Eco-friendly appliances are energy-efficient therefore are one of the best long-term investments you can get to create a greener home. Here some of the top five sustainable electrical appliances that you should consider!
Choosing energy-efficient appliances for your home can cost you more up-front, but they will save you money in the long run and reduce your impact on the environment.
Are you trying to be more eco-friendly? If so, you might be wondering how your appliances can make an impact. These machines can use a lot of energy. As a result, you should explore your options. A replacement may be your best bet.
There are several factors to consider when buying eco-friendly appliances: their energy-efficiency star rating, how much water they use, the amount of raw materials and energy used to manufacture them, whether or not they can be recycled and the manufacturer’s overall carbon footprint.
Here’s a look at various more sustainable alternatives and five of the top eco-friendly appliances to consider investing in for your household:
1. Refrigerators
Your refrigerator runs 24/7. That’s a lot of energy, especially when you have an older model. A refrigerator from the 1980s uses much more energy than one from the past few years. It’s smart to get a newer appliance if you need to replace your current one.
Look for Energy Star labels as you shop. You don’t need to buy a new refrigerator to save energy. That said, you should look for options that are at least newer than 10 years old. It’s also smart to think about size. If you don’t need a big model, you save more energy with a smaller refrigerator.
2. Washing and Drying Machines
Did you know that 22% of household water usage comes from your washing machine? Luckily, you can choose new options that help you save water. You should also consider your dryer. These appliances use a significant amount of energy to dry your clothes.
If you’re in the market for a new laundry room, it’s a good idea to choose particular appliances for your setup. A front-loading washing machine typically uses less water. You can also browse high-efficiency models. Do the same when you purchase a new dryer.
You should also optimize your drain trough. This line runs under or behind your washing machine to remove water during certain circumstances. That system has many features and benefits that can make your laundry room shine.
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3. Coffee Makers
Do you drink a lot of coffee? These small machines might not seem like energy hogs — but you’d be surprised. If you brew two or three pots daily, you’re using a decent amount of electricity. Those figures don’t even include extra steps like grinding coffee beans.
Your first goal should be to stay away from coffee makers that use pods. It’s far more sustainable to use your own ground coffee. You can also think about other ways to brew coffee rather than using a traditional machine.
Be sure to set up a recycling system to help you keep kitchen waste at a minimum.
4. Dishwashers
The same sentiment with your washer applies to your dishwasher. You can always hand wash your plates, glasses and cutlery — but you’re likely after convenience like most people. It’s still possible to be environmentally friendly when using a dishwasher.
Be sure to choose an energy-efficient and water-saving option. If you don’t want to buy a new model, you can always make your current appliance run more sustainably. It might even already have a button to help you reduce energy consumption.
5. Ovens
There aren’t many options for eco-friendly ovens. That said, you can purchase models that are more sustainable than others. Your best bet will be to go for a convection oven. This appliance uses 20% less energy than traditional ovens. You could also consider an induction cooktop.
If you want to make your current model more sustainable, you need to rethink how you clean your oven. Try to use natural products like white vinegar and baking soda to ensure you don’t release chemicals into the air.
Consider greener alternatives for a more Sustainable Home
In today’s market, you can find many eco-friendly appliances. These can be great purchases when you need to replace old or broken models. That said, you can also improve upon your current appliances to make them more green. It’s all up to you.
