Labels can be scary. It’s like reaching for your favorite drink and then seeing a “Diet” logo. You want the regular stuff, the real deal, not a watered-down, better-for-you version of your favorite beverage. In many ways, it’s the same when it comes to shopping for energy efficient appliances. Just the sight of that blue sticker and the skepticism begins.
How does this appliance perform? Does it meet my standards? How reliable is its new technology? Is there any benefit to choosing this model? There’s a lot to consider, but we want to plead the case for these appliances, which is why we’ve put together our guide to shopping efficient appliances.
By the end of this article, you’ll be fully versed in the benefits of high-performance appliances and tips for shopping Energy Star products, including recommended appliances to get you started on your journey to going green.
At a Glance:
Energy Star vs. Energy Certified
Decoding Energy Efficiency
Technology is constantly evolving—and that’s good news when it comes to energy conservation! Whereas older appliances run on outdated powering methods, newer, energy-efficient engineering means users can operate major and small appliances at a fraction of the power.
To fully answer “what is energy efficiency?” take a look at the bigger picture. This green movement is a part of a collective effort driven to reduce global pollutants by minimizing each household’s carbon footprint. But you don’t have to be a devoted eco-warrior to believe in the cause. Consider the following pros.
Benefits of Energy Efficient Appliances
Ethics aside, there are some major incentives for making the switch to energy efficiency. If you’re a numbers person, consider the whopping 10–50 percent savings in energy for every energy-efficient appliance you replace in your home. The actual savings will vary depending on the brand and the appliance model, but with appliances accounting for 13 percent of total household energy consumption, the difference can add up quickly.
Best of all, the switch comes with little to no learning curve. Chances are, you can keep washing, drying, and preserving your food the same way you’ve been doing for years, all while the new technology inside these updated appliances does the guesswork for you.
Takeaway:
✓ Contribute up to 50-percent less greenhouse emissions
✓ You save on your monthly utility bill
✓ The switch is simple
Energy Star rated vs. Energy Star certified
Let’s debunk a common misconception: Energy Star certified and Energy Star qualified mean two entirely different things. It’s confusing, but the two terms are used synonymously and mean the same thing. The official energy-efficient definition is any appliance that has been independently tested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and passes the requirements that deem it qualified.
As it turns out, the confusion is just a matter of outdated terminology. Initially, these products were labeled Energy Star qualified, compliant, or rated, but nowadays, the EPA just uses Energy Star certified. In other words, any time you see an appliance with one of these labels, it’s been EPA-approved. Excluding features and specs, one model that is Energy Star qualified is neither inferior nor superior to another that is Energy Star certified.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Doing good and being rewarded for it? For us, that makes energy efficient appliances a win-win. Here’s a look into the kind of savings you can expect from each appliance.
Energy Efficient Refrigerators
Did you know refrigerator models older than 15 years splurge on up to 35 percent more energy consumption than energy compliant refrigerators? Knowing that refrigeration is the number one contributor of energy use among appliances, that’s all the more reason to consider making the swap. The best models offer enhanced insulation, advanced compressors, and automated temperature management, which results in better preservation, less temperature loss to prevent the appliance from overworking.
Recommended Energy Efficient Refrigerator: Thermador® Freedom® 16.0 Cu. Ft. Panel Ready Built-In Bottom Freezer Refrigerator (T30IB905SP)
You’ll know this built-in panel-ready refrigerator from the Freedom collection was engineered for savings by its Energy Star certified label, but it’s the Thermador name that speaks for its unmatched quality. This high-end refrigerator is double the conservationist, keeping itself out of the landfill with quality materials that last for 20 years, while combating food waste with ThermaFresh humidity and temperature management and internal air filtering.
Energy Efficient Dishwashers
The good news is even if you have a standard dishwasher installed in your home, you’re still doing your part to conserve water and energy. That’s because handwashing alone can guzzle up to 27 gallons per session, whereas the typical dishwasher will use an average of 10 gallons per cycle. Energy efficient dishwashers go even further, averaging just three gallons per load. Most dishwashers—including energy efficient models—run on a standard 110-volt outlet, meaning electric output is generally low to begin with.
Recommended Energy Efficient Dishwasher: Beko 24" Fingerprint-Free Stainless Steel Built In Dishwasher (DDT38530X)
Many products have earned the right to be called energy efficient, but few carry the title of Energy Star Most Efficient, a feat this Beko dishwasher is recognized for. Despite the prestige this eco-friendly dishwasher puts in the work. You’ll find 16 place settings, the thorough AquaIntense wash system with 360-degree spray action, and a ProSmart Inverter Motor with the efficiency to work twice as silent as regular motors while saving energy.
Energy Efficient Washers
Households that make the switch to an energy efficient washer bring in dual savings. How much? We’re talking an average of 33 percent less water usage and 25 percent lower electric output. Bonus points if you opt for a front-load model. Front loaders use the least amount of water than any type of washing machine, and their gentle tumbling action helps extend the life of your wardrobe, which can help reduce the global impact of fast fashion.
Recommended Energy Efficient Washer: LG 5.2 Cu. Ft. Graphite Steel Front Load Washer (WM8100HVA)
This Energy Star Most Efficient washer is a dazzling addition every environmentally conscious home will get a ton of use out of. For starters, 5.2 cubic feet of capacity means even your biggest loads will wash efficiently, and you can do fewer washes overall. LG TurboWash Technology also helps cut down on water and energy with a speedy wash up to 30 minutes faster than standard normal loads. Complete with Cold Wash technology, Allergiene fabric protection, and smart washer controls, you’ll miss nothing about conventional washing with this high efficiency washer.
Energy Efficient Dryers
Dryers are pretty simple appliances, but when you consider each one is generating heat from ambient air, it makes sense that the price of creating that energy can get steep. To curb the cost, intelligent sensors, lower heat settings, and innovative heat output, like heat pumps featured in the recommendation below, are regular add-ons to energy-saving dryers. You’ll find even more on the topic in our short energy efficient dryer guide.
Recommended Energy Efficient Dryer: Bosch 500 Series 4.0 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Electric Dryer (WTW87NH1UC)
Patented dryer technology with a heat pump that recycles hot air make the Bosch 500 Series dryer a perfect match for the green cause. Plus, this model saves space, too, with a ventless design and stackable configuration that makes it easy to fit in more spaces. Complete with Wi-Fi compatibility, 14 dry cycles, and an Energy Star Most Efficient rating, we give this pick a thumbs-up in economy and performance. For the full luxury laundry service at home, pair this eco-friendly dryer with its matching Energy Star Bosch 500 Series washer.
What to Look for in Energy Efficient Appliances
Let’s recap what we’ve covered. What are Energy Star appliances? Check. What is Energy Star certified? Check. All that’s left to do is go over what to look for when you’re shopping for high efficiency appliances. Here are some cues:
⊳ Energy Star label: Simply look for the blue-and-white logo.
⊳ Energy consumption: An energy guide can usually be found online from your appliance supplier or in-store. Check your local energy ratings to compare before you buy.
⊳ Water conservation: Dishwashers and washing machines will also include a guide stating the average water consumption per use. Only when either is Energy Star certified can you be sure you’re investing in the maximum conservation and savings.
⊳ Ask about special energy efficiency offers: Environmentally friendly appliances can save you even more money when you use the Energy Star rebate finder tool to locate qualifying dealers near you.
Why Trust Us?
It wasn’t easy, but we’re proud to be able to say we’re Washington’s largest independent appliance dealer. The secret to our success? Unlike big-box stores, Albert Lee Appliance counts on something even big money can’t afford: time and experience. While the other guys can count on maybe 60 years in the business, our family-owned company spans over 80 years (and going strong), adding new and valuable insight to our day-to-day operations with each new generation.
In other words, we don’t just supply home appliances. We deliver, install, and even service what we sell, allowing us to confidently recommend the right products for our buyers’ needs. Our presence in the Puget Sound area since 1939 has also made us neighbors in your communities, meaning we’re committed to providing the best deals around with quality service on a person-to-person level.
Our product reviews are always conducted with you in mind. So, whether you’re shopping on a budget, are seeking the latest in innovation, are all about style, or just want something reliable, we hold true to the qualities our shoppers value in order to recommend top-performing appliances from our catalog.
Shop Energy Efficient Appliances at Albert Lee
Your answer to eco-friendly laundry care starts at Albert Lee Appliance. Whether it’s an energy efficient product or otherwise, we’re stocked full of quality appliances suited for your home’s unique needs.
Shop online or by visiting one of our appliance showrooms throughout the Puget Sound, including locations in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Lynnwood.