As we enter a new decade, it has become even more important to make choices that reduce our environmental impact. Worldwide, energy usage in homes, commercial centers, and industrial areas make up two-thirds of world greenhouse emissions. In the home, appliances make up approximately a third of our energy usage and water consumption. However, with a few simple upgrades, you can significantly reduce your overall impact. If you want to do your part in creating a greener earth, Alpha Appliance Services Inc. has created this guide on appliances that will help to make your home more sustainable.
Save Energy With ENERGY STAR®
Washing machines and dryers generally use the most energy in a home. The refrigerator, dishwasher, and freezers are next in line. Older units don’t use energy as efficiently as most modern models, which means they also have higher emissions. Choosing appliances that have the ENERGY STAR® seal is a great way to start reducing greenhouse gas emissions in your home. These appliances use up to 50% less energy, which is good for the environment and your wallet.
What Products Are ENERGY STAR® Approved?
Products such as home appliances, light bulbs, windows, temperature systems, and more all can earn an ENERGY STAR®. These products from various brands are put through third-party testing at labs across the country. This allows for verification and assurance that your products are created to perform with energy savings in mind. Manufacturers are also required to list some important energy usage information for consumers which includes:
- Annual estimated operation cost
- Appliance features
- Annual estimated electricity consumption
- ENERGY STAR® approval (or lack thereof)
- Operation cost range of similar appliances
Consumers can use these numbers to compare their planned purchases with other products that are ENERGY STAR® approved as well as those which are not.
The Benefits of ENERGY STAR® Qualified Appliances
There are many benefits to using energy-efficient appliances, the main being environmental preservation. For example, freezers and refrigerators that are ES approved are much more efficient than older models. On average, a homeowner can save $350 per year on energy bills alone by upgrading to ENERGY STAR® models.
Be Water Wise with WaterSense®
Water usage also plays a part in making your home more eco-friendly. You can upgrade fixtures and appliances to those that feature the WaterSense® label to ensure efficiency. WaterSense® is similar to the EnergyStar® except that its goal is to reduce water usage and wastage. Products that have the WS seal are guaranteed to use 20% less water than those without the label.
The Benefits of WaterSense®
There are a lot of benefits to using fixtures that are WaterSense® certified. Sink faucets reduce the flow by 30%, and showerheads will be reduced by 17%. If you think those numbers are low, keep in mind that the average family can save 3,000 gallons of water a year just by changing a single showerhead to one with WaterSense® certification. Toilet water usage is also reduced by 20%,. This creates an annual savings of about $100.
Why Upgrade?
Upgrading your home with WaterSense® and ENERGY STAR® appliances and fixtures is a great way to start saving the environment. You are even able to cut your utility bills while improving the value of your property with these helpful upgrades. Many of these upgrades will also earn your home LEED points, if you’re interested in achieving the LEED certification.
How Alpha Appliance Services Inc. Can Help
Being green is more than just a passing trend; it is an investment in the future of our planet. If you are interested in learning more about WaterSense® & ENERGY STAR® appliances, or our Richmond Hill appliance installation service, give us a call at (416) 577-5354 today!
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