The Energy Efficient Alternative Worth Installing In Your Home To Save Water

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If your utility bills are coming back shockingly high each month, it's likely that you've started developing a few theories as to why. Many suspect that long showers or leaving the lights on throughout the day are to blame, but most of the time, this is far from the full picture. While things we can directly control — like how long the faucet is running, which lights are on for too long, and how many devices are plugged in — can have an impact on the final number you see each month, the most impactful expert-approved tip to lower your utility costs is related to the type of large appliances you use — namely, whether your washer and dryer are energy efficient. One of the mistakes everyone makes when buying a new washer and dryer is not looking for that blue Energy Star sticker.

If you're ranking home appliances by how much energy they use, washers and dryers sit near the top as significant consumers. While how much they cost you on your bill will depend on how often you run your machines, the brand and model, and the utility pricing in your area, switching to an Energy Star-certified appliance could cut down energy consumption by 20% and water consumption by 30%. This might not sound all that significant, but over time, these reductions seriously add up. It's not going to be cost-effective to toss your existing appliances simply because they're not Energy Star-certified. However, it's certainly worth considering more efficient options when it's time for your next upgrade. According to Energy Star, a certified washer can save you an average of $550 over the lifetime of the machine. Complete the set with a dryer and you can expect even more savings.

Luckily, Energy Star-certified appliances aren't difficult to find. Energy Star is a government-backed program run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), so it's not brand- or store-specific. Instead, this program aims to give buyers a clearer picture of the energy usage of a device, regardless of where they're shopping or which manufacturers they prefer. If you're browsing for a washer or dryer in-store, look out for a blue sticker with the Energy Star logo — these products have been certified by the program as efficient.

For more information on exactly what savings to expect, look for a yellow EnergyGuide label. EnergyGuide is a program administered by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), not the EPA. The two agencies share a similar goal of informing customers and giving them the power to make well-educated purchasing decisions. You'll find the estimated annual cost of powering the appliance on this label, but it won't give you much insight into the water usage.

Online shoppers can also find and compare certified washers and dryers on the official Energy Star website. Here, you'll have access to a convenient list of models that have earned the certification, their expected yearly water and energy usage, and important information like their capacity and door layout. While you're browsing, also consider checking out available rebates in your zip code. If you decide to buy a new efficient appliance, you could earn hundreds of dollars back on your purchase.