Kitchen and laundry appliances keep getting more energy efficient thanks to 30 years of work with manufacturers to make them so. In 1975, back in the days of cheap energy, the federal government set up a program for testing products, labeling different models with energy usage data, and setting energy targets for consumer products.
Utilities partnered with regional agencies to work with manufacturers and improve efficiency standards. Manufacturers learned that beating the standards gave them an edge over the competition. That understanding spawned investments in innovation and appliance technology. Today, it’s difficult to buy new kitchen or laundry appliances that are not significantly more efficient than those sold a decade ago.
For 30 years, Clark Public Utilities offered small instant rebates on refrigerators, freezers and clothes washers sold at local retailers. Such consumer incentives helped raise energy awareness and gave a boost to more efficient models. Today, manufacturers have dramatically improved energy efficiency, so the utility is rethinking its approach to incentives.
“Utilities across the region are trying new approaches to help shoppers choose efficient models, but these days it’s almost hard to buy an appliance that’s not Energy Star. The challenge is to provide a boost to the best of an already much better selection in terms of energy use,” said Debbie DePetris, customer accounts manager for the utility. “The new approach partners with retailers to offer promotions that help super-efficient appliances stand out during sale events. And shoppers will get a gift card for choosing more efficient models.”
Before buying any major appliance, check with the energy counselor of the day at 360-992-3355 to find out about upcoming promotions and to verify that the model you’re considering qualifies. Because of greater efficiency across the board, the number of qualified models is dropping. For example, in 2013, 1,948 refrigerators qualified for an incentive. In 2015, the number dropped to 726.
Clothes dryers
Another change is that for the first time, clothes dryers have an incentive during retailer promotion events. This category wasn’t covered in the past because dryers already offered high efficiency and most were pretty comparable to each other. Sensor technology has changed that. Instead of a timer, most of today’s dryers use several sensors to check the moisture in your clothes and turn off as soon as the load is dry. This can save considerable energy. Some also have a lower heat setting. This cuts the energy consumed, but lengthens drying time. For customers doing laundry overnight, for example, this setting can cut energy usage and save money over time.
Also, models with automatic cycle termination save energy and are easier on your clothes. They prevent them from over-drying, which reduces wrinkling. If your clothes get wrinkly, a steam-cycle option releases wrinkles, as well as removes any odors from clothing.
Heat-pump dryers may appeal to anyone who enjoys living at technology’s edge. These dryers pull in air, warm it and recirculate it inside the dryer, which holds the temperature without using much energy. Venting isn’t needed, either. Unfortunately, heat-pump dryers still cost about four times more than regular ones. But like all new technology, these types of appliances may be more affordable the next time you need to replace a dryer.
When should you replace a washer and dryer? According to Energy Star, if yours are over 10 years old, it’s worth considering. Newer washer and dryer models not only have more functions, they deliver greater energy efficiency. And, new clothes washers use less water as well. If nothing else, keep these new features in mind the next time you need to upgrade an appliance. And if you’re ready to part with an old refrigerator or freezer in working condition, give us a call and we’ll arrange to pick it up for recycling and add a $20 credit to your utility bill.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
