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Eco-Friendly Appliances

by: sahil | last updated: December 14, 2009
Category: Green Savings | Tags: Eco-friendly appliances.

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Eco-Friendly Appliances

Eco-friendly appliances not only save money and cut costs but they are also better for the environment. A lot of attention is being given worldwide on saving the environment using frugal methods. Use of eco-friendly appliances is a way of ensuring frugality as well as conservation of natural resources.

Choosing the right appliance. Choosing the right appliance is important since this will dictate the amount of expenditure towards your energy bills. Almost all eco-friendly appliances are designed so as to meet the needs of the frugal patron. These consume less electricity thus reducing wastage and pollution. Appliances that have an energy star logo are more efficient compared to others.

Ratings. Appliances with an A rating will save you the maximum amount of energy as well as money. Apart from that, these appliances will also save other resources such as water. Manufacturers also save money because the raw material used is usually recyclable and cheaper.

Washing machines. A washing machine consumes most of the energy at home not to mention water. Choosing a washing machine that is rated-A and has a forty degrees wash will help in saving electricity. A front loading washing machine is more energy efficient compared to a top loading one.

Refrigerators. An A+ or higher rating indicates better efficiency so choose a refrigerator that has this feature. Ideally the refrigerants that are used in foaming agents and those in the circuit for refrigerating should have an ozone depleting level of zero. If these refrigerants do not meet this standard then they damage the ozone layer. The United States congress has proposed a $300 million stimulus package (cash for refrigerators) in the form of rebates for using Eco-friendly refrigerators. However the efficiency of the plan is questioned by many since there is scope of fraud on the part of consumers.

Recycling. Ideally the manufacturer should be ready to accept the appliance once its life cycle is over. A refrigerator that is built in side by side style is less efficient compared to a top-bottom refrigerator. Ice makers and defrosters require a lot of electricity to operate so avoiding these devices will definitely save money. The problem of recycling or the lack of it is palpable in many countries where acres of land are used for burying plastic and non-biodegradable parts.

Dishwashers. Dishwashers are next in line after refrigerators and washing machines when it comes to the amount of energy consumed. Choosing the right type of dishwasher will save electricity, maintenance cost, water and the environment. Again it is recommended that you buy a dishwasher that has an energy star logo or one recommended by the government. Energy saving dishwashers make lesser noise and are equipped to recycle the water that is used.

Solar ovens. A hybrid solar oven is a much better option compared to one that uses electricity. Solar ovens can generate four hundred degrees of heat without using any electricity. This will ensure lesser electricity costs and consumption and will be the “greener” option. These also come with a back up that uses electricity when there is scarcity of sunlight.

Size matters. The size of the appliance is important since oversized appliances for a small home or family will end up costing more. Furthermore bigger appliances are expensive compared to compact ones. Remember that the amount of energy that is used is measured in watts and not in voltage. A low voltage appliance does not necessarily mean lower bills.

Determining. Determining whether the product is eco-friendly is easy; all the necessary information is given on the appliance itself. An energy star logo on an appliance indicates lesser pollution and economical costs in the future. Also make sure if the material used in manufacturing is recyclable or not. Recyclable material is always recommended if you want to contribute positively towards environmental care. This also ensures financial economy.