The ENERGY STAR® can be found on refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, and room air conditioners.

Refrigerators
Refrigerators are among the largest energy consumers in the home. Today, energy-efficient models have replaced the energy guzzler models of the 1970s. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator models use at least 15% less energy than required by current federal standards and 40% less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001. Compacts are models with volumes less than 7.75 cubic feet.

Models awarded the logo include features such as these: better insulation which reduces the amount of time the compressor needs to run; more efficient compressors; improved heat transfer surfaces; more precise temperature and defrost controls.

Models sporting the ENERGY STAR will save you between $35 to $70 a year compared to a model designed 15 years ago. In addition to looking for the ENERGY STAR, read the EnergyGuide label on new refrigerators. The EnergyGuide label will tell you how much electricity a model uses in one year.

Dishwashers
A majority of the energy used in dishwashers goes towards heating the water. ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers reduce the amount of hot water needed during a wash cycle by using built-in electric heaters to heat water to temperatures hot enough to clean the dishes. This improved technology not only reduces the amount of energy required for heating, but also minimizes the amount of water needed. ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers use at least 41% less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption. Because they use less hot water compared to new conventional models, an ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher saves about $90 over its lifetime.

Clothes Washers
Similar to dishwashers, most of the energy in washing clothes goes towards heating water—approximately 80 to 85%. ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers clean clothes using 50% less energy than standard washers. The program supports both horizontal-axis (front loading) as well as vertical-axis (top loading) washing machines. Horizontal-axis machines use a tumbling action rather than the traditional agitator in top loading machines. This tumbling action saves wear and tear on clothing. Vertical-axis machines use high-pressure rinses to remove soap residues from clothes rather than soaking them in a full tub of rinse water. Compared to the typical 40 gallons of water per load, ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer's uses between 18-25 gallons per load. This translates into huge energy and water savings.

Modified Energy Factor (MEF) measures the energy used during the washing process, including machine energy, water heating energy, and dryer energy. The higher the MEF, the more efficient the clothes washer is.

Water Factor (WF) measures the gallons of water used per cycle per cubic foot. (A 3.0 cubic foot washer using 27 gallons per cycle has a water factor of 9.0). The lower the water factor, the less water the machine uses.

Compared to a model manufactured before 1984, an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer can save up to $110 per year on your utility bills.

If you plan on purchasing an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer, Puget Sound Energy has a rebate.

Room Air Conditioners
Air conditioners with the ENERGY STAR® logo feature high efficiency compressors, fan motors, and heat transfer surfaces. These features reduce the amount of energy required to compress the refrigerant through the coils. ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners use at least 10% less energy than conventional models.
ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners often include timers for better temperature control, allowing you to use the minimum amount of energy you need to cool your room. Replacing a 10 year old room air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model saves an average of $25 a year on your electric bill.

Email Us for more energy efficiency information or to speak with an Energy Advisor call, 1-800-562-1482.