If you have an old refrigerator, you’ve probably debated in your mind whether or not to keep it until it dies. The decision is a really a no-brainer as new appliances are sleeker, quieter, more functional, and more importantly, energy efficient. Manufacturers are motivated in part by legislation introduced in the late ’90s that mandates significant reductions in energy use.
In Canada, the EnerGuide labels have been on appliances for more than 25 years, telling us how much electricity the unit uses per year as well as making comparisons to similar sized units. In 2001, EnerGuide teamed up with Energy Star to label the most energy efficient appliances on the market, identifying the products that meet a premium level of energy efficiency, higher than the minimum government standards.
The Energy Star mark is a quick way for you to identify a product that is a top energy performer and the symbol is usually found right on the EnerGuide label. Otherwise look for it placed directly on the product or included in its accompanying literature. While choosing an Energy Star-labeled product can save you hundreds of dollars on your energy bills, it also contributes to help save the environment.
The government provides a comprehensive list of appliances comparing the annual electricity costs of all appliances. You can find this list by accessing the Natural Resources Canada site.
In many parts of Canada, fossil fuels are burned to create electricity, a process that produces greenhouse gas emissions – a leading cause of climate change as well as other pollutants that generate urban smog and acid rain. Choosing an energy-efficient appliance means less electricity has to be produced, which leads to a reduction in emissions and pollutants released into the environment – and that’s something to feel good about.
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