If you have old, but workable household appliances and were looking for a good excuse to replace them, you may just have found it! Buying new appliances can actually save you money in the course of time. Just how much it will save and how long your investment will take to pay for itself, depends on what you had to begin with, but it’s safe to say that old, faulty appliances use a lot more energy than they really need to.
If this sounds like you, it’s time to investigate the appliances that are costing you the most in energy use – you might just find the best reason of all to go on a little shopping spree!
1. Heating, Ventilation, and Cooling (HVAC) Systems
Research on household energy use uncovered the fact that HVAC systems account for 47 percent of your energy demand on average. Since these systems are so energy-hungry, they’re a good place to start saving money. If you’ve had doubts as to the efficiency of your air conditioner and furnace system, then the possibility of real energy savings (and greater indoor comfort) could be the final motivation you need to get a replacement.
A tip from the pros: rather than let your local HVAC technician decide for you, get the equipment that you need at wholesale prices and then get a contractor to do the installation. This little tip can save you a lot of money – the difference between wholesale pricing and retail pricing accounts for a considerable cost margin.
There’s no need to worry about getting the tech specs wrong. Yes, heating and air conditioning is a specialized field, but companies that are willing to sell wholesale to the public will have consultants to help you choose the right equipment.
As a starting point, check out Goodman air conditioner and furnace systems. The brand has a very good reputation for quality, efficiency, and reliability.
2. Time for a New Washer and Dryer?
Washers and dryers tip the household energy use scale by 10 percent on average. The bigger your family, the more energy is going to these appliances, and a small percentage of energy saved can ultimately make a big difference to your household budget.
When checking out your current appliances for energy efficiency look to see if they have Energy Star certification. Energy Star is a third-party, government-controlled rating that indicates energy efficiency. According to its website, an Energy Star certified washer will save 25 percent on electricity consumption and up to 33 percent on water use. You can realise even more savings if you add your drier to the equation.
An Energy Star drier uses around one one-fifth less energy than an ordinary one. Some of them even include a steam cycle that reduces wrinkling of clothes, and that means less ironing and an additional saving of time, effort, and electricity.
Washday blues? Maybe it’s time to update to the latest appliances. Struggling to justify the expense? Energy savings could be the deciding factor!
3. Cool Savings from Refrigerators
Refrigerators have gone from being rather utilitarian appliances to style statements. There are some seriously good-looking fridges out there, and if you’ve been craving one, its potential for energy saving could be the practical reason for replacing your old one. 
Refrigerators use an average of 10 percent of your home’s energy, but if the door seals are worn allowing cold air to escape, it could be more than that. Once again, Energy Star certification tells you that your appliance uses less electricity.
If your current refrigerator isn’t certified, you will save about 33 percent on the energy it uses by replacing it. Plus you can get the new, exciting finishes and not just boring old appliance white. When good looks and energy savings come together, you should have all the motivation you need to go shopping.
Inspired? You Can do Even More”
If all this talk of energy-saving has you excited about ways in which shopping can help you to save electricity and money, you can explore your options still further. Other top energy users in order of importance include items as unexciting but necessary as your water heater, but they also include the lighting system in your home and, of course, your oven.
Apart from the financial savings, you’ll also get the fuzzy feeling of having done your bit for the environment. Just remember to dispose of unwanted old appliances correctly. Local authorities can advise you if you aren’t sure what to do with, for example, an old fridge.
