Appliances

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Refrigerators & freezers

If you are going to buy a new refrigerator or freezer, choose the most energy efficient model you can. Your lower energy expenses will soon make up for any extra purchasing costs. Reducing energy use is also an important environmental contribution.

ENERGY STAR® refrigerator

ENERGY STAR approves appliance models that achieve premium levels of energy efficiency (based on criteria endorsed by Natural Resources Canada). As of April, 2008, ENERGY STAR fridges exceed minimum Government of Canada energy efficiency standards by at least 20%. They are better insulated, have high efficiency compressors, improved heat transfer surfaces, and more precise temperatures and defrost mechanisms.
Product Cost: $700–$5,000. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: Compared to a 10-year old appliance: more than 50%. Compared to a non ENERGY STAR new appliance: up to 20%.

ENERGY STAR approved upright freezer

To qualify for ENERGY STAR, standard-size freezers must exceed minimum Government of Canada energy efficiency standards for their class by at least 10%. Compact freezer models must exceed minimum Government of Canada energy efficiency standards by at least 20%.
Product Cost: $200–$2,000. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: N/A

ENERGY STAR approved chest freezer

Chest freezers are about 25% more efficient than upright freezers of the same capacity. ENERGY STAR approved chest freezers must exceed minimum Government of Canada energy efficiency standards for their class by at least 10%. Compact freezer models must exceed minimum Government of Canada energy efficiency standards by at least 20%.
Product Cost: $200–$ 1,500. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: N/A

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Washing machines

Front loading washing machines are far more efficient than top loading machines. Because they don’t have agitators they have a larger capacity for laundry and give a more gentle wash. The purchase price for a front-loader is generally higher than for a top-loader, but they will make up for it in energy savings and longer lasting clothes.

ENERGY STAR full-size front-loading washing machine

If you need to do a lot of laundry, doing fewer loads in a full-sized machine will be more efficient than doing more loads in a compact. An energy efficient front-loading washer sized for your needs is likely to be one of the most efficient electric washing machines you can buy. Some models are stackable with a dryer.
Product Cost: $500–$5500. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: A reduction of 36% of energy per load for the same class

ENERGY STAR compact front-loading washing machine

If you only have small loads of laundry, a compact is an efficient choice. An energy efficient front loading washer sized for your needs is likely to be one of the most efficient electric washing machines you can buy. Some models are stackable with a dryer.
Product Cost: $800–$3000. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: (a reduction of 36% of energy per load for the same class)

ENERGY STAR top-loading washing machine

Top loading machines are not as energy efficient as front loaders, but ENERGY STAR top loaders will be the most efficient models in their class.
Product Cost: $400–$3000. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: (a reduction of 36% of energy per load for the same class)

ENERGY STAR combined washer/dryer

Note that only the washer portion will be ENERGY STAR rated. With a washer/dryer you only need one appliance. This is a gentle way to dry your clothes—and it takes up less space in your home. However, it may use more energy than using separate, energy efficient washer and dryer units.
Product Cost: $2000–$7000. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: (a reduction of 36% of energy per load for the same class)

Cold water detergents

There are several detergents formulated for cold water washing that work well even on tough stains and whites.  Look in your laundry products aisle the next time you are shopping for laundry detergent.
Cost of Implementation:  Cold water detergents can be slightly more expensive than traditional detergents, but you will be saving money by washing with cold water. Note that for high efficiency appliances, it is recommended to use high efficiency detergents.

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Clothes dryers

The energy use of various dryer models may not differ as widely as models of other appliances, but there are still choices that will make your purchase more energy efficient.

Full-size Dryer with automatic controls

For households that need to dry large loads, a full-sized dryer will be more efficient than a compact. Look for one with a moisture sensor setting that will shut the machine off when the load is dry, and perma-press, which tumbles clothes without adding heat for the last part of the drying cycle. Some models are stackable with a washer.
Product Cost: $200–$5000. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: N/A

Compact dryer with automatic controls

If your household only needs to dry small loads, a compact machine will be most efficient. Look for one with a moisture sensor setting that will shut the machine off when the load is dry, and perma-press, which tumbles clothes without adding heat for the last part of the drying cycle. Some models are stackable with a washer.
Product Cost: $300–$600. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: N/A

ENERGY STAR combined washer/dryer

Note that only the washer portion will be ENERGY STAR rated. With a washer/dryer you only need one appliance. This is a gentle and energy efficient way to dry your clothes—and it takes up less space in your home.
Product Cost: $2000–$7000. Prices vary depending on brand, model, size, and retailer.
Cost Savings: N/A

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Dishwashers

Always think about the second price tag when you purchase an appliance. While one item may have a lower price tag at the time of purchase, if it is less efficient, or inappropriate for your needs, it will likely cost you more in the long run. ENERGY STAR approved dishwashers will be the most energy and water efficient models.

ENERGY STAR rated compact dishwasher

There are generally two size categories of dishwashers: compact and standard. Compact models use less energy and water, but they also hold fewer dishes. The most efficient way to use a dishwasher is to wash no more than one full load per day. If your household would fill a compact machine more than once a day, you will save money and energy by using a standard-size model.
Product Cost: $275–$1000
Cost Savings: ENERGY STAR dishwashers are at least 25% more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard and can save up to 20% on water heating costs.

ENERGY STAR standard-size dishwasher

Different brands and models of dishwashers use varying amounts of water for a wash cycle. A machine that uses less water will use less energy as well. Compare EnerGuide labels to determine the energy use of each machine. ENERGY STAR approved dishwashers will be the most efficient in their class.
Product Cost: $350–$3000
Cost Savings: ENERGY STAR dishwashers are at least 25% more energy efficient than the minimum federal standard and can save up to 20% on water heating costs.

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Ovens

Having some options for cooking besides a full-size oven can provide great energy savings, especially in smaller households. If you often cook small meals, a toaster oven could pay for itself with energy saved in weeks or months. A solar oven is another great addition to your cooking appliances. Any time you cook a meal using the sun, you save 100% of the energy you would have used in the oven or toaster oven.

Convection oven

Convection ovens use a fan to move hot air past the food. The moving air allows a convection oven to cook food more quickly and at a lower temperature than a conventional oven.
Product Cost: $ 500–$5000
Cost Savings: N/A

Toaster oven

A toaster, or counter oven is a great choice if you often cook small meals, or meals for just one or two people.
Product Cost: $60–$400
Cost Savings: N/A

Solar oven

You can bake, boil, and steam food in a solar oven. It will never burn or be overcooked and you have no need to ever stir or turn it. Solar ovens can cook food as fast as conventional ovens, or you can leave them all day to have dinner ready when you arrive home.
Product Cost: $200–$500
Cost Savings: Uses no household energy.

Solar hybrid oven

A solar hybrid oven can do everything a solar oven does, and you have the option to run it as an energy efficient oven when there is not enough solar energy to cook.
Product Cost: $250–$500
Cost Savings: when running on electricity, most models use 75% less energy than conventional electric ranges.

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