Whether you live in California or Connecticut, you may be worrying about your electricity bill this summer and whether you will be faced with rolling brownouts or blackouts due to energy supply problems. Still, consumers should take comfort that these products are strong allies in controlling energy costs and offering comfort and convenience as they prepare for the coming energy crunch. Since the last energy crisis in 1979, the energy efficiency of home appliances has increased dramatically. A refrigerator today, running year round consumes less electricity than a 75-watt light bulb. A thirty percent savings is gained from an early retirement of a dishwasher.
Consumers can reap even greater savings by targeting a high efficiency model.
Government policymakers, utilities and environmental groups have been trying for years to devise policy efforts to entice consumers to purchase new appliances based on energy efficiency. Their efforts are beginning to pay off. A number of attractive programs exist throughout the country, from a sales tax exemption for high efficiency appliances in Maryland, to the recent program announced by California to provide rebates to purchasers of high efficiency appliances. The payback for a higher efficiency unit can be sizable. For people who see a purchase on the horizon, perhaps in the next 1-3 years, consideration of accelerating that purchase can have an immediate operating benefit.