7 Steps to an Energy-Efficient House: 6. Appliances

Editor's introduction: With energy prices rising again, many homeowners are planning energy-efficiency improvements to their homes. But most people are unsure of where to begin, and even seasoned builders don’t always know which priorities should rise to the top of the list. Betsy Pettit, an architect at Building Science Corporation, recommends starting where you can get the most bang for the buck.

Step 6: Buy Energy StarLabeling system sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy for labeling the most energy-efficient products on the market; applies to a wide range of products, from computers and office equipment to refrigerators and air conditioners. (or better) fixtures, appliances, and lighting

Once you have reduced your space-conditioning and water-heating loads, the lighting, appliance, and plug load will be your next big energy item. A new Energy Star refrigerator will use 15% less energy than a standard model. Replacing old light fixtures with pin-based compact-fluorescent fixtures ensures your electric
bill will stay low.

This article is adapted from Betsy Pettit's Remodeling for Energy Efficiency in Fine Homebuilding magazine.

FURTHER RESOURCES:

In Green Basics:
Appliances
Lighting and Phantom Loads

In Blogs:
Buying a New Refrigerator
Efficient Cooking
The Clothes Washer Revolution
Dishwashers
Choosing an Energy-Efficient Television
A Look At Fluorescent Lighting
LED Lighting

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Dishwashers

Laundry Appliances

Refrigerators and Freezers

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