Large home appliances, especially ones that run all day like refrigerators and freezers, account for the bulk of the energy that most homes consume. This means that these are the things you should target for replacement with more sustainable options if you want to reduce your energy consumption. Of course, these items are rarely cheap and switching to energy-efficient alternatives tends to be quite expensive, but this article explores the many ways that you can benefit by doing so.
Lower Electricity Bills
Although eco-friendly appliances can cost a lot up front, over time these are investments that will pay off in the form of lower energy bills. Soon, the amount you save will exceed the money you spent buying, say, an efficient fridge rather than a regular one, and from that point on it is essentially putting money back in your pocket. With fridges especially, you will save more if you are replacing an old model with a modern one. The latter is likely to have better insulation, a compressor that can change speed, and an improved cooling system, and altogether these can save you as much as 40% on your energy bills.
Fewer Harmful Emissions
If you are still using an old fridge or air conditioner, then there is a good chance that your home is still releasing harmful hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) into the atmosphere. These are gases that contribute to global warming, and they are considered to be among the greenhouse gases that trap heat inside the atmosphere, causing global warming. Their impact is thought to be many multitudes worse than carbon dioxide, which is why newer models tend to avoid using them as much.
Smart Features
Other appliances in your household, like your television or oven, do not consume as much energy because you switch them on to use them and turn them off again when you are done. We do not do this with things such as fridges and freezers, and even if it were an option it is likely that we are so used to them running all the time that we would forget to switch them off anyway. That is why smart features like automation are important. They can adjust the performance of your appliances based on your environment and usage patterns. This not only saves energy, but in the case of fridges, it means that they will help your food stay fresher for longer.
Longer Lifespan
Truly environmentally conscious manufacturers understand that making and disposing of appliances is also very energy intensive, so they minimise the number of units they need to make or get rid of by using high-quality components that are durable and reliable. This means that their appliances do not need to be replaced or even repaired as often, and the people who buy them can expect consistent performance over a long lifespan.
Conclusion
Regardless of your stance on climate change, investing in a greener home can directly benefit you. Prioritising energy efficiency when you purchase appliances results in better cand significant savings through cutting your energy bills and not replacing things as often.