Sustainable Solutions for Earth Day: Our Top Pick Appliances
This Earth Day, update, upgrade and transform your home into an eco-friendly haven.
FAQs
Earth Day, observed annually on April 22nd, is a global event dedicated to raising awareness and support for environmental protection. It serves as a day for people around the world to participate in various activities aimed at promoting sustainability and addressing environmental challenges.
Energy-efficient appliances save money over time due to lower operating costs. While the initial purchase price might be higher, reduced energy consumption translates to lower power bills. This efficiency often comes from features like inverter compressor motors (in fridges and air conditioners) that dynamically adjust energy use based on operating conditions, unlike traditional motors that run at full power constantly. The presence of "eco" or power-saving modes in appliances further optimises energy use. Over the appliance's lifespan, these savings can offset the initial cost difference and result in significant overall savings.
When buying new appliances, consider these key factors:
- Energy Efficiency: Look for Energy Star ratings or similar labels that indicate how much energy the appliance uses. Higher ratings translate to lower running costs. Compare energy consumption (often measured in kWh per year) between models.
- Size and Capacity: Choose the right size for your needs. A larger appliance than necessary wastes energy and space.
- Features: Prioritise features you'll actually use. Don't pay for bells and whistles you don't need.
- Cost: Consider both the initial purchase price and the estimated operating costs over the appliance's lifetime. A slightly more expensive, energy-efficient model might be cheaper in the long run.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Research brands known for reliability and check online reviews to see what other users have experienced.
- Warranty: A good warranty provides peace of mind and can save you money on repairs.
Yes, unplugging appliances when not in use can save energy by eliminating "phantom load" – the power consumed even when they're off or in standby mode. Devices with clocks, remotes, or instant-on features are particularly prone to this. While individual savings may seem small, they accumulate across multiple devices. However, some appliances like fridges and those connected to smart home systems should remain plugged in. Power strips with switches can simplify unplugging multiple devices at once.
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Beyond Earth Day, be inspired to transform your home and lifestyle into an eco-friendly one with our other sustainability and smart home content:
- 3 Ways to Reduce your Environmental Impact
- Greenwashing: What Is It and How You Can Avoid It
- Isn’t It Time to Invest in Smart Laundry?