Do ENERGY STAR Appliances Really Save Money?

In order to maximize your investment, it's important to weigh your options to ensure your new appliances have all the features you want with the energy efficiency you need—and one of the best ways to accomplish your goals is by reading labels. Most experts recommend that you stick with items that display the famous blue logo, but do ENERGY STAR appliances really save money?

What Does the ENERGY STAR Logo Mean?

In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) worked in conjunction with a variety of governmental, industrial, and commercial organizations to develop the ENERGY STAR program. This program has since been implemented by numerous other countries around the world, in an effort to set the standard for energy efficiency for appliances and building materials. Before the blue ENERGY STAR logo can be placed on an appliance it must undergo stringent testing by the EPA to ensure it meets the standards for efficiency and performance when compared with a standard model within the same category.

Benefits of ENERGY STAR Household Appliances

Do ENERGY STAR appliances really save money? Yes. Appliances bearing the ENERGY STAR logo have been proven to meet the strict criteria set forth by the EPA to maximize energy usage and performance, with additional benefits that include:

Comfort

In addition to using less energy to operate, ENERGY STAR-certified appliances utilize the latest technology to deliver the utmost in performance, with features designed to enhance comfort, accessibility, and usability.

Cost Savings

Depending on the number and type of appliances you purchase, you can expect to save anywhere between 20 to 50 percent on your monthly energy bills. While the initial cost of an ENERGY STAR-rated appliance may appear higher than that of a conventional model, you can quickly recoup that cost over the first years of usage with lower energy bills.

Energy Savings

Energy-efficient appliances are designed to expend the minimum amount of energy needed to complete the task at hand, using innovative means such as enhanced insulation, cold water settings, precision controls, air circulation technology, and more.

Selection

In order to meet the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products, many leading manufacturers have shifted their focus to include more ENERGY STAR-certified appliances than they do non-certified ones. This movement has helped to bring the cost of energy-efficient appliances down to make them an affordable alternative for any budget.

Reduced Environmental Footprint

ENERGY STAR household appliances minimize the use of natural resources such as oil, natural gas, coal, and water, helping to conserve energy and reduce pollution, waste, and emissions.

Return on Investment

If you plan to sell your home anytime in the next few years, upgrading your appliances can help to entice buyers by showing them that your home is well cared for and costs less to run than one that has old, worn, or inefficient appliances. See which appliances have the best resale value here.

Tips to Improve the Efficiency of Appliances

• Perform routine maintenance. Routine cleaning and calibration can help keep appliances working efficiently, while timely repairs can help prevent further damage and unnecessary downtime.
• Get specific. Improve the efficiency of water-loving appliances such as your water heater or washing machine with tips from the pros at Mr. Rooter®.
• Use efficiency settings. Customize appliance use based on the task at hand, using the eco setting when possible, to use less energy or water.

Make the most of your household appliances with expert maintenance and repair services from the team of professionals at Mr. Appliance^®. Contact us online or call today!