How do I know which Appliance is Energy Saving?
To guide consumers on choosing energy efficient appliances, grading systems have been developed. Different countries and regions have their own standards on energy efficiency. In the US the energy star rating means the appliance complies with the required energy efficiency standards. Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requires manufacturers to indicate efficiency of appliances in terms of stars. A 5 star rated equipment is the most efficient in that system of labeling. Annual consumption of the appliance has to be indicated as well.
The European Union (EU) has a grading system with classes that range from class A to D. Class A is most efficient while class D is least efficient (most wasteful). This system also gives the estimated annual consumption of electricity in kWh.
A new labeling system was introduced effective March 2021. It is more refined. This is good news since companies will make appliances that are even more energy efficient.
The fridge in the picture above uses a total of 280 kWh per year, and its efficiency class is A++ under the old system.
This implies that it uses (280/360) or 0.8kWh per day. The more efficient an appliance, the higher the upfront cost. But operationally it is cheaper as it consumes little energy to do its work.
For example let’s imagine you want to replace your old fridge with a brand new one. You have a budget of UgShs1,000,000 or US$265.
You enter this shop and they have 4 brands on display; the sizes are nearly the same. Their prices are generally within your budget.
You also notice on the front door of the fridges that their annual consumption is given in kWh:
Brand 1 is 330kWh, brand 2 is 300kWh, brand 3 is 400kWh, brand 4 is 370kWh.
The size is ok, the price is also not bad. Which one will you buy? If aesthetics and design are pleasing to the eye, go for Brand 2, because it is the most energy saving and will be operationally cheaper. It may also be the most expensive among the 4.
Not all electrical appliances have these labels. They are common on fridges, electric ovens, washing machines, air conditioners, and bulbs. In due time countries will develop energy efficiency standards for a wider range of appliances.
In the meantime, read on to know the different energy saving electrical appliances that we can cook with and what makes them efficient.