If you haven’t been in the market for new appliances during the past several years, you’re going to be surprised at how innovative and energy-efficient appliances have become. You’ll find energy-smart appliance choices in almost all price ranges.
Before heading to the local appliance retailer or “big-box” store, measure the space the new appliance will occupy to make sure it will fit—and that there’s enough room to fully open the door (or lid), as well as adequate clearances for ventilation, plumbing connections and other hookups. Then go to the appliance manufacturers’ Web sites to look at product information, and make a list of questions and “must-have” and “nice-to-have-but-not-essential” features.
Shopping Strategies
With the measurements, questions and features list in hand, head for the store, and:
- Look at product brochures and the actual appliances to evaluate the features, performance capabilities and capacities of different brands and models. Ask questions about how different models operate. Are they noisy? What safety features do they have? What about repair histories? How much water do they use? How do the energy-saving cycles work?
- Check the operating manuals for the models on display. This not only will tell you how each appliance operates, but also can help you ask pertinent questions about regular maintenance and care. Also make sure the appliance’s operation meets your family’s needs and, for kitchen appliances, will accommodate your favorite cookware.
- Consult the yellow EnergyGuide labels to compare the annual energy costs of different models; look for ENERGY STAR® labels too. The more energy an appliance uses, the more it will cost to run; the difference on your utility bill could be significant.
- Uncover both price tags for the appliance—the one for the purchase price and the one for the operating cost (utility bills plus maintenance expenses). Consider both in evaluating the real cost of the unit. Read the warranty before finalizing your decision. Does the warranty cover the entire product or only certain parts? Is labor included? How long does the warranty last?
- Find out the cost of delivery, installation and removal of the appliance you’re replacing.
- Make sure authorized factory service is available in your area for the unit you select.
- Finally, ask about manufacturer rebates, special local financing programs and energy efficiency incentives from your local utility.
When your new appliance is delivered, check the exterior for dents and scratches and make sure no components such as drawers, shelves or special fittings are damaged or missing. If it’s not part of your purchase agreement to have the delivery crew hook up and test the appliance, do it yourself and immediately report any problems to your salesperson.
The bottom line is a pretty simple one: The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run—and the lower your utility bills will be. Using less energy is good for the environment, too, in terms of reducing air pollution and conserving natural resources.
To learn more about selecting the right energy-efficient appliance for you, or to discover ways to get the most out of your current appliances, download the Iowa Energy Center's book, Major Home Appliances. This is a 1 MB .pdf download, which may take several minutes on slower Internet connections. If you prefer to receive a copy by traditional mail, send an e-mail to iec@energy.iastate.edu or call the Iowa Energy Center at (515) 294-8819.
Major Home Appliances is part of the Iowa Energy Center's Home Series, a set of publications empowering Iowans to save money and help the environment through responsible use of energy resources. Through consistency of vision and the dissemination of research-based and balanced energy information, the Energy Center continues to support Iowa communities, businesses and individuals, making a difference in the state's present and future.