Finding simple ways to save energy at home is always a good idea. Not only will you save money on your utility bills, but there are some solid environmental reasons to reduce your home energy use. Many products in our homes run on electricity, and while the use of renewable energy is growing, as of 2012, only 12 percent of our electricity came from renewable sources. The other 88 percent was generated by burning fossil fuels — including coal, natural gas and oil — and from nuclear energy. Using fossil fuels contributes to air pollution and climate change, and nuclear power has its own set of environmental issues, including safety concerns and questions about how to safely dispose of nuclear waste.
When it’s time to buy a new refrigerator, computer, furnace, water heater or any other product that runs on electricity or natural gas, the resources below can help you make a smart selection.
Do energy efficient appliances add value to your home? Contact the appraisers at www.scappraisals.com for your home value questions.
Look for the Labels. When you’re shopping for appliances there are two labels to look for. One is the Energy Star label, which shows that a product meets the Energy Star program’s energy-efficiency standards. Many appliances qualify for the Energy Star label, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one at a retailer near you. The other label you’ll likely see is the bright yellow EnergyGuide label. This is a government-mandated label designed to help you compare the energy use of different products. Each one gives you an estimate of yearly electricity use. This label is not required for every type of appliance, but when it’s there, it’s easy to spot
