That washer not quite draining all the way or the oven on your stove isn’t cooking at the right temperature could mean it is time to replace. Before you go out and replace it, though, there are many factors to consider when shopping for a new appliance.
Our homes now have more items using electricity than they did 20 years ago. We aren’t just talking washers, dryers, stoves, refrigerators and small household appliances. We now have lives filled with technology with Internet running off of cable boxes, computers (multiple ones), DVD players (if you still have one), wireless routers, cell phones and tablets.
The most important thing to consider when purchasing an appliance is to make sure that it has the Energy Star emblem/tag. Not every appliance will have this label, so you need to decide if this is the route you want to take – knowing that the appliance is certified to offer energy savings while delivering the features and performance you desire.
3 Tips on how to shop for energy efficient appliances:
Measure the space your appliance will be permanently located. Since appliances can be expensive and big, knowing the exact size where this appliance will be very important. Take the time to measure the following: counter depth and height, any pipes around the appliance, and measure the appliance with the door(s) open. Also, take into consideration the doorways and hallways where the appliance will travel to its permanent location. Once you have this information, take your measuring tape with you to measure the appliances you are considering at the store.
Research and compare appliances. Have you ever been overwhelmed with your choices when out shopping? If yes, then it may happen when you are shopping for appliances, too, because there are many different options, size, color, and bells and whistles.
Don’t make an impulse buy until you do some research because you could find yourself stuck with something that was too much for your household.
First, compare performance, features you need or want, read product reviews (online) and examine expert opinions. What about the repair history and cost? Second, check for money savings offers or incentives. Some states or local utilities offer incentive programs to entice purchases, especially on energy-saving appliances. Finally, find the best price to fit you and your budget. That is where taking your time and finding that good price comes in. Look online, check local stores, like L.H. Brubaker Appliances, and wait for sales. The best time for price breaks is when stores need to push out old appliances to bring in the newer models.
Compare the Energy Savings Guide with other appliances. Make sure you look for that yellow Energy Guide tag showing you the estimated yearly operating cost. This yellow label shows the estimate of how much energy the appliance uses. This is based on the average electricity cost in the U.S. As you know, your energy may vary from someone else’s. Do not mix the Energy Guide with the ENERGY STAR label – these are two different labels. If you are looking for energy efficiency, then the ENERGY STAR label is what you should be looking at.
Which appliances have the Energy Guide label? Washer, Refrigerator, Freezer, Dishwasher, Water heater, Television, Central AC, Window AC, Furnace, Boilers, Heat Pumps and Pool heaters.
Which appliances don’t? Ovens, Rangers, Dryers, Humidifiers and Dehumidifiers.