Understanding energy efficient ratings
When looking to purchase new appliances for a home, it’s important to note the energy efficient ratings that many new models have. This rating system was created by the government to help consumers easily determine how efficient a particular appliance was going to be for their home. Appliances each have a different measure by which they are rated, and understanding these ratings can help you make the best decision for your energy efficiency goals.
The Federal government has set forth a standard that all appliances must attain in order to be approved for sale in the United States. This standard is commonly referred to as the federal efficiency standard and while the products that reach this target are often decent units, the ENERGY STAR energy efficient ratings system builds upon this. ENERGY STAR ratings typically exceed federal standards by at least 15%, and can exceed these standards by up to 110%.
What are the ratings?
The energy efficient ratings system is completely voluntary, so not all appliances will have the label nor would the absence of such a label mean that the appliances are not energy efficient. Yet, when looking for new appliances, whether it’s a dishwasher or a central air conditioning unit, seeking out those with the ENERGY STAR label and rating system is a positive step in energy conservation and savings.
For natural gas and oil systems: AFUE is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. Size of the unit is a significant factor in determining the AFUE, as larger units tend to be less efficient. This doesn’t mean that you should buy a smaller unit, per se; it’s best to consult a professional to determine to right size for your home or office.
Room air conditioners: EER is the Energy Efficient Rating. Using a unit that is too small for the room will require the air conditioner to run constantly. With EER, the higher to number, the more energy efficient it will be.
Central air conditioners: SEER is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It is ideal to choose a unit that has a SEER rating greater than 12.
Washing machines: EF is the Energy Factor. This number indicates how many cycles a washing machine unit will complete with one kilowatt-hour of electricity. Currently, the federal standard is 1.18. ENERGY STAR machines require a minimum of 2.5
Dishwashers: EF is the Energy Factor. Just like with washing machines, this number will determine how many cycles will be completed with on kilowatt-hour of electricity. In order to qualify for the ENERGY STAR rating, dishwashers must have a number greater than .52.
Refrigerators and freezers: The number found on these appliances indicate how much electricity, in kilowatt-hours, it will consume in the course of one year. The lower the number, the more efficient the unit.
Choosing the right energy efficient rating
The highest energy efficient rating is not always the right appliance for a certain home. Size of the room, capacity, and other factors can make a significant difference in whether the unit will be the correct one. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional who can come to your home and help you determine the best appliances for your home based on the size and your family’s requirements.
Having the right appliances can reduce your energy costs significantly throughout the course of a year.
