Two costs are associated with any electrical appliance: the buying price, and the running cost in terms of energy and maintenance. Of the running costs, energy is one of the major items. Typically, the equipment can last several years before requiring a major repair.

Consumers should therefore not just look at the price tag on the item.  Rather, pay attention to its energy rating and available energy saving modes.

Energy star certified refrigerators and freezers are at least 9 and 10 percent more efficient respectively. Other considerations that help in saving energy include selecting the adequate capacity. In addition, the refrigerator or freezer should be kept in a cool place away from heat sources such as direct sunlight or ovens.

More energy savings can be realized by using the proper settings. In addition, ensure the door is closed all the time and that seals are in place. Place the refrigerator or freezer in a spot that allows free air circulation around the fridge; especially at the back where there are cooling pipes.

Manual defrost freezer models use less energy and are therefore more efficient than the automatic defrost models. Another important factor is the design of the freezer. An upright freezer with shelves is easier to organize. However, the chest freezer may be more energy efficient since there is less cold air escaping from the door which opens from the top.

These are usually 40 percent more efficient than the standard purifiers. Other factors to consider include the room size and placement. Select a model adequate for the room; otherwise, an oversized air purifier or cleaner will end up consuming more power unnecessarily.

Energy star certified dishwashers use at least 12 percent less energy and 15 percent less water than the conventional models. However, this may vary depending on the model and other factors.

These dishwashers utilize more efficient technologies that reduce both the energy consumption and water usage. For example, the design uses soil sensors that check the amount of dirt on the dishes.  An optimized cleaning cycle reduces the minimum amount of energy and water. In addition, there are more efficient water jets and a dish rack design that ensures efficient use of water and energy.

Energy Star dehumidifiers

Certified dehumidifiers use 15 percent less energy. They utilize more efficient compressors, refrigeration coils, and fans.

Washing machines

Energy star certified washing machines are usually 25 percent more energy efficient than their equivalent standard models. In addition, they use 40 percent less water. This results in the consumer saving water, as well as energy for both the washing machine and the water pump.

Clothes dryers

Certified dryers use at least 20 percent less energy than the standard models. The equipment utilizes more efficient technologies such as heat pumps. Moisture sensors automatically stop the drying cycle once the clothes are dry. This sensor-based drying machine is more efficient compared to thermostat or timed drying, which continues to consume energy even after clothes are dry.

Televisions qualify for energy star certification when they become at least 20 percent more efficient. Some models can reach up to 40% better efficiency than traditional models, while the set-top boxes can achieve up to 45 %. However, the amount of power used depends on the size of the TV screen, display technology, and resolution.

The home theater systems that are energy star certified are 60 percent more efficient. Certified battery chargers for small household appliances such as power tools, electric shavers, and cordless gadgets use 30 percent less energy.

Fixtures with less blue light emission have less of an effect on circadian rhythm and contribute less to glare, light trespass, and light pollution in the night sky. These warm white LED street lights emit from 17,000 to 23,700 lumens depending on the fixture, and they consume less than half the energy that an HID fixture would use. The durable LED lights have weatherproof die cast aluminum housings that are powder coated for rust resistance. Each fixture also comes with a removable cover for easy access to the driver. These street lights come with either an adjustable bracket or a mounting arm that’s designed to slip-fit onto round poles. All of the fixtures can be mounted onto the side of square and round poles with our Round-Mount and Square-Mount Fixed Arm Kits (sold separately). An attachment is also available for wall mounting.

here.

Adequate surge protection does not begin and end with point-of-use power strips. Multiple layers of protection are necessary to safeguard your sensitive appliances and electronic devices. You’ve invested a great deal of money in them - now you need to protect them.

Whole house surge protection, installed between street power lines and your home, or between your meter and breaker box, offer your appliances the protection they need against today’s common but unexpected spikes and surges. Diverting excess power to ground, these devices protect both your electronics and your wallet from the dangers of spikes and surges that could leave you with smoking gear and a hefty replacement bill.

Because a whole house surge protector cannot handle 100 percent of surges, you need backup. That’s where point-of-use surge protection devices with power conditioners come in. Installed at individual outlets in your home, these devices also shed excess voltage through ground in the event a spike or surge overcomes your whole house surge protector. They also have the added benefit of noise filtering. There are two types: less expensive models that are destroyed internally – but preserve your gear – in the event of a surge, and more expensive models that can handle all but the most extreme surges without destruction.

Have you ever been watching TV or listening to the radio when someone in an adjacent room operates a blender or vacuum? Oftentimes the result will be static on your TV or an annoying buzz emitting from speakers courtesy of “noise” transmitted through the electrical lines in your home. That’s where a power conditioner comes in.

Those cheap $20 power strips from your local retail store are not the same as a surge protector with a power conditioner. While cheaper, this is definitely an instance where you get what you pay for - a couple extra outlets and some minor surge protection. In the event of a major event, however, they can fail your appliances and sometimes catch fire. Premium, point-of-use surge protection with power conditioning not only adequately protects your appliances from surges, but also:

Protect your gear and run at peak performance with help from the perfect team. Have surge protection and power conditioning equipment installed in your home with the help of Mr. Electric® today.