Benefits of energy efficient products
(ARA) - Energy conservation and environmental stewardship are hot buttons
these days as oil prices climb and our natural resources continue to deplete.
While we can't all drive hybrid cars, we can make adjustments to some of the
most frequently used items in our homes -- appliances. Switching to ENERGY STAR-rated
appliances will not only save money in the long run, but will help protect the
environment by reducing air pollution generated by energy use.
"There is a definite cost savings with using energy efficient appliances,"
said Richard Dale, home energy expert with The Home Depot. "They not only
help reduce our high energy bills, they're better for the environment."
Products that earn ENERGY STAR status prevent green house gas emissions by
meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. These products use a minimum of 10
percent less energy than non-qualified products.
In addition to appliances, there are many ENERGY STAR qualified products
on the market such as lighting, heating and cooling devices, office equipment
and home electronics.
Just how efficient are ENERGY STAR appliances? According to energystar.gov,
replacing a clothes washer manufactured before 1994 with an ENERGY STAR-rated
model will save more than $110 in energy costs per year. In addition, an ENERGY
STAR refrigerator requires about half as much energy as a model manufactured
before 1993.
Last year alone, ENERGY STAR products helped Americans save enough energy
to power 20 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to the
amount produced by 18 million cars. In addition, they saved $9 billion in energy
costs.
Though prices for these appliances and other products are typically higher
than noncompliant models, the difference is recouped in the form of lower energy
bills.
According to Home Depot's Dale, when buying an appliance, remember that it
has two price tags: what you pay to take it home and what you pay for the energy
and water it uses. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies
that use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models. The money
you save on your utility bills can more than make up for the cost of a more
expensive but more efficient model.
For example, an ENERGY STAR-rated dishwasher requires 25 percent less energy
to operate and uses 44 percent less water than standard models.
"Over time, the energy cost savings pays for any price premium you experience
on the front end," said Dale. "And, demand for energy-efficient products
will continue to drive down prices."
Environmentalists, manufacturers and retailers alike point out that consumers
considering a switch to more energy-efficient appliances needn't worry about
sacrificing style or features.
"Energy Star products are the same or better than standard products,
only they use less energy," said Dale.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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