Lindahl Construction Group

One of the benefits of building a brand new home is that you have the opportunity to install state-of-the-art appliances. The latest refrigerators, washer/dryers and dishwashers are not only sleek, aesthetically pleasing and full of advanced features, but they also offer unparalleled energy efficiency.

So not only will your new kitchen be beautiful, but it will conserve energy and save you thousands of dollars over its lifespan.

Here is some important information about the most efficient appliances available for your new home. 

How to Choose Efficient Appliances

The ENERGY STAR program was developed in 1992. The measure was aimed at allowing an industry to create ways to reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency – without government regulation.

Appliance companies joined home builders and car manufacturers in stepping up their efforts to create and promote more energy efficient products. The result has been improved energy efficiency and is estimated to have saved consumers upwards of $300 billion on their utility bills.

To be ENERGY STAR rated, a product or a building must have energy performance among the top 25% of all products or buildings of its type.

Washers & Dryers: Energy Star washers must be at least 30 percent more efficient than standard units. As a comparison, a standard model may use more than 400 kilowatt-hours of electricity and 12,000 gallons of water annually, while many Energy Star washers use less than 200 kilowatt-hours and 7,000 gallons annually.

Clothes dryers are not rated by Energy Star, but dryers which offer moisture sensors, air-dry options and cool down cycles use somewhat less energy and will be kinder to your clothing.

Dishwashers: Contrary to popular belief, dishwashers are a great way to save water – the appliance uses far less water to effectively clean dishes than washing by hand.  An Energy Star dishwasher uses no more than 5 gallons of water a cycle, while standard dishwasher uses approximately 6.5 gallons – both helping with water conservation.

Refrigerators:  Manufacturers have made progress in greatly improving refrigerator efficiency over the last 20 years. Given that a refrigerator’s life can be up to 15 years, many people are still using an appliance which may be 30-60 percent less efficient than a new replacement.

The good news for those buying a new home? You are likely getting the most energy- efficient refrigerator you have ever owned.

Related: What is the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index?

The HERS Index measures a home’s energy efficiency. A relative performance score is assigned to a home. The lower the score, the more affordable, comfortable and energy efficient the home is.

The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that a standard new home is awarded a rating of 100.

A home with a HERS Index Score of 70 is 30% more energy efficient than a standard new home, while a home with a HERS Index Score of 130 is 30% less energy efficient than a standard new home.

Did You Know? Lindahl Construction knows that energy efficiency – including energy efficient appliances – is important to those building a new home. We are committed to building Longboat Key homes with the constant goal of continually lowering our average HERS score.