We understand shopping for home or business appliances can be overwhelming. From navigating factory warranties and price checking to reading reviews and considering product features, deciding on new appliances is no simple task.

You may see energy efficiency as just another sticker on a product. However, energy efficiency isn’t just a marketing ploy. Energy-efficient appliances can save you money and are a smart environmental choice.  

At UGI Energy Services, we believe in educating our customers on energy efficiency to help reduce their energy costs. So, whether you're upgrading your kitchen, laundry room, or home heating system, here are four tips to help in selecting your next appliances that can make a big difference in your energy savings.

Tip 1: Look for the ENERGY STAR® Certification

Shopping for appliances can feel hard to navigate. However, you can be confident that when it comes to energy efficiency, an ENERGY STAR® certification can be trusted and comes with numerous benefits.

• Appliances with the ENERGY STAR® label meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• ENERGY STAR® certified products help you save energy without sacrificing features or functionality.
• On average, certified products use 10-50% less energy than standard models.

Tip 2: Understand EnergyGuide Labels

The yellow EnergyGuide label may seem confusing, but it provides estimated annual energy consumption, operating costs, and more information designed to aid you when shopping for energy-efficient appliances. Here’s a breakdown of what the various numbers, statistics, and boxes mean:

• Labels contain estimated operating costs and energy use based on typical use and the national average price for energy.
• Information about these calculations can be found at the bottom of the label, explaining how the guide reached its conclusions at the time of guide issuance.
• An ENERGY STAR® certification can also be located at the bottom of some EnergyGuide labels if the product meets the required standards.
• You can compare the EnergyGuide on various models to see which offers the best efficiency for your needs.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, not all appliances have EnergyGuide Labels. The appliances with EnergyGuides include boilers, ceiling fans, central air conditioners, clothes washers, dishwashers, freezers, furnaces, heat pumps, pool heaters, refrigerators, televisions, water heaters, and room and portable air conditioners.

Tip 3: Consider These Top Energy-Efficient Appliances

If you need to invest in several new appliances at once, consider these appliances first, as they are generally easier to shop for and offer more energy-efficient options.

1. Refrigerators

• Look for bottom-freezer models (they’re more efficient than side-by-side designs).
• Choose the right size — overcapacity fridges waste energy.
• Opt for models with vacuum insulation panels for better temperature retention.

2. Washing Machines

• Front-load washers use less water and energy than top-loaders.
• Look for high spin speeds to reduce drying time.
• Cold-water wash cycles can save up to 90% of the energy used for heating water.

3. Dishwashers

• ENERGY STAR® dishwashers use about 2-3.2 gallons per cycle, compared to older models that use considerably more water. Remember that saving water also saves energy.
• Soil sensors adjust water use based on how dirty the dishes are.

4. HVAC Systems

• Variable-speed air handlers and smart thermostats improve efficiency.
• SEER ratings (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) should be no less than 14 SEER for residential systems in the northern part of the U.S. and 15 SEER in the southern part of the U.S.

Tip 4: Invest in Technology Like Smart Features and Sensors

Consider purchasing energy-efficient appliances with auto-shutoff, load sensing, or eco-modes that optimize energy use.

The latest smart appliances can be controlled remotely, such as from your phone, to avoid unnecessary operation. While seemingly superfluous, these features can prove convenient when you’re on the go and provide peace of mind by maximizing the energy-efficient capabilities of your appliances.

Why Energy-Efficient Appliances Matter

Energy-efficient appliances consume less electricity or gas while delivering the same (or better) performance as standard models. The benefits include:

• Lower utility bills. Reduced energy consumption means lower monthly costs.
• Long-term savings. While some energy-efficient models have a higher upfront cost, they pay for themselves over time.
• Improved performance. Many energy-saving appliances on the market today offer advanced features for better functionality.

UGI Makes Energy Easy

At UGI Energy Services, we’re committed to helping our customers save energy in a way that’s easy to understand. Our energy experts are ready to help you by explaining our wide array of services, from liquefied natural gas (LNG) to midstream services in the northeast U.S.

Let us do the hard part for you; with vetted research and an understanding of energy markets, partnering with UGIES bypasses the hassle of shopping for energy-efficient solutions alone. Request a quote today and see how much you can save.