ApplianceJournal.com

    Within the last decade a transformation has happened among appliances.  Many have become energy smart, providing consumers with more work power but using less electricity, water, gas and other fuels to make it happen.  If you are in the market for a new appliance, consider the energy efficiency of the appliance you purchase.  In the long term, you may save yourself thousands of dollars with the right products.  In fact, in the US for tax years 2006 and 2007, purchasing certain products may be a write off for you as well.  That’s worth considering.

How You Can Save
There are many small things that you can do that will add up in energy savings as well as in less pollution of the environment (or wasting of precious resources.)  Consider these small tips first:

• Use cold water for anything that you can besides germ killing needs.  No need to run the garbage disposal with hot water or rinse dishes for the dishwasher with hot water.
• Always run full loads of clothing and dishes.  Running a smaller load won’t necessarily reduce the amount of water and detergent that is required.  Fill it up before using it.
• Insulate your hot water feed lines throughout your home.  This is easily done and can increase how rapidly hot water reaches you in the shower, too.  You’ll save money as hot water won’t lose its heat as it travels through the piping in your home.
• Keep furnace and refrigerator coils clean.  Removing lint, dust and debris from under them and removing this from the fans, vents and coils will improve their ability to work well for you.
• Don’t place hot foods into your refrigerator.  Let the down to room temperature first (within just a matter of minutes, not hours) then place them into the refrigerator.  This reduces the temperature rise that will happen.

Pick The Right Appliances
You can also save money by choosing the right appliances for your home.  Energy Star appliances are a very important factor.  All appliances have to meet some standards, but not all will provide the same benefit.  For example, compare the various washers for their energy efficiency.

• How much water is used per load?
• How much detergent is used per load?
• How large is one load?
• How much electricity does one load demand?

These questions, when used to compare various models, show you which ultimately provides for the best energy efficiency.  You can do this comparison of washers, dryers, refrigerators, furnaces, dishwashers, and ovens and much more.  All of this information is readily available from the manufacture and retailers before you buy!
What’s The Tax Credit?
Talk with your tax professional to see if you quality for the latest credits for those that purchase energy efficient appliances for their home.  When purchasing appliances; find out if it comes with a manufacturer’s certification for this energy credit on your 2006 and 2007 taxes.  You’ll need to keep the certification handy.  Such things as windows, exterior doors, heat pumps, central air conditioning, water heaters, hot water boilers, circulating furnaces, and solar appliances and adjustments are considered part of this certification.  In addition, other energy efficient appliances and elements may qualify.
Saving money with the help of your appliances is something that you can do.  Learning which appliance to purchase and how to use it properly to gain as much energy efficiency from it is something you can do.  Take the time to research the products you are considering to see how much it will cost you to use that appliance in the long run.
 

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