGY STAR programme was born. Thus, those strict energy efficiency standards must be followed in the EU as well.
So the next time you buy a home appliance or any product certified with the energy star, you can be sure that it is environmentally friendly and it will save you money too during the following years.
Although these products are a bit more expensive, they will return the extra money through the reductions on electricity bills.
What happens if you want to know more information about energy consumption of the product?
Well, then you have to search for the energy label of the product. These labels differ from a country to another but they all provide all the information you need to ensure you are buying energy efficient appliances. They provide exact numeric information that will help you choose between two or more products that may all have the energy star logo.
Please have in mind that energy consumption not only depends on the energy efficiency of the appliance, but it is really important that you use it properly. A refrigerator, for instance, will use large amounts of energy if left open for prolonged periods of time. A clothe washer will use more energy if set to the "hot wash", and a CFL will be using electricity while being bright. Thus, try to use your equipment wisely!
More info about energy efficient appliances.
Or you might be interested in some great DIY energy saving tips for YOUR house.
