Solar panels are a great way to power your home without the high electric bill. However, you can get the most out of your solar panels by pairing them with energy-efficient appliances, specifically ENERGY STAR certified. These appliances use less energy than their conventional, non-energy efficient counterparts. The amount you’ll save depends on the appliances your willing to replace, so here are 4 appliances that will help you get the most out of your solar panels:
- Clothes Dryers: Dryers are one of the top, if not the most energy-hungry appliances in any home. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, a typical dryer can cost the consumer as much energy as three large energy-efficient appliances including a refrigerator, dishwasher and washing machine combined. If you have an older dryer, the amount of energy your dryer is using can be even larger. Switching to an ENERGY STAR certified dryer will use 20 percent less electricity. Over the dryer’s lifetime that can save you $210 from your electric bills.
- Clothes Washers: If you’re going to replace your dryer with an energy-efficient alternative, you should replace your washer as well. Replacing both your dryer and washer will show additional savings on your electric day. An ENERGY STAR certified clothes washer uses 40 to 50 percent less energy and about 55 percent less water than standard washers. Front-loading washers also use less laundry detergent than top-loading washers. This will also save you more money per week. By replacing your conventional washer with an energy-efficient one you can expect to save about $50 per year on utility and water bills.
- Refrigerators: There have been significant advances in refrigerator technology over the past fifteen years. This means that old refrigerators use a huge amount of energy. Refrigerators on the market today are nearly 10 percent more energy efficient. You can save a chunk off your electric bill by switching to an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator. They use up to 40 percent less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001.
- Dishwashers: This popular household appliance doesn’t use as much power as a constantly running refrigerator. However, the water and electricity used to run your kitchen dishwasher add up. ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers are 12 percent more efficient than their counterparts currently for sale. Replacing your regular or older model dishwasher can save you around $25 a year. That might not sound like a lot, but it adds up!
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Installing solar panels on your home is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint. It only makes sense to take it one step further and install energy-efficient appliances. Replacing these major household appliances can save you a decent chunk of change in the long run. Take the first step in reducing your energy bill by calling Surf Clean Energy today at (866) 631-7873 or visit our website to request an appointment.
You may also like to read more about 8 Solar Energy Facts that Might Surprise You.
