Which Appliances' Replacement will Bring the Highest Energy Savings?

When it comes to energy savings, few things will make as immediate of an impact as switching a home appliance or two. This can easily be done without much expertise, but homeowners may be reluctant to do so simply because there is often a high acquisition cost for the equipment. However, for those who are able to afford that initial cost, the benefits could be well worth it. Determining which home appliance will best convert to energy savings does not have a stock answer. Rather, the answer will likely depend on which home appliance is the oldest or the least efficient, given the conditions under which it is being used. Typically, while going from any old appliance to a new one will save energy, some will do a better job than others as producing those energy savings. An energy audit, often offered by a local power or gas utility, may produce some suggestions as to which home appliance may need replaced. All else being equal, in most homes the appliance with the greatest and most ...  more