Many of us worry about the future of the planet. Domestic energy consumption makes up a large part of our carbon footprint. Switching to green household appliances has become a must if we want to dam the effects of climate change.
With energy prices rising to unseen heights, going green is no longer even an option to many families. To keep energy bills down, green appliances have become paramount.
Energy efficient appliances are the way of the future, today. Here is what you need to know to choose household appliances that are ecologically sensible and subtract big numbers from your energy bills.
Washing machines
The waterless washing machine is still some way off from being available in your local electronics store, but many other energy efficient washing machines have already made it onto the market.
Front loading washing machines use half the amount of water top loading washing machines use. Front loaders have faster spin speeds as well, consuming less energy in the process. Whirlpool’s Green Generation series offers some excellent options.
Here is an extra eco-tip that can save up to 50% of your energy consumption: clothes do not need to be washed in hot water. Only the dirtiest stains cannot be removed in cold water. If you do need to use hot water, heat it up in advance and fill up the washing machine manually for extra energy savings.
Refrigerators
Refrigerators have traditionally been big energy sinks. Before you consider a purchase, take into consideration the following:
- Very large fridges waste huge amounts of energy. Always ask yourself: is it possible to have a smaller version? It almost always is.
- Look at energy star ratings: they help you separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to energy efficiency.
When choosing between a top freezer and a bottom freezer refrigerator, go for the top freezer model to save energy. Avoid side by side refrigerators: they are the least energy efficient.Sun Frost has a great range of very low energy refrigerators.
Special eco-tip: if your refrigerating needs are small, consider going fridge-free and installing a zeer pot: zero energy and freshness guaranteed.
Solar air conditioners and water heaters
If you are planning to have just one of your household appliances powered by solar energy, let it be air conditioning.
There is no need to worry energy would be insufficient: if the sun is not shining, chances are low you will need to have the air conditioning on. Solar air conditioners save a minimum of 30% on your electricity bill compared with older models. Solar powered water heaters can give similar big gains.
LED TVs
Old cathode ray tube TVs are the antithesis of today’s green wave. If you still own one, now might be a good time to replace it. Smart TV, on-demand broadcasting and 3D TV is changing evening entertainment, and even replacing computer screens altogether in some cases.
A few different options exist: Plasma screens, LCD and LED. While LCD TVs use less than half the energy from plasma TVs, LED TVs use only 60% the amount of electricity the average LCD TV uses.
Replacing your old television with an LED screen is a good move in 2013.
Special eco-tip: turn down the brightness on your TV screen for lower energy consumption. When you are done watching, turn off the TV completely instead of leaving it in standby: you would be surprised to see how much energy you can save.
Induction cooking
An induction cooking plate is a flat surface that uses electromagnetic forces to heat up pots and pans. Studies have proven stoves using induction cooking are far more energy efficient than electric or gas stoves.
Although initial purchase costs are higher than those of conventional stoves, the return on investment with an induction cooking plate is high.
