Energy Saving Tips for Your Appliances
Major appliances use about 13 percent of the electricity load in a home. Finding practical and actionable ways to reduce that pull does more than lower your utility bills each month, however. Electricity is a key player in the escalating environmental problems. You can save money and do your part for the environment by giving your home an energy evaluation. Appliances are a good place to start.
Biggest Energy Culprits in Any Home
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the water heater is the second biggest energy user in the average home, after heating and cooling systems. Appliances that rely on hot water, like your dishwasher, contribute to higher energy costs as well. To reduce energy consumption, consider upgrading your water heater to a more energy-efficient or tankless model, which uses less power and heats water on demand.
Next on the list of energy-hungry appliances is the clothes dryer, with the refrigerator coming in at a close second. Here’s a breakdown of energy usage for major home appliances, based on the average energy consumption in homes with newer appliances (older units can consume significantly more energy, especially refrigerators or freezers that are 15+ years old):
Water Heater – 2,400 kWh for a family of two
Clothes Dryer – 1,000 kWh
Refrigerator – 600 kWh
Dishwasher – 300 kWh
Clothes Washer – 200 kWh
Are There Laws Governing Energy Usage?
The more electricity a home uses the more tax the homeowner pays each month. Laws apply more to the manufacturers. There are standards set that compel them to produce appliances that use less energy. The law also requires each product to have a label that shows energy usage and the ENERGY STAR rating. Checking that ENERGY STAR rating before buying is one of the easiest energy tips.
What Are The Tax Benefits of Energy Efficient Appliances?
State and federal government offer incentives to reduce energy usage—mostly in the form of tax credits. The tax regulations vary from year to year, so it is important to consult with a tax specialist when looking at appliance energy tips. In general, you may be able to deduct at least part of the purchase cost of an energy-efficient appliance along with the installation fees on your federal tax return using IRS form 5695. In addition to the federal tax benefits, some local utility services offer discounts and rebates for switching to energy-friendly appliances. It is worth a visit to the utility company website.
Appliances are a big part of the energy picture. Let us help formulate appliance solutions that fit your needs and put you on the energy-saving fast track. Set up an appointment with one of our energy specialists for an evaluation and visit our website often to keep up to date on appliance energy tips.