Why Commercial Energy-Efficient Appliances Are Worth it
If you’re a property/building owner, you’ve probably been asking yourself, “are energy-efficient appliances worth it?” a lot lately. The truth is, the pros of energy-efficient appliances far outweigh the cons… but it does require an upfront investment. In this post, we’ll teach you how to tell if your appliances are energy-efficient, all the benefits, and what to keep in mind when shopping.
Aggressive Energy is committed to helping our clients make the most sustainable choices for their energy consumption and their budget. Whether you’re just looking for energy efficiency tips to save money or want to create an electricity plan that makes energy compliance easy, we’re here to help!
Read on to learn if energy appliances are worth it!
How to Tell if Your Appliances Are Energy Efficient
All EE appliances will indicate their efficiency level on the energy guide label, which tells you the estimated annual energy use of the appliance. Reading the label can also help you compare the appliance’s energy efficiency and annual energy consumption to that of similar models across different brands. You should also look for an Energy Star label. Appliances that have this logo are substantially more energy-efficient than the standard model.
What does Energy Star mean?
Operated collaboratively by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Energy Star program is the best indicator of ultimate efficiency and savings. Think of the Energy Star label as a guide when shopping for energy-efficient appliances for your business.
In order for an appliance to be Energy Star compliant, it must meet the first-class energy efficiency requirements set by the government-backed program. And, it must do so without sacrificing quality. Energy Star appliances use less energy, which means your electricity bill will be less, too. All while helping protect the environment by reducing harmful emissions.
Related Post: How to Make Reducing Carbon Emissions a Priority
Benefits of Buying Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances often come with a higher price tag. In most cases, price is the biggest deterrent. Business owners can’t help but ask themselves: Are energy-efficient appliances worth it? The answer is yes – here’s why.
Energy-efficient products lower electricity bill
Energy-efficient products are guaranteed to lower energy expenses, even if you have appliances that are continuously running. The average home appliance lasts between 10 and 20 years, while Energy Star compliant appliances consume between 10% and 50% less energy annually than their non-energy efficient counterparts.
Recieve tax credit for energy-efficient appliances
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) allows businesses to deduct the cost of energy-efficient upgrades to commercial buildings. Buildings that save at least 50% of the heating and cooling energy of a system can deduct up to $1.80 per square foot. Partial deductions for the building envelope, lighting, or heating and cooling systems are available up to $.60 per square foot, too. For more information, see the 179D Commercial Buildings Energy-Efficiency Tax Deduction page.
Enjoy an energy-efficient appliance rebate
Energy Star partners offer incentive rebates to encourage consumers to purchase more energy-efficient appliances. The rebates vary depending on your location and the appliance purchased but are usually anywhere from a couple hundred to one thousand dollars. To find energy-efficient appliance rebates in your area, simply go to the Energy Star rebate finder and type in your zip code.
Energy-efficient products are more convenient
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to energy-efficient commercial appliances is that they function with your needs rather than against them. For example, refrigerators that are energy efficient use less energy to achieve colder temperatures faster. This provides you with the advantage of preserving the freshness of your goods for a longer period of time. So when you pay the amount an energy-efficient appliance costs, you’re getting a product that works more efficiently, too.
Related Post: Renewable Energy Trends and Green Energy Industry Facts
Buying Energy-Efficient Appliances
Now that you know why energy-efficient appliances are worth it, it’s time to get into buying them. Here’s a step-by-step guide to buying energy-efficient appliances.
1. Measure the space your new appliance will be stored in
Always be sure you know the measurements of your space so you can ensure the appliance you’re looking at will fit. It can’t be a tight squeeze, either- you have to be sure you have enough clearance for ventilation. You’ll also want to be sure you can open/close a lid if applicable.
2. Check your area’s Energy Star rebates to choose an appliance
If you aren’t sure where to start when replacing your old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones, then start by browsing the Energy Star rebate finder. That will help you set a budget for the purchase, too.
3. Weigh the appliance’s estimated energy use as much as its price
When making a buying decision, sometimes you just have to go with whatever’s in your budget. However, you can actually save money by buying the more expensive model if it’s significantly more energy efficient. If you want to maximize your ROI and are able to put a little bit more into your investment, you’ll thank yourself later.
4. Take the time to make a thoughtful decision
Remember, this appliance will last you a long time. Always take the time to read the appliance’s energy guide and compare/contrast it against similar models. Don’t be afraid to ask your energy provider for their opinion, too!
Related Post: Why Solar Power for Business is Worth the Investment
Are Energy-Efficient Appliances Worth it?
In short, the answer is yes, energy-efficient appliances are worth the investment. When you replace inefficient appliances in your house, you can save hundreds of dollars per year on your energy bill. While the savings from one energy-efficient appliance may seem insignificant on its own, keep in mind that your commercial appliances will last between 10 and 20 years. Those small monthly savings will add up over time, and in most cases, the higher energy-efficient appliances cost will be repaid by the energy savings. Plus, with the Energy Star rebate and tax credits for energy-efficient appliances available to businesses, the cost may not be as high as you think!
At Aggressive Energy, we’ve got the dedication and resources to set you up for success. We’ll help you choose the most energy-efficient options for your business to help you meet your sustainability and financial goals. Contact us today!