Sustainable Home Appliances

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT

Save Money and the Planet with Sustainable Appliances

By Gabby Pogel

Sponsored by Don’s Appliances, the tri-state region's largest independent appliance retailer based in Pittsburgh, PA.

separatorJanuary 15, 2025

 

As we step into a new year, many of us are looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint while making smarter financial choices. One area of the home where we can make a big impact is with household appliances.

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Traditional appliances, like refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and dryers, are known for their high energy and water consumption. Not only does this contribute to the depletion of natural resources, but it also leads to higher utility bills.

For example, an average refrigerator can account for about 15% of a household’s total energy consumption. That’s a significant chunk of your monthly energy costs. But here's the good news: switching to more sustainable, energy-efficient appliances can not only lower your bills but also help protect the planet.

Research has shown that households can save up to $1,000 per year by upgrading to energy-efficient models.(1) This is because these appliances are designed to use less energy and water while still delivering the same level of performance.

Whether you’re looking to replace your dishwasher, washing machine, or even your refrigerator, the benefits can add up quickly. And while it’s great to make positive changes in the new year, I encourage you to wait until you need to replace your appliance, to ensure you get its full life worth before making a new purchase.

So, how can you make your home more sustainable without breaking the bank? Let’s break it down.

Key Appliances

  • Dishwashers: Modern dishwashers are not only more efficient but also do a better job of cleaning. Many come with energy-saving cycles that use less water and electricity while providing spotless dishes. Look for models with the ENERGY STAR® label, which guarantees lower energy consumption.
  • Washing Machines and Dryers: Energy-efficient washers and dryers can cut your energy usage by as much as 50%. Front-loading washing machines, in particular, use less water and detergent compared to top-loaders. When it comes to dryers, consider a model with a moisture-sensing feature that automatically shuts off when your clothes are dry. No more wasting energy on over-drying.
  • Refrigerators: As one of the most energy-hungry appliances in your home, switching to a newer, more efficient refrigerator can make a big difference. Newer models are designed to use far less energy than older ones. Keep an eye out for fridges with the ENERGY STAR® label, which indicates that the appliance meets strict energy efficiency standards.
  • Air Conditioning Units: If you live in a hot climate, consider investing in a more energy-efficient air conditioning system. Look for units that are sized correctly for your space and equipped with modern features like programmable thermostats to optimize energy use.
Oven - Don's Appliances

Induction cooktops offer exceptional power, precision, and responsiveness for fast, efficient heating and even cooking. Using electromagnetic energy to directly heat your cookware induction is 5-10% more energy-efficient than conventional electric cooktops and about 3 times more efficient than gas cooktops.

Fridge - Don's Appliances

LG Top-Freezer Refrigerators can help save kitchen space and energy efficiently with its advanced temperature and humidity-controls.

Dishwasher - Don's Appliances

The flagship Bosch Benchmark Series dishwashers deliver the most advanced clean using PrecisionWash now with PowerControl technology for the deepest clean. ENERGY STAR certified.

Practical Tips for Sustainable Appliance Use

  • Use Energy-Saving Cycles: Many modern appliances come with energy-efficient settings. Dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers all offer eco-friendly cycles that use less energy and water.
  • Smart Appliances: If you're in the market for a new appliance, consider a smart model. These appliances can be controlled and monitored remotely, helping you use them more efficiently. For example, you can program your washing machine or dishwasher to run during off-peak hours when energy rates are lower.
  • Regular Maintenance: Keeping your appliances in top working condition is essential. Clean filters, replace worn-out parts, and keep appliances properly maintained to ensure they're running as efficiently as possible.
  • Easy Daily Changes: Simple habits like washing full loads of laundry or dishes, turning off appliances when not in use, and adjusting the temperature settings on your refrigerator can go a long way in reducing energy consumption.

Practical Tips for Sustainable Appliance Use

Of course, not everyone is ready to make the jump to new appliances just yet, and that’s okay. You can still make a significant impact by focusing on extending the lifespan of your current appliances. Don’t be in a rush to replace them if they’re still functioning well.

"While properly maintaining and caring for your appliances (new and old) is an integral part of keeping your appliances working as efficiently as possible, when failure occurs, in most cases it is more cost effective to replace your appliance and upgrade to a newer version or model," said Matt Hillebrand, Vice President of Builder Sales for Don's Appliances.

If you’re on a budget, consider buying high-quality secondhand appliances that can still provide years of use. While it may feel tempting to purchase cheaper models that need replacing sooner, investing in a higher-quality product that lasts longer can save you money in the long run.

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Simplify your decision making process when it comes time to fix or replace your appliances with this helpful video from Don’s Appliances.

Invest in Long-Term Durability

When shopping for new appliances, don’t be tempted to go for the cheapest option. Look for well-made, durable appliances that will last for years. Choosing high-quality appliances might cost more upfront, but the long-term savings on energy bills and the reduced environmental impact of replacing appliances less frequently make it a wise choice.

Consider this: opting for a nonstick pan instead of a cast iron skillet might seem convenient, but cast iron pans can last a lifetime and require less maintenance over time. Similarly, an energy-efficient washing machine may cost more at first but will save you on energy costs and have a longer lifespan than a lower-end model.

As we move into the new year, it’s a great time to think about how you can make your home more sustainable. By choosing energy-efficient appliances, using them smartly, and taking care of the ones you already own, you can reduce both your utility bills and your environmental impact. Sustainable living isn’t just about making big changes. It’s about making smarter, more intentional choices that add up over time.

Sources:

The Inflation Reduction Act: Saving American Households Money While Reducing Climate Change and Air Pollution | U.S. Department of  Treasury

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Gabby Pogel
Gabby PogelLifestyle Editoradmin@acrobatiquecreative.com
Gabby Pogel is the Green Voice’s Lifestyle Editor, Project Manager, and a regular contributor to the blog. She writes stories on local events, lifestyle trends, food, wellness, and more.