Appliances, lighting, and electronics account for 45% of the typical household’s energy consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Upgrading to high-efficiency appliances can help reduce energy use for years to come.
Clothes Washers
According to ENERGY STAR®, the average U.S. family washes about 300 loads of laundry each year. That’s 300 opportunities to save on electricity and water usage. Look for an ENERGY STAR® certified model when considering a new clothes washer. These washers use about 25% less energy and 45% less water than non-certified washing machines.
ENERGY STAR® certified clothes washers use a new wash system that avoids filling the tub with water. On average, this method saves 10 gallons of water per load and an average of 3,000 gallons per year. In addition, their spin cycle removes more water than conventional washers, which may also save you time and money on drying. High-efficiency washers also automatically adjust cycles for load size and water temperature, which adds up for additional savings.
- $50 rebate available from Efficiency Maine
- Click here for a list of ENERGY STAR® certified clothes washers
Room Air Purifiers
According to ENERGY STAR®, a standard room air purifier that is operated continuously can use more electricity than some refrigerators. ENERGY STAR® certified room air purifiers are 40% more energy efficient than standard models. According to ENERGY STAR®, choosing a high-efficiency model can save the average household $230 over the lifetime of the unit.
- $50 rebate available from Efficiency Maine
- Click here for a list of ENERGY STAR® certified room air purifiers
Additional Resources
- See ENERGYSTAR® for buying guides on high-efficiency air purifiers, clothes dryers, dehumidifiers, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators, and more. Click here for more information.
- Click here for additional low- and no-cost tips to reduce clothes washing and other appliance energy consumption