The pursuit of living an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t come overnight. Making necessary and sustainable adjustments to the way you live should be consistent, intentional and instinctual. So if you’re determined to make wiser resource choices, your home is a good place to start. Your home appliances keep your day running smoothly. From your refrigerator to your air conditioning unit, every appliance makes life easier, but can they also make your life more eco-friendly? Choosing energy efficient appliances will keep your home efficient and sustainable.
Here are some tips for switching to energy efficient appliances.
Prioritize up-to-date technology
Many brands now utilize eco-friendly technology and make products that have little to no adverse effects on the environment. Naturally, seek out sustainable sources of energy. Make up-to-date, eco-friendly appliances a priority.
Choose items that are energy efficient and/or are made from recycled materials. There are now products with self-timers that automatically turn off. Look for products whose operating cycles can be adjusted.
State-of-the-art, energy saving appliances are often better choices than their older equivalents. For instance, an LED television provides a better and brighter display, while using less power and reduced heat dissipation. LED TVs help to save energy and reduce overall pollution.
Another tip is to purchase a newer model refrigerator instead of using an older one. On average, older refrigerators consume twice the energy of more recent versions. By replacing your older refrigerator with a better insulated and much more energy efficient model, less energy is consumed and money is saved. Up-to-date technology requires a bit more of an investment, but their lifespan and energy saving will save you more money in the long run.
Size matters 
Consider your oven: do you really need such a big, energy consuming accessory in your kitchen? Purchase a halogen oven instead. They are energy efficient, multi-functional, and occupy less space in your kitchen. Plus, the halogen heating technology will save you up to 40% of cooking time.
Alternatively, smaller is not always better. Having a compact refrigerator filled with groceries and frozen goods is much less energy efficient compared to having a larger one. Ultimately, smaller refrigerators work harder to function and keep everything cold.
Another helpful tip is to get a refrigerator without an automatic ice maker. Refrigerators with automatic ice makers are energy-consuming beasts and can be costly to maintain in the long run. Instead, invest in ice trays and keep those in your freezer. The same results are achieved, but with better economic benefits.
Be mindful of the energy source 
Appliances such as clothes dryers, water heaters, or stoves can be powered by electric or gas. Gas units may be effective, but there is the threat of dangerous gas leaks/emissions. Electricity-reliant units, on the other hand, pose little to no threats in a household.
The best energy option, however, is to integrate solar panels into your home system. This is pricey, but renewable energy extends both economic and environmental benefits. Perhaps start with purchasing some solar-powered smaller appliances and/or gadgets to get a feel for the solar experience. Solar power systems require little upkeep. Solar panels are also considered valuable upgrades to your home, akin to a renovated kitchen or a finished basement. They can increase the value of your home. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons. You’ll thank yourself later on.
Look for appliances that allow short cycles
Household appliance staples such as dryers, dishwashers, or washing machines are much trickier purchases. Higher-end quality items always demand more energy use. However, all come with timer options. Choose items that provide multiple cycles instead of fewer ones. For example, a washing machine isn’t an energy-saving appliance by design. Nevertheless, you can limit its energy consumption by buying one that allows for shorter washing cycles.
Opt for appliances with timers and shutoffs
Appliances with adjustable timers and automatic shutoffs are great options as they reduce energy consumption. Aside from not having large electricity bills, the freedom of being able to go about your day without worrying about your appliances is helpful. Imagine not fretting over whether or not you turned off the air conditioner or the coffee maker when you left the house. It’s a liberating feeling, and you will appreciate the reduction in your energy bills.
Choose Energy Star products 
Heavier, bulkier appliances consume the most energy. They demand more power to function. They are the most expensive to maintain — especially when utilized daily. All things considered, when buying a refrigerator, a television, oven and/or an electric stove, choose ENERGY STAR certified products. Essentially, these items meet strict criteria that adhere to energy efficient guidelines and protocols set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Furthermore, choosing ENERGY STAR appliances lets you be confident that your item makes use of sustainable energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. To find out more, visit the ENERGY STAR website.
Enjoy the process — and the shopping
An environmentally-friendly lifestyle is possible, starting with some basic decisions on energy saving appliances and even the products you use to clean them. From there, a ripple effect results as your future product selections are shaped with sustainability in mind. As you shop, know that your choices may save some green, in both your pocket and for our environment.
A good time to shift to using more eco-friendly appliances is during the moving process. A green mover is a key step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. During the relocation process, you may need to think about more than just buying new appliances. For example, you might need to dispose of old appliances and computers. Make sure these old electronics are recycled domestically by a recycling service, under strict environmental laws, rather than just dumped in a landfill. If your old appliances are still in working order, you can donate them to a local charity organization where they can find a second home. Another tip is to make sure that your new home gets a really green cleaning before you settle in. Green cleaning companies use all eco-friendly cleaning supplies, leaving your new home spotless and off to a fresh start. Eco-friendly moving companies like NorthStar Moving will help guide clients toward a greener moving process.
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Bjorn Tabanera, Guest Contributor
Bjorn Tabanera, a former Filipino journalist, is an independent creative writer who covers lifestyle, technology, pop culture, and freelancing. He is an advocate of sustainability, the subject of his numerous essays for eco-friendly media such as beeco. Bjorn believes that literature can change the world.
Images via Pexels.com
EnergyStar logo via EnergyStar.com