While it's easy to admire
the reliability of an old refrigerator, you're not doing yourself or the environment any favors by keeping this beast
on your energy payroll.
And that's a good thing when it comes to appliances. While it's easy to admire the reliability and retro style of an old refrigerator, you're not doing yourself or the environment any favors by keeping this beast on your energy payroll. Refrigerators are among the biggest energy hogs of all home appliances. A model made before 1990 typically uses about twice as much electricity as a new Energy Star refrigerator. Dollar-wise, the old model will cost you over $100 a year as opposed to around $50 or less for a more-efficient model.
When you buy any appliance, there are two costs to consider: the upfront purchase price and the cost of ownership -what you pay to operate the appliance for as long as you own it. If you're operating an old washing machine just because "it still works fine," then you're already paying for a new machine, whether you realize it or not, just by keeping the old one in service.
Appliances and home electronics account for at least 20% of your total energy bill. But this percentage can climb even higher depending on how big your family is and what your habits are. Washing a lot of laundry, operating multiple TVs and computers, and using an extra refrigerator or freezer are all factors that can push power use above 20%. Energy Star-rated appliances can help reduce your home energy savings.
To cut down on phantom loads, plug associated
devices (computer, printer, phone recharger) into
a single power strip so that everything can be
turned off at once by turning off the strip.
Ever heard of "phantom loads?" That's what happens when you turn off your computers, printers, television monitors and other devices but instead of being off, they are actually in "sleep" or "standby" mode.
We think the power is "off," but it's really not. Added together, the phantom electrical loads in a house can account for up to a staggering 5% of your electric bill. Some phantom loads (like the digital clock on your kitchen range, for example) aren't worth turning off. Many others are.
To cut down on phantom loads, you can plug associated devices (computer, printer, phone recharger) into a single power strip so that everything can be turned off at once by turning off the strip. Dr. Energy Saver can also help by providing you with "Smart Strips" that are designed to automatically turn off several devices when just a single "main" device is turned off. For example, these intelligent strips can turn off your DVD player, surround sound system, and converter box when you turn off your television. This saves you money that is normally wasted when "off" = "on."
Stay up to date with energy efficient appliances by working with an authorized Dr. Energy Saver dealer. Our technicians only recommend products that are good for your home, your wallet, and the environment. Contact your local dealer to schedule a home energy audit, and find out how these high-quality appliances can save you money!
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