Let go of old things in the New Year
Save on energy costs with new appliances
With every new year, people traditionally let go of old habits and old things. To meet your budget resolutions, consider adding old appliances to your list.
Appliances lose their efficiency as time goes on, which forces them to use more energy. This could end up costing you more money on your energy bills in the long run. If an older appliance is starting to fail and it’s time to replace it, switching to ENERGY STAR® items could save customers as much as $100 a year on energy costs. When upgrading appliances, just look for the ENERGY STAR logo.
Appliances have come a long way in terms of energy efficiency over the past 20 years. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances use between 10-40% less energy than other models, which could help you save more money in 2023 and beyond.
According to ENERGY STAR, a 19-21.4 cubic-feet refrigerator with the freezer on top built between 2001-2010 could end up costing you $78.77 a year, and up to $144 over five years. However, the same size and style refrigerator built since 2011 will only cost you $53 a year, and up to $30 over five years. To calculate other refrigerators, use the ENERGY STAR calculator here.
Efficiency tips
While upgrading will cost some money up front, using your appliances the most efficient way possible will be good for your pocketbook in the long run. To find PEC’s tips on how to use appliances efficiently, click here.
Use PEC’s interactive Home Efficiency Analysis Tool to find quick tips and fixes, designed around your space, to help you cut down on your energy and costs.