One of the great things about being a plumber is that we're some of the first to see new plumbing appliances and devices. While it might not seem that exciting for the average person, the beauty, efficiency, and ease of living that some of these devices offer can make them pretty compelling.
Energy Star
One case in point is Energy Star appliances. While the sticker price of an Energy Star device can be high, the homeowner will more than recover that cost in the lower energy and water costs. Just like an LED light bulb costs more initially but has a lower operating cost, Energy Appliances also make up their costs.
How the ratings work
Many of the Energy Star appliances specific to plumbing such as washing machines and dishwashers run for a more extended time than their regular counterparts. How can that save energy? When an Energy Star rating is calculated, it not only takes run time into consideration but also calculates the amount of energy required to heat the water and how much water the appliance needs. Performance is also a crucial part of an Energy Star rating; an appliance that doesn't clean thoroughly or perform correctly isn't a sound investment. It is the bottom line cumulative cost of all factors, including performance, that determine whether or not an appliance is given an Energy Star rating.
Better plumbing appliances work in favor of the consumer because they use less water, clean more adequately, and therefore offer a better value. This represents less hardship on the plumbing system. For example, a dishwasher that uses less water put less strain on the drain line. The customer is less likely to be dissatisfied with the cleanliness an Energy Star machine provides, meaning fewer do-overs.
How long will it take an Energy Star Appliance to pay for itself?
The length of time an Energy Star Appliance will take to recoup the cost of the purchase price depends on several factors. The first factor is how often the family uses the appliance. So, for example. A family will use a water heater every day, but the washing machine, perhaps two or three times a week. Also, it depends on the kilowatt per hour a family pays for energy costs and what they pay for water. So you can see it's not a simple equation. But the average Energy Star appliance pays for itself between three and seven years. The exception? A tankless water heater, which takes approximately 20 years to pay for itself.
If you're considering getting a new appliance, it's worth your while to look into Energy Star appliances. If you buy a machine and would like for us to install that for you, give us a call. We'd be happy to help.
If you need an honest, dependable plumber in the Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe or Chandler area, call Jimmy at 480-757-1273.
