Our Most Energy Efficient Appliance Picks

Sustainability is top of mind among consumers and design professionals alike. There are many ways to incorporate eco-friendly materials, appliances, and practices into one’s kitchen design. With the help of modern appliances, small changes can make a big difference in the sustainability of one’s kitchen. Learn how to make the home eco-friendlier and more efficient with energy-efficient appliances.

What is an Energy Efficient Appliance?

The most well-known standard for energy efficiency is Energy Star. Energy Star is run by the federal government. It is about 30 years old, and it independently tests appliances sold in the US to see if they meet a particular standard for energy use. The requirements are different for each type of appliance and they are frequently updated. Energy Star testers make sure that they keep up with the latest technology by going back and updating their requirements.

It is easy to get an estimate of how much running a specific Energy Star appliance will cost you yearly. All Energy Star products will carry an EnergyGuide label, which will show you the estimated yearly electricity use as well as the yearly energy cost. Finding your preferred energy-efficient product can be as simple as comparing yearly energy costs.

Washers and Dryers

Did you know? Energy Star-certified washers are 20% more energy efficient and save 35% more water than standard models. When operating your washer, it’s best to always use HE detergent. Regular detergent creates too many suds, which will affect the machine’s washing and rinsing performance. Ventless heat pump dryers are the most efficient and may qualify for additional energy saving rebates.

Dishwashers

Did you know? If you’re washing your dishes by hand, you’re wasting more than just time. Washing dishes in a new ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher rather than hand washing can cut your utility bills by about $111 per year and over 230 hours of personal time. That’s almost 10 days!

Refrigerators

Fridges come in many sizes and styles. To save energy, choose a refrigerator with an external ice & water dispenser, to greatly reduce opening the fridge to retrieve those items. According to the Consumer Energy Center, bottom freezer or French door refrigerators use 16% less energy than side by side models.

Air Conditioners

Smart (Wi-fi connected) AC units offer added convenience as you can turn off the unit remotely using your smart device, schedule changes to the temp settings, and receive feedback on the energy use of the product.

Ranges and Ovens

Ranges are not ENERGY STAR-certified, but you can still run your stove to minimize consumption. Induction ranges and cooktops are the most energy-efficient as 90-percent of the heat generated goes into cooking your food. Induction is also low maintenance, easy to clean, and relatively safe. Induction ranges and cooktops may qualify for energy saving rebates.

What’s trending for sustainable appliances?

The way sustainability is defined in the home appliance industry has evolved in the past decade. In the past, the primary narrative was that energy-saving appliances save money and resources. Today’s best sustainable brands incorporate resource-saving measures in every step of the supply chain and throughout the lifecycle of the product. They adopt additional practices such as exemplary product reliability, reuse and recycle materials, and focus R&D efforts toward energy and resource savings. Today consumers want to buy products from brands committed to a greener future. Whether it’s for environmental concerns or to save money on the monthly electricity bill, more and more people are looking to buy efficient appliances.

Brands Built to Last

While the average life expectancy of a home appliance is eight years, several brands are sourcing higher quality materials and testing measures. Appliance brands such as Asko, Miele, Speed Queen, Sub Zero and Wolf test their products for at least 20 years of regular use.

Earth Friendly Manufacturing

Many appliance brands have achieved or are working toward CO₂ neutrality by monitoring energy and resource consumption in the supply chain, using renewable sources, green electricity, and offsetting carbon emissions.

Resource Saving Technology

Today’s appliances and manufacturers have access to more information than ever before. Whether it’s a refrigerator that can reduce food waste, a dishwasher with a heat-free, chemical-free drying system, or a washing machine that can track consumption data – using technology to reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve human behavior is the key to a greener future.

Sustainability at AjMadison

AjMadison is committed to sustainable business practices to ensure a greener future. In addition to offering an unrivaled selection of top rated home and kitchen appliances, AjMadison is family-owned and has been in operation for 20 years. What began as an online business, grew into the leading online retailer of appliances professionally catering to homes and businesses nationwide, with over 2.5 million customers. AjMadison offers over 150 brands, from value appliances to luxury, state-of-the-art smart appliances.

AjMadison partners with sustainable-minded partners to ensure overstock and scratch-and-dent inventory get a second chance. Renovation Angel is North America's preferred luxury donation program for kitchens, home décor, and other high-end renovation items. Consumers who recycle their qualified luxury kitchens with Renovation Angel receive thousands in tax and removal savings. AjMadison also donates appliances to Habitat for Humanity’s New York City ReStore. The ReStore sells home products to the public with proceeds benefitting Habitat NYC’s mission: to transform lives and communities by building and preserving quality, affordable homes with families in need. AjMadison also donates refrigerators to grassroots community refrigerator groups across the country. A Community Refrigerator is a fridge placed outside in a public space. Anyone can access these fridges as needed at no cost. Community fridge groups can request a refrigerator at no cost.