Many people are trying to live a greener lifestyle by using less electricity and reducing the use of natural resources. Did you know that helping the environment helps your wallet, too?
There are new energy efficient appliances available for use around the home. It is time to get rid of our ancient appliances and move into the 21st century. New designs, features, and technologies improve the energy efficiency of our modern appliances but add some fun to your daily routine.
For more information regarding home efficiency rebates for LADWP residential customers, go to Rebates and Programs.
Heating & Cooling
High Efficiency Room Air Conditioner
A high efficiency room air conditioner can save money on your electric bills and result in fewer environmentally harmful emissions than older models. Choose an ENERGY STAR® approved model that matches your needs. They come in several styles, including window, casement, and built-in models. Locate the unit’s thermostat away from lights or televisions and use an interior fan to spread the cool air fast.
Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump
Your choice of a system depends on the climate you live in, the needs of your household, and how you are going to use the system. All systems have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) to help determine its efficiency compared to other models. The minimum efficiency currently allowed in California is 14 SEER, but a higher SEER is even better. LADWP currently offers rebates for systems rated 15 SEER and higher.
Space Heaters
Space heaters are not an energy efficient way to heat a home. Use them only as a last resort.
Programmable Thermostat
An empty house does not need to be maintained at the same temperature as an occupied house. A programmable thermostat lets the consumer program automatic adjustments to the temperature settings based on room by room needs at specific times of the day. The thermostat can reduce your cooling bill by as much as 10% simply by having set points programmed to maintain temperatures 10 to 15 degrees higher over eight (8) hours.
Water Heating
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Heat pump water heating systems eliminate harmful CO2 and GHG emissions generated by standard gas hot water heaters. Poorly maintained gas water heaters can also emit dangerous carbon monoxide gas. Benefit from cleaner technology and install an ENERGY STAR® certified hot water heat pump today!
Lighting & Fans
Lighting
From compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) to LED lights, we are changing the way we light up the world. Replace your old incandescent bulbs with the new energy saving models and watch how your electric meter runs more slowly. The new lights come in different colors for different tasks. Choose the ones that are right for you.
Fans
There are different types of fans, from the attic-mounted whole house fan pulling in the cool evening air, to the common ceiling fan circulating the cooled air. While fans cannot replace air conditioners, they can provide supplemental cooling, especially on mild summer days. Using a fan to circulate air can reduce the time an air conditioner runs during the day. Substituting fans for air conditioners can reduce energy use by 60% or more.
Computers & Electronics
Audio-Video Equipment
ENERGY STAR® models are up to 60% more efficient than conventional models because they use less energy while they are on and power down automatically. Plasma TVs use more energy than LCDs and a larger screen means more energy consumed.
Computers
Depending on how it is used, a new ENERGY STAR® qualified computer model uses 30-60% less energy. Turn on the ENERGY STAR power management settings so the machine can go into a special power saving mode when not in use.
Kitchen & Laundry
Refrigerator
The efficiency of refrigerators improved dramatically over the past two decades. New models are as much as fifty percent more energy efficient than older models. Top freezer models are more efficient than side-by-side models and automatic icemakers with through-the-door dispensers increase energy use by 14-20%. Look for ENERGY STAR® approved models that match your lifestyle. Larger refrigerator models use more energy and waste space if not kept full. The cost of energy used by a top-mounted freezer model will be about $55/year, whereas a typical model sold in 1973 will cost nearly $160 per year.
Freezer
Remember a few facts if you really need a separate freezer. Manual defrost models consume 35-50% less energy than frost-free models. Chest freezers are 10-25% more efficient than upright models because they are better insulated and the cold air doesn’t spill out the open door. If your old freezer is at least 15 years old, it is so inefficient that a new one would pay for itself in a few years. Just like refrigerators, look for ENERGY STAR® approved models.
Microwave
Microwave ovens can save energy if used wisely. They can cook food quickly without heating the house. A microwave can reduce the amount of energy used to keep your home cool during the summer when used in place of a traditional oven. ENERGY STAR® does not rate microwave ovens, so use the one you purchase wisely.
Dishwasher
Look for ENERGY STAR® approved models with several cycles, especially an energy saver/light load cycle and an air-drying option. When used at full capacity, dishwashers save time, compared to washing by hand, and save energy. Although compact models use less water, the water and energy savings is lost if you wash more loads. The new machines use about one-half of the energy and water used by older dishwashers.
Clothes Washer
There are many types of washing machines. The energy efficiency of top-loading machines has doubled, and front loading machines use less water. Choose an ENERGY STAR® approved washer that fits your lifestyle. The ability to change cycles, water temperature, and water levels are just some of the features to look at. Choosing a clothes washer with faster spin speeds can result in better water extraction and reduce drying times. LADWP and other utilities fund rebates for high efficiency clothes washers based on both the water and energy savings. Energy savings usually come from using less gas to heat the water.
Clothes Dryer
Like washers, dryers have come a long way. Look for a clothes dryer with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the machine when your clothes are dry. Not only will this save energy, it will reduce the wear and tear on clothes from over-drying. The efficiency of the dryer is enhanced when your washer extracts more water during the spin cycle. Among household appliances, electric dryers consume the second highest amount of electricity—only refrigerators use more! That is why most of the dryers sold today run on gas.