Buying Energy Saving Home Appliances

There are many brands of home appliances promoted using creative and aggressive marketing strategies. This can result in a terrible confusion for the layman end-user. Usually going in for the cheapest available appliance may not be cost-effective in the long run. It pays to go for an energy-efficient appliance though its initial cost may be higher.

The cost of ownership for a home appliance can be split into three parts, the initial down payment, cost of repairs and maintenance and the cost involved in operating the appliance. To get an idea of how much it is going to cost you over the lifetime of an appliance, you need to look over all these costs. The appliance with the lowest cost price, or even the one with the best maintenance record, may not necessarily be the one that costs the least to operate in the long run.

If an appliance is energy-efficient, it costs less to operate, and in turn lowers your utility bills. Consuming lesser energy is good for the environment too and can reduce pollution while conserving natural resources. While external looks can be misleading, it is what is on the inside that really counts – the motor, compressor, valve, gasket or seals that are inside the appliance. It is these inside components that make an energy efficient appliance ‘smarter.’

Tips for energy-efficient shopping

1. Select the size and style.

Pay attention to the measurements of the energy-efficient appliance to make sure it would fit into your available space. Make sure you have enough room to open the door or lid fully with enough clearance for ventilation. This may help you in narrowing down choices and models.

2. Know where to shop.

Electronics stores and home appliance outlets stock different models and brands of home appliances. Most of them are also available through mail order and Internet. You may want to do a little bit of market research before beginning the actual shopping.

3. Compare different models’ performances.

Consider going through the product literature. Decide on important features. Manufacturers are expected to adopt test procedures to test their appliances for energy efficiency. Ask questions about the different models available and their energy efficiency ratings.

4. Estimate cost of operation.

An appliance may cost more in the long run if it uses more energy and is thus energy inefficient. The cost difference on your monthly utility bill can be significant. Sometimes, even if the purchase price is higher, you can save money in the long run by choosing an energy-efficient model.

5. Ask about special energy efficiency deals.

Ask the sales support staff whether there are any fiduciary incentives such as cash rebates and low-interest loans if you purchase the energy-efficient appliance. Usually there is some incentive program that may require you to qualify with simple steps.