If your home appliances are more than 10 years old, chances are you’re spending a lot more than you need to on energy costs. But it’s not just bad for your budget; it’s also bad for the environment. Today’s appliances, in particular those with the Energy Star label, use significantly less energy and are more efficient than the conventional models sold as recently as 2001.
For example, a new Energy Star-labeled refrigerator uses at least 20 percent less energy than the current federal standards require and 40 percent less energy than a standard model sold in 2001, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
In the laundry room, the savings are equally significant and extend to your water bill. A new Energy Star washer uses half the energy of a standard washer and does it with less than half the water of a new standard machine (15 gallons of water per load versus 32.5 gallons), according to DOE. It’s estimated that the average American family can reduce their energy costs by more than a third, and water costs by more than half, just by purchasing a new washer with the Energy Star label. If that’s not enough reasons to make the switch, there are currently rebates available for purchasing new Energy Star appliances, as well as tax credits of 30 percent of the cost for further steps to make your home energy efficient, like replacing windows and doors, insulation, roofs, HVAC and water heaters.
At Doyle Construction, we’re energy efficiency experts. We’re up to date on the latest appliances and have information about the current rebates and tax credits at our fingertips. In fact, we’re such big proponents of energy efficiency that we now offer a no-cost home appliance analysis. We will estimate the cost of replacing your appliances with Energy Star models, identify rebates you may qualify for and help calculate your total energy savings.
It’s a win-win. You save money, update your appliances and do a good deed for the environment. Give us a call at (510) 687-1771 and see how we can help you.