Energy Efficient Appliances Save Electricity

While most consumers have warmed to overall “green” living and energy efficiency only gradually, the trend is increasingly evident with household appliances. The overall industry sales by appliance manufacturers fell to $23 billion last year, and this slump will continue to occur as fewer new homes are built in a tight economy. However,  energy-efficient models sold account for a growing share.

In a reflection of increased consumer demand for energy efficient appliances, as well as the manufacturers’ innovations, over 55 percent of the major appliances shipped to retailers and distributors during the first half of 2008 carried the government’s Energy Star label and rating for high energy efficiency. This is an increase from just under 50 percent a year earlier. These stats are according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.

While appliance manufacturers do not break out the sales of Energy Star appliances separately, they do total in the billions. As an example, sales of washing machines alone account for over $3.5 billion in 2007, and much of those sales were in front-loading washers.

An Energy Star labeled clothes washer uses only about 15 to 25 gallons of water per load. Compared this with the 30 to 35 gallons used by a standard washing machine. This saves more than 7,000 gallons of water a year. When you combined this with lower electricity costs, statistics show that the Energy Star machine can save the user over $550 in operating costs over its lifetime compared to a regular clothes washer.

Demand for front-loaders at Abt Electronics, a major retailer in Glenview, Ill., are up over  60 percent this year.

Energy Star appliances are a very effective way to save electricity, and consumers continue to recognize that as show by their buying habits.