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ENERGY-EFFICIENT
APPLIANCES
Selection
and maintenance guidelines for major home appliances
POTENTIAL FOR SAVINGS
According to the 1997 Residential Energy Consumption
Survey, lighting and appliances used 27% of all energy consumed
in residences and accounted for more than 45% of the energy costs.
Although these figures include energy use and costs for lighting
and small appliances, a substantial portion of this use and cost
is due to major appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers,
dishwashers, and stoves.
The potential for savings is even greater than these numbers reflect.
They do not include the cost of water, or the energy use and cost
to heat the water used by washers and dishwashers. In cooling
dominated climates, energy-efficient appliances that do not excessively
heat the indoor air can save additional energy by lowering air-conditioning
use.
The true (lifecycle) cost of an appliance is the purchase price
plus the cost to operate and maintain it over its lifetime. The
reduced operating cost of a more energy-efficient appliance is
often sufficient to quickly pay back its higher initial cost.
It is important to consider appliance placement when designing
the home. For example, placing a refrigerator or freezer near
a heat source such as an oven, dishwasher, heating vent, or direct
sunlight will cause it to use more energy to keep food cool.
Because major appliances can remain in operation for 15 to 20
years, it is important to consider energy use and its impact on
future users at the time of purchase. Home owners should consider
replacing major home appliances that are 10 to 15 years old.
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