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If you are renovating or upgrading your home, you may wonder about switching to smart energy-efficient appliances. As well as reducing your home’s carbon footprint, modern hobs, washing machines and thermostats can lower your household bills. From your HVAC to your fridge, it’s good to know that what makes sense for the planet can also benefit your budget. Discover the top smart appliances and how they can save you money.
Energy-efficient appliances do exactly the same job as standard appliances, but use significantly less energy to do so. When an appliance uses less water or electricity, you have fewer expenses to cover at the end of the month, potentially saving thousands of dollars over time.
You have probably seen the little blue Energy Star label on appliances in stores. This is a government-backed symbol of energy efficiency. Products that earn this label have been independently certified to meet strict energy-saving criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Choosing an Energy Star appliance means you are bringing home a product that is among the most efficient in its category. That’s good news for the environment and even better news for your wallet.
Every home is different, and exact savings depend on how much you use an appliance, your energy rate, time of use and other factors.
As a rough guide:
Smart appliances can offer even greater value than energy-efficient appliances because they use smart technology to optimize their energy consumption. For example, a smart dishwasher can use off-peak electricity when rates are cheaper, and a smart fridge can send you an alert that the door has been left open.
Some energy-efficient appliances do have a higher price tag than standard equivalents, which can make homeowners pause. However, you should consider the purchase price alongside the likely lifetime running costs. If an appliance costs you $50 more in the store, but saves $25 a year on running costs, it will have paid for itself in two years, and thereafter you will continue to save money for the rest of its lifespan.
Appliances are usually not short-term investments. You expect them to last for many years. This is where energy efficiency really pays off, because these items can keep saving you money for a long time after the initial purchase.
To help with the initial purchase cost, it’s often possible to secure rebates or tax credits that can lower the price. Check federal programs, state agencies and local utility companies to see what’s available.
After you have chosen the perfect appliance, how you use it matters.
To get the most out of your new machine:
Of the numerous smart appliances available today, many homes will start with a fridge, a dishwasher or a washing machine. Homeowners have multiple choices.
People say that kitchens are the heart of a home, but the refrigerator is perhaps more worthy of that description since it keeps everything moving. You use it to store food, medicine, beauty products and everything in between.
Unlike a dishwasher or washing machine, the refrigerator runs 24/7, which means it is continually drawing electricity. Consequently, if there’s one device worth upgrading to a smart energy-efficient model, it would be your fridge.
Models offer features such as inverter compressors to dynamically adjust cooling speed, thicker insulation, energy monitoring and temperature sensors.
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Have you ever opened your dishwasher only to find your plates were still dirty or covered in watermarks? Thanks to smart technology, that doesn’t have to happen ever again. Some brands are pioneering innovative systems that evaluate your dishes and then use the optimal settings and detergent to provide a clean, picture-perfect finish. They’ll look great, and you’ll feel good knowing your cycle didn’t waste electricity or water.
Modern smart Energy Star-rated dishwashers also offer features like digital leak sensors. Additionally, you can control some styles using an app, allowing you to put your appliance to work at any time. However, a buildup of grime will decrease your dishwasher’s efficiency, so clean it regularly for best results.
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Who wants to listen to their washing machine while relaxing at home? Most people would rather run the cycle when they are out of the house and come back to clean clothes. Thanks to smart technology, it’s now possible to operate your washer from anywhere. Other exciting features include faster washing times and adaptive wash technology.
Just like dishwashers, cleanliness impacts efficiency. Try running an empty load with white vinegar instead of detergent on the hottest setting.
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You have a lot of choices when it comes to energy-efficient appliances. Here are some answers to common questions.
The Energy Star label means the appliance has been independently certified as meeting the efficiency standards set by the EPA. It shows that it is among the most efficient on the market.
Smart appliances can save money in several ways. Depending on the appliance, it might determine the cheapest time to operate, send you alerts when something is wrong or adapt to your usage patterns and preferences.
Often, yes. There are frequently rebates or tax incentives available from federal programs or at the state level. You should also check your utility company to see if it offers any incentives for upgrading.
With so many incredible options, it may feel challenging to narrow your selection. The top energy-efficient appliances, many with smart technology, are ideal replacements for outdated kitchen features, but you should always choose the style that best suits your lifestyle. Ultimately, if you look for the Energy Star qualification, you’ll be getting an environmentally friendly product that will save you money for years to come.
Note: This article was first published on January 23, 2021, and was revised on August 21, 2026, to reflect the most current information.
