Residential homes have changed a lot over the last few years. Today’s homes are packed with the type of technology that, while making life more entertaining and easy, can drive household energy bills through the roof. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) states that the average household has around 24 electronic devices. And, consumer electronic products account for nearly 15% of the household bill. However, by investing in ENERGY STAR® qualified electronics, you could save significantly on your electricity bills.
1. Audio and Video
On average, ENERGY STAR models are 60% more energy efficient than standard ones. For example, ENERGY STAR qualified Blu-ray players are 45% more energy efficient than their conventional counterparts. The range of ENERGY STAR qualified audio/video products includes:
- Home theater systems
- Sound bars
- MP3 speaker docks
- Audio amplifiers
- AV receivers
- Blu-ray players
- DVD players
2. Televisions
Nearly every household has at least one television. Again, it’s worth your while to invest in ENERGY STAR qualified models. They are, on average, 25% more energy efficient than their basic counterpart, and many incorporate the latest technology including 3D and LED backlighting. By combining an ENERGY STAR qualified TV with an ENERGY STAR blu-ray player, DVD player, audio system and home theater, you could save more than $200 over the lifetime of those products. If every household in the U.S. did this, we could prevent more than 2.2 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions every year.
3. Cable and Set-top Boxes
Many American households watch TV via cable, satellite or an IP device. Again, these devices draw quite a bit of power so it’s worth investing in an ENERGY STAR qualified version. On average, ENERGY STAR qualified set-top boxes are 45% more energy efficient than conventional models. If all the set-top boxes in the U.S. were ENERGY STAR qualified, the resulting energy cost savings would be in the neighborhood of around $3 billion per year, while the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be equivalent to the emissions of about 3 million cars.
4. Cordless Phones
Cordless phones have become more and more popular over the years. By choosing an ENERGY STAR qualified model, you could save significantly on your costs. ENERGY STAR cordless phones, answering machines, and combination units use about half the energy of non-qualified versions by incorporating improved energy performance features such as switch-mode power supplies and “smart” chargers.
5. Computers
ENERGY STAR qualified computers have to meet stringent energy consumption requirements in order to earn the qualification. For example, ENERGY STAR qualified computers must have efficient internal or external power supplies in order to ensure energy savings when being used and performing tasks. In addition, ENERGY STAR power management features put computers into a low power “sleep mode” after a certain period of inactivity. If all the computers sold in the U.S. were ENERGY STAR qualified, it would save over $1 billion in annual energy costs per year.
ENERGY STAR qualified electronic products come in a wide variety of models and offer the latest in available technology. Look for the ENERGY STAR sticker the next time you’re looking for new electronics.