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Home > Energy Efficiency Tips & Tools > Appliances > Buying Appliances
What to look for when you're buying appliances
Buying major appliances is a long term investment - they last an average
of thirteen to twenty-one years. When you shop, you should look for two
price tags: the price tag you see in the store, and the appliance's "second
price tag" - the cost of the energy needed to run the appliance over
its lifetime. Choosing an energy efficient model can add up to substantial
savings over time.
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It only takes about 10 seconds to sharpen your shopping smarts
by reading
the EnerGuide label - it's on every new major appliance, by
law.
Of course, you'll also want to make sure the appliance meets your
needs, has the features you want and fits where you want it in your
home.
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Which major appliances use the most energy?
Refrigerator buying tips
Of all the large appliances, refrigerators usually consume the most energy.
So shop wisely and save.
- Select the right size refrigerator for your needs. For one or two
people, consider a capacity of about 340 litres (12 cu. ft.). For three
or four people, 395 to 480 litres (14 - 17 cu. ft.) should be right.
For each additional person, add 55 litres (2 cu. ft.).
- In general, one-door manual defrost models are the most efficient.
Units with side-by-side doors are the least efficient. However, there
are exceptions so check the EnerGuide label.
- Measure the space where you want to put your refrigerator. Most manufacturers
recommend 25 mm ( 1 in.) of air space on each side for air flow.
- Choose a model with an energy saver switch.
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Freezer buying tips
Freezers are very handy and can save a lot of time in food shopping and
preparation. They also let you stock up on "sale" items to save
money, too.
- Calculate the right size for your family. About 85 to 140 litres (3
- 5 cu. ft.) per person is right. If you have a vegetable garden, entertain
a lot or if your family is growing, think about a larger model.
- Measuring is very important. Not only the space where you plan to
put your freezer, but also the path to the space. Be sure you can fit
it where you want it and have easy access.
- Freezers come in two basic styles -- chest and upright. A chest freezer
is by far the more efficient and has more usable space. However, an
upright model will take up less floor space and some people find it
more convenient to use.
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Electric range buying tips
Since your stove will get a lot of use, shopping for energy efficiency
is key.
- When shopping for a conventional range, be sure to review the EnerGuide
label.
- Self-cleaning ovens cost a little more but they can also be up to
25% more efficient than other ovens because they are generally better
insulated. In normal use, heat is distributed more evenly and less energy
is consumed.
- Look for oven doors that are well insulated and fit tightly. A window
in the oven door lets you look inside without opening the door and letting
heat escape.
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Dishwasher buying tips
Dishwashers have become much more efficient in recent years. In fact,
some will use less hot water than if you washed by hand. This offsets
the cost of the power used. And, because dishwashers use hotter water
temperatures than you would by hand, they're a more sanitary cleaning
method.
- Look for a short-cycle or econo wash feature. It uses less hot water
which is important since about 85% of the electricity a dishwasher uses
is to heat the water.
- Look for an energy-saver switch that turns off the heating element
to let dishes air dry.
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Washer buying tips
For clothes washers, more than any other appliance, EnerGuide ratings
vary widely. The most efficient models use less than half the energy of
the least efficient ones. Considering an average life expectancy of 13
years, making the right choice will have a big effect on energy costs.
- Look for front-loading washers (like the ones in laundromats). They're
much more energy efficient because they use less hot water. Look for
models that offer cold wash and rinse cycles to significantly reduce
energy costs.
- Models with water level control and shorter gentle cycles let you
do small loads and fine fabrics. If your usual laundry load is small,
consider a compact model.
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Dryer buying tips
Clothes dryers have a smaller range in EnerGuide rating but features can
make a big difference in energy consumption.
- A cool-down "perma-press" cycle that tumbles clothes in
cooler air for the last 5 to 10 minutes of operation. It saves energy
and reduces wrinkling.
- A timed control that lets you set the length of drying time and temperature.
This helps avoid over-drying which wastes energy and can be hard on
fabrics.
- An electronic moisture or a temperature sensor that automatically
turns off the machine when it senses that clothes are dry. This is a
very energy-wise feature.
- Permanent-press or delicate cycles use less energy than the "regular"
cycle.
- If you only do small loads, consider a compact model. But, look for
one that has as many of the above features for maximum energy efficiency.
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