Shopping for Energy-Efficient Appliances

Two Price Tags

Although energy-efficient appliances sometimes cost more initially, any extra cost can often be made up by the additional savings on your utility bill. One way to look at whether purchasing energy-efficient appliances makes sense for you is to think of the appliance as having two price tags. The first price tag is the price that you will pay to purchase the appliance. The second "price tag" is the cost to operate the appliance over its lifetime. When both are considered, what seemed like a good deal in the store may end up costing you a bundle to own.

Consider the Total Cost

An appliance's life-cycle cost is the most realistic measure of its true cost, because it takes into account the purchase price and the operating cost. By using the EnerGuide label, you can compare the true costs of different makes and models of refrigerators and freezers. The following simple calculations can be used to estimate the actual long-term cost of these appliances:

Cost of energy x kWh per year = Estimated Annual Energy Cost

Purchase Price + (Avg. Lifespan x Est. Annual Energy Cost) = Total Life-Cycle Cost
Total Life-Cycle Cost / Avg. Lifespan = Annual Expense For Appliance

EnerGuide Appliance Labelling

Appliances can consume as much as 14% of the total energy used in the home, so by choosing an energy-efficient appliance, you can save yourself money on the second price tag.

How can you find energy-efficient appliances? Check the EnerGuide label [PDF, 116 Kb]. Here's how:

EnerGuide

EnerGuide is an appliance rating system by Natural Resources Canada that allows you to compare the energy consumption of different appliances within the same category. Look for EnerGuide labels on all major appliances. The ratings are for purposes of comparison only, and the sticker does not mean the appliance is energy-efficient.

EnerGuide Rating

The EnerGuide number shows you how much electricity the appliance uses in one year, under a standard set of conditions. Energy use is shown in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. The lower the EnerGuide number, the less energy the appliance will use, and the more efficient the appliance.

Bar

The horizontal bar shows the range of energy consumption for similar appliance types. The arrow shows how efficient this appliance is in comparison to others.

Type

The type indicates the size range of appliances in the same category. When comparing appliances, it's important to compare models of the same type. That way, you're comparing "apples" to "apples."

Once you have determined the size and features you want in an appliance, compare the EnerGuide labels of different models. As a general rule, choose the most efficient appliance that meets your needs and fits your budget.

ENERGY STAR® mark

Although the EnerGuide label provides buyers with the information needed to compare energy consumption, ENERGY STAR goes a step further by identifying the most energy-efficient models available.

Since 2001, you can find the ENERGY STAR mark on EnerGuide labels. This mark indicates the most energy-efficient models – those that are Power Smart to run.

ENERGY STAR®

Here are some additional energy-efficient features to look for when purchasing new appliances.

Ranges

Models with a self-cleaning oven are more efficient because they have more insulation. If you clean your oven only two or three times a year, a self-cleaning unit will likely save energy compared with a regular oven.
Convection ovens are more energy efficient because heated air is continuously circulated around the food being cooked. More even heat distribution and temperatures mean faster cooking times.
If you are a cook who likes to peek in the oven, buy a model with a window.
Conventional burners require more energy than induction and halogen cooktops.

Dishwashers

Buy a dishwasher with a water booster heater or "sani" setting to bring incoming water up to the recommended temperature. This will allow you to maintain a lower water heater temperature.
Energy-saving wash cycles, such as "light wash" or "light/china" saves energy by using less water and running for a shorter cycle.
A "no-heat" dry option will save energy by allowing you to air-dry, instead of using an electric heater to dry.
About 80 per cent of the energy used by a dishwasher is for heating the water, so buy the model that uses the least amount of water. Different brands or models use varying amounts of water for the same wash cycle.
EnerGuide tests are based on standards that will likely vary from your household use. The rating is based on operating the dishwasher through 322 cycles annually, on the "normal" setting, and includes the energy required to heat the water. Your energy use could vary substantially, depending on how often you run your dishwasher and the cycles you use. Also, be aware that there are two categories of dishwashers: compact and standard capacities. Compact models use less energy, but they also hold fewer dishes.
The ENERGY STAR mark on the EnerGuide label indicates the most energy-efficient models. ENERGY STAR labelled dishwashers:
are better constructed, with more-effective washing action
are at least 25% more efficient than the minimum federal standard
can save up to 20% on water heating costs
use smart sensors to adjust the wash cycle to match the load-using less hot water

Washing Machines

Horizontal-axis washers use 50% less energy, less water, less soap, and they are better for your clothes.

Did you know?

Horizontal-axis washers can provide savings of up to $95 a year through reduced use of energy, water and detergent.
The tub rotates like a clothes dryer on a horizontal axis rather than a vertical axis.
Most machines are front-loading.
Clothes tumble in a shallow pool of water at the bottom, while baffles scoop up water which rains down on the clothes.
The tumbling action treats clothes more gently resulting in less wear and tear.
The high-speed spin cycles extract up to 30% more water from clothes, which reduces drying time.

The benefits of horizontal-axis washing machines:

Energy savings – cut overall energy use by up to 50% by having to heat less water
Water savings – use 35 to 50% less water than standard models, saving 14,000 to 22,000 litres of water a year
Gentler on clothes – tumbling action replaces the more aggressive agitation
Reduced tangling – the rotation direction alternates in most models
Less detergent – up to two-thirds due to low water levels
Cleaner clothes – tests show horizontal-axis washers are 25% more effective in cleaning performance
Extra large capacity - with the agitator removed there is more space for clothes
Safety features - electronic door locks prevent opening during wash cycle

Dryers

Many full-size dryers have moisture sensors that trigger an automatic shut-off when clothes are dry, preventing over-drying.
A perma-press or "cool down" cycle shuts off heat during the end of the cycle, saving energy.

Refrigerators

Consider what style and features you want in the new refrigerator and what the energy consequences might be. Side-by-side refrigerators use more energy than the standard models with freezers on the top. Bottom-freezer models are slightly more efficient than top freezer models. Manual defrost models use less electricity than automatic defrost models, but beware, manual defrost models must be defrosted periodically to maintain their efficiency.
Also consider size when shopping for a refrigerator. Larger units use more electricity and take up more space. Models that are equipped with ice makers and water dispensers will have a higher energy use.
Don't buy a unit that is too big to allow proper clearances on sides, top and rear once it's installed. Without sufficient clearance (the manufacturer's manual should include recommendations), the refrigerator may operate inefficiently.
Look for an "energy-saver" switch. This allows you to turn off heating coils that warm the outer surface of the unit near the door opening, preventing condensation from forming.
The ENERGY STAR mark on the EnerGuide label indicates the most energy-efficient refrigerators. ENERGY STAR labelled fridges:
are at least 10% more efficient than the minimum federal standard
use half the electricity used by a standard 10-year-old fridge
are quieter, better insulated and have more-efficient compressors, precise temperature settings and defrost mechanisms

Freezers

Choose the right size for your needs – a too-large freezer wastes energy.
Be sure the freezer fits into the space available, while maintaining the necessary clearances on sides and back. Without these clearances the unit will not operate as efficiently as it should.
Chest freezers are more energy efficient than upright models, as cold air stays inside when the lid is opened. As well, chest freezers are especially efficient compared with most frost-free uprights, as the automatic defrost feature costs more to operate.

Last Modified: September 27, 2005