How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Appliances are evolving all the time. While you might think that your 25-year-old refrigerator is saving you money as long as it's in working condition, the opposite is actually true. Thanks to recent improvements in compressors and insulation, newer refrigerators use much less energy than those from even just 10 years ago, according to the experts at Nason's Appliances.
For example, a new Energy Star refrigerator will save over $100 if you replace one purchased in the 80s or almost $200 a year if yours is from the 70s.
The same can be said about freezers. Yes, it is nice that you inherited your grandmother's when she moved into a smaller condominium, but you're costing yourself $70 more a year to run it compared with a new Energy Star model, plus you could recoup the purchase price in about 6 years.
Most HE (high efficiency) Energy Star washing machine models use 4x less energy than those manufactured before 1999. Plus, they spin your clothes faster--most traditional top load washers spin clothes at 1000 rpms while HE front loaders spin up to 1300 rpms. This saves time and money since you and your clothes will spend less drying time.
Plus, washing machines are one of the biggest water wasters in your house--second to the toilet in the US. To save more water, look for a low water factor with a low or no agitator inside. Again, HE front loaders use the least amount of water, somewhere between 8-13 gallons compared with older machines that use up to 55 gallons.
You'll also find that a free-standing double oven range reduces the amount of gas used since each oven has a smaller capacity cavity. The smaller oven is ideal for 9 x 13 pans, while the big oven handles holiday turkeys and roasts.
Dishwashers have also improved greatly. If you own one from before 1994, you are spending almost $40 a year extra in utility costs and wasting more than 10 gallons of water per cycle. Energy Star models save an average of 1300 gallons over their lifetime.
Along with saving you money, Energy Star appliances help protect the environment.
Nearly 70 percent of US electricity is generated with coal and natural gas which release greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Using water efficiently benefits our lakes, streams and oceans. When you use less energy and water, you help reduce the impact on our environment.
Discover how Nason's can help you save money and the environment with Energy Star appliances.

Source http://www.nwitimes.com/