Savvy homeowners looking for breezy ways to make their homes more efficient should take a good, hard look at one core component: appliances. The fact of the matter is that appliances have come a long way, even in just the past couple of years, from clunky energy hogs to ultra-efficient machines, so now’s a great time to pull the trigger on that much-needed upgrade.
But with so many incredible new options on the market—there are even refrigerators that will tell you the news and the weather if you’re into that—it can be a real challenge to know which ones are worth the investment. Here are our tips and top picks to help you overhaul your inefficient kitchen into one that’s lean and clean.
Choosing Energy Efficient Appliances
Below you’ll find our handpicked selection of the best efficient appliances of the moment but, if you’re shopping for upgrades, there are some simple things you can keep in mind to ensure that you get a good result. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Energy Star is still the gold standard seal of approval for energy-smart appliances. Only purchase Energy Star certified appliances and make sure to check the Energy Star Rebate Finder to see if you qualify for any rebates.
- When shopping for window air conditioners, learn how to interpret the combined energy efficiency ratio (CEER). It takes into account how much energy the unit uses while it’s cooling, as well as when it’s on but not running.
- Don’t forget to recycle your old appliances. Many of the pieces and parts on old units are fully reusable or can be scrapped for cash, so be sure that whoever’s hauling it away doesn’t plan to send yours to the landfill.
- Always check the EnergyGuide (the yellow label that helps you compare the energy usage of one appliance to another) before purchasing. This will provide you with an at-a-glance view of the estimated yearly operating cost, as well as the estimated yearly electricity use. Compare and contrast all the models you’re considering.
- Consider selecting smart appliances that can help you save energy. For example, choose an air conditioner that can be programmed remotely so that you can adjust it from afar and have it running only when absolutely necessary.
- Look at other certifications besides Energy Star when shopping for your appliances. A supremely lean machine may also be certified by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and other organizations.
The Best Energy Efficient Appliances for Your Home
So, without further ado, what are the best appliances for energy efficiency? In truth, all the big-name players are producing next-level options for efficient homes—Samsung, LG, GE, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, etc.—so you can’t go wrong when you opt for these brands. With that said, every homeowner and home is different, so what’s right for you may not be right for others. The following options are pretty safe bets, though:
- Refrigerator: Frigidaire FFET1022UB –The fact of the matter is that top-freezer refrigerators, at least for the time being, edge out all other styles when it comes to energy efficiency. This Frigidaire model offers an annual energy usage of 296-kilowatt-hours per year, but still provides about 10 cubic feet of capacity, as well as independent temperature controls and other great features.
- Clothes Dryer: LG DLEX8100V –Offering a sleek look and futuristic features like an easy-to-use control panel, you won’t feel like you’re sacrificing with this model by LG. It uses an estimated 556 kilowatt-hours of energy annually, making it one of the leanest options on the market.
- Clothes Washer: Samsung WV60M99 – This good-looking Samsung unit is great because it’s super energy efficient but you won’t feel deprived of great features. It has Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to monitor cycle time as well as a SuperSpeed feature that lets you wash clothes 45 percent faster. This unit uses about 105-kilowatt hours per year and about 4,880 gallons of water per year.
- Dishwasher: Samsung DW80M99 –This sleek-looking Samsung dishwasher only uses about 239-kilowatt hours per year and 3.2 gallons of water per load, making it one of the most energy-efficient dishwashers out there. Like the aforementioned Samsung washer, this dishwasher is also connected, allowing you to start, stop, and monitor cycles from your smartphone.
- Window Air Conditioner: LG LW1817IVSM – Window units don’t tend to have a reputation for their efficiency, but this 18,000-BTU LG model challenges the status quo. It uses an annual energy usage of 918.4-kilowatt hours per year and has a combined energy-efficiency ratio of 14.7.
- Chest Freezer: Avanti CF24Q0W –Keeping a chest freezer on the payroll in itself can be unexpected money and energy-saver if you use it to stock up on and preserve food, but make sure you pick one that’s as efficient as possible. This compact but well-optimized free-standing freezer uses just 137-kilowatt hours of energy per year and won’t take up a ton of space!
A Little Bit of Research Goes a Long Way
If you’re upgrading your old or outdated appliances, it’s a safe bet that you’re going to wind up with lower energy bills and consumption in the end. With that said, it is helpful to compare appliance models side-by-side, taking into account their average annual energy usage and other features, so you know you’re getting the most efficient option possible. In this case, even a tiny bit of research goes a long way, so you’re already well on your way to a supremely lean home!