Do you turn off lights when you’re not using them? Power down your computer when you go to bed? Turn off your porch light at the crack of dawn? These are great energy-conscious choices. When these devices are on, however, they might not run as efficiently as possible.
According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), if each individual in the US increased his or her major appliances’ efficiency by 10 to 30 percent, there would be a drop in the demand for electricity equating to the potency of 25 power plants.
Appliances with high energy ratings operate more efficiently than those with lower ratings. Progressive Air Systems, proudly serving Florida’s West Coast for 33 years, will professionally and courteously upgrade your heating and cooling systems’ energy efficiency. Progressive Air is on the cutting edge of the melding of energy efficiency with affordability.
Energy efficiency is more than screwing in a light bulb or taking a cold shower. It’s about helping your appliances help you. Have a look at the many aspects of energy efficiency:
WHAT ARE ENERGY RATINGS?
Energy ratings are mandatory comparison labels that help buyers make an informed appliance purchasing decision. Energy rating is a system for measuring and determining an appliance’s energy efficiency. This rating helps consumers compare similar products and select the one that would run more effectively and affordable.
WHAT IS AN ENERGY RATING LABEL?
Energy rating labels are the colorful stickers you’ve probably seen on a variety of appliances. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) mandates that these labels be affixed to all appliances except stoves, microwaves, and clothes dryers. These stickers allow you to assess an appliance’s energy consumption and price.
HOW DO I READ AN ENERGY RATING LABEL?
It Displays a Star Rating
• More stars mean the appliance will cost less to use and will siphon less electricity.
• Appliances can be given a maximum of 10 stars.
It Indicates Energy Consumption
• The label is imprinted with an energy consumption number. This figure indicates how much energy an appliance will use yearly, in kilowatt hours (kWh).
It Denotes How You Can Save Money
• When comparing similar products with identical star ratings, the one with the lowest usage number will run more inexpensively.
• Running costs are often-overlooked charges that compound the price. Energy efficient appliances can slash that expense and keep more money in your pocket.
WHAT APPLIANCES ARE RATED?
These appliances are required to get an energy rating:
• Clothes dryers
• Computer monitors
• Refrigerators
• Washing machines
• Dishwashers
• Televisions
• Freezers
• Air conditioners
WHAT IS ENERGY STAR?
• EnergyStar products have superior energy-conserving capabilities. In order to merit EnergyStar they must meet stringent energy efficiency standards dictated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or US Department of Energy (DOE).
• The EnergyStar label applies to 75 product categories.
WHAT ARE SOME ENERGY STAR APPLIANCES?
• Refrigerators that are at least 15 percent more efficient than the minimum Federal efficiency standard.
• TVs that, when turned off, use 3 watts or less.
• EnergyStar-qualified dishwashers. These typically use 31 percent less energy and 33 percent less water.
WHICH APPLIANCES ARE THE BIGGEST ENERGY HOGS?
Appliances have ravenous appetites that may account for 30 percent of a home’s energy usage. These are some of the top culprits:
• Refrigerators — Refrigerators are the top energy vampires in the US because they’re constantly running. This perpetual operation amounts to $1 a day, or double that if you have a second fridge or freezer.
• Clothes Washers — Clothes washers are another energy siphon. They can consume thousands of gallons of water a year. This isn’t surprising — the typical American household washes 400 loads a year. Consuming 4,000 watts an hour, the cost per hour is 40 cents. Not only that, but you’ll also take a hit for water usage.
• Blow Dryers — Blow dryers were designed to drive hot gusts of air across hair to evaporate water. To do this, they need to be primed with 1,200 to 2,000 watts per hour. It requires a lot of energy to have a good hair day!
• Vacuum Cleaners — Vacuum cleaners suck up energy, as well as debris. They’re small household appliances but demand a lot of power to operate and create adequate suction.
Household appliances account for nearly 11 percent of energy use in an average home. The typical US household shells out approximately $2,000 a year for home energy. Energy-efficient appliances can knock $400 from your utility bill, and positively affect the environment. With a little energy-efficient savvy, you’ll be able to select appliances that function optimally while saving you money.
Progressive Air Systems, an award-winning service company, can install high-quality, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems with an eye on energizing your budget. Interested? Please call and we’ll arrange a consultation to discuss our services in relation to your needs.