The Top Home Appliances That Can Save You Money

June 3, 2023

Household appliances are essential but can sometimes consume excessive energy. Understanding which appliances operate most efficiently and when to use them can also extend their lifespan. Let’s explore strategies for cost-saving appliance usage.

What are Energy Saving Appliances?

One of the best ways to identify energy-saving appliances is to shop for appliances with the Energy Star logo. The Energy Star logo is a white star with blue writing you’ve likely seen many times before. This signifies that the appliance is certified energy efficient.

For each appliance, this could mean something different. However, all appliances with Energy Star meet specific standards for energy efficiency. To qualify, appliances must meet the following:

  • Contain features and performance that consumers want while providing them energy efficiently
  • Provide adequate energy efficiency that saves consumers money in the long run, even if the appliance costs more than others
  • The energy-efficiency technology is available to multiple manufacturers
  • There is adequate proof of the energy savings

In addition to energy-saving appliances, don’t miss small changes in your daily life that can make a big difference. Check out energy saving tips for home appliances!

What Household Appliances Cost the Most to Run?

So which household appliances should you consider for energy efficiency? While any energy-efficient appliance will save you money, it may help to focus on appliances that cost the most to run, such as:

  • HVAC – It probably doesn’t surprise you that your HVAC system takes up most of your energy. Heating generally uses more energy than cooling, but it depends on where you live. Also, the type of system you have plays a role.
  • Water heater – You may not think of your water heater as a big energy source, but it fuels your washing machine, shower, dishwasher, and sink. If you have a large household with excessive water use, it likely uses the next most extensive energy output.
  • Refrigerator – The refrigerator runs non-stop to keep your food cold. Because of this, it’s a significant source of energy usage in your home.
  • Washer and dryer – How much energy your washer and dryer use depends on the size of your family, how often you do laundry, and the water temperature used. If you use hot water frequently, it uses more energy.

What Household Appliances Use the Least Electricity?

Most household appliances use electricity, but not all use a lot of energy. For example, the dishwasher, electric oven, and cable box are all low-energy users.

What Energy-Efficient Top Home Appliances to Save You Money?

Only buying appliances with the Energy Star logo is the best way to ensure you’re purchasing an energy-efficient appliance.

Here are the appliances to focus on to save the most money.

1. Dryers

Depending on your dryer’s age and model, it could use the most energy in the house! For example, a clothes dryer can use as much as two times the energy of an energy-efficient refrigerator and four times that of a washer.

Energy Star dryers must use at least 20% less energy than a traditional dryer, saving you money and using less energy.

2. Washing Machine

The average household does around 300 loads of laundry annually, so the washing machine is an excellent place to focus energy efficiency. Not only do Energy Star washing machines use 20% less energy, but they use 30% less water, too, saving you money on electricity and water.

3. Refrigerators

An energy-efficient refrigerator can save about 9% in energy usage. You won’t have to sacrifice features, either. If you want expanded or modern features, you’ll find them on the most energy-efficient refrigerators available today.

4. Dishwasher

An energy-efficient dishwasher can save households 12% energy and 30% water, saving you money on two utilities. Believe it or not, using an energy-efficient dishwasher saves half the energy required to wash dishes by hand and, of course, saves you time.

When is the Best Time to Run Appliances?

You might be paying time-of-use rates depending on where you live and what utility company you use. In other words, there are peak and off-peak times to use utilities, with peak times having the highest prices and off-peak the lowest.

During peak times, the demand is the highest, so rates increase, and during off-peak, they decrease because of lower demand. Of course, some appliances must run 24/7, like your refrigerator, but with certain appliances you can pick the time when you choose to use in order to reduce energy costs.

Most utility companies have winter peak and off-peak times and summer peak and off-peak times. Call your utility company to find out the peak and off-peak times and try to time things like washing or drying clothes, running the dishwasher, or taking showers during off-peak times.

Other Ways to Save Money on Energy

In addition to buying the top home appliances that can save you money in the long run, consider these energy-saving tips.

  • Don’t use the dishwasher’s drying feature. Instead, open the dishwasher slightly and let the dishes air dry.
  • Use ceiling fans to cool rooms down and keep the thermometer slightly higher.
  • Keep the oven closed while cooking. Opening the oven while cooking releases 25% of the energy, forcing the oven to work harder and longer.
  • Use a dimmer to use lights on a lower setting whenever possible.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to reduce the energy use in the house when no one is home or everyone is asleep.
  • Regularly change air filters. Changing your filters monthly allows your HVAC system to run efficiently and use less energy.
  • Keep vents open. Don’t let anything block your vents, such as furniture or large items, and keep each one open to allow the HVAC system to push warm or cold air throughout the house evenly.
  • Unplug appliances not in use. If you don’t need an appliance plugged in, such as the refrigerator, unplug them when not used.

FAQ

What appliances should you turn off to save money?

Turning off every appliance that’s not in use that you can is best. Consider electronics, portable fans, lights, and small kitchen appliances. Also, consider appliances in the bathroom, such as hair tools, or heavy electronics, such as laptops.

Do energy-efficient appliances really save money?

Energy-efficient appliances can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. But, even if an appliance saves you $200 in energy usage over its lifetime, that’s money saved and less energy used.

What appliances use electricity when not in use?

Many appliances, including TVs, computers, phones, stereos, microwaves, and lamps, use energy when turned off. Anything you can unplug when not in use can help reduce your energy usage.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the top home appliances that can save you money in the long run is essential. Energy-efficient appliances are a more considerable investment upfront, but they help you save money and do your part to save the planet.

Additional Appliance Resources