Green shopping guide
For all the hype out there, it can be tough to figure out what really matters when it comes to buying greener products. Here’s a round-up of our expert advice on how to choose the most planet-friendly products for your home that also perform well and help you put more green in your pocket.
APPLIANCES AND FIXTURES
Altogether, appliances use up about 20 percent of your household energy. But because many modern appliances are more energy-efficient than their older counterparts, it can sometimes make sense to replace those old dinosaurs.
REFRIGERATORS
Look for the stingiest model. Refrigerators consume more energy than any major kitchen appliance, though today’s models are much more efficient than older ones. Those that are Energy Star-qualified use at least 20 percent less energy than current federal standards. What’s more, they’re about 40 percent more efficient than conventional models built before 2001, and 50 percent more efficient than those built before 1993. Over their lifetime, new units will generally save enough energy to offset their purchase price. You can compare energy-efficiency among models tested within categories with our Green Ratings.
Type makes a difference. Consumer Reports has found that on average, top- and bottom-freezer models cost less and have generally been more reliable than side-by-sides. They also tend to be slightly more energy-efficient, saving $5 to $20 per year in electricity usage. You’re likely to save even more with a smaller model.
Think twice about add-ons. Icemakers and dispensers increase energy usage by up to 20 percent. Plus, they can raise the sticker price by $75 to $250, and Consumer Reports surveys show that they increase the likelihood that your refrigerator will need repair.
DISHWASHERS
Look for an energy- and water-efficient model. Energy and water use vary greatly among dishwashers. Indeed, our tests have found that water usage can range from 3 ½ to 12 gallons a load. Energy costs to heat the water and run the machine can vary by up to $65 a year, depending on rates in your area. Over its lifetime, a more-efficient dishwasher could be a better buy than a less-efficient, lower-priced model. While Energy Star cites dishwashers that are 41 percent more energy-efficient than minimum government standards, we suggest using our energy-use scores in our Green Ratings, which are based on much dirtier loads.
Don’t get hung up on dirt sensors. Dirt sensors adjust the dishwasher’s water use and cycle time to the soil on the dishes. However, some sensors don’t distinguish well between slightly and very dirty dishes, increasing wash time and water use even if the load is only lightly soiled.
CLOTHES WASHERS
Look for an energy- and water-efficient model. Clothes washers are the second largest water hog in your home after toilets. Those manufactured today are at least 21 percent more efficient than their predecessors. To qualify for Energy Star, washers must be about 37 percent more efficient than standard models. We suggest using the energy Ratings from our tests because we give more weight to performance with maximum loads. As a result, some Energy Star models haven’t scored that well for energy efficiency in our Green Ratings.
Consider a front-loader for top performance and efficiency. Our tests show that the most efficient models can cut water consumption by up to 25 percent compared with the least efficient models tested. You’ll typically save $60 to $80 per year in energy, though you’ll have to wait years for those savings to pay off. And at $900 or more, these machines are not for every budget.
Bypass high-efficiency top-loaders. They’re as expensive as front-loaders, but usually not as efficient. Some models tangled or wrinkled clothing in our tests.
DRYERS
Insist on a moisture sensor. Consumer Reports has found that dryers with a moisture sensor can save energy because they tend to recognize when laundry is dry and shut the machine off more quickly than machines that use a traditional thermostat. Your clothes will also suffer less wear from tumbling in the dryer. Sensors are now offered on many dryers.
Consider gas, if you have that option. Both gas and electric dryers perform comparably, our years of testing show. But gas dryers are generally cheaper to run and have a lower environmental impact, contributing about 60 percent less carbon dioxide. Gas dryers cost about $50 more than comparable electric models, but the savings in fuel costs should more than make up the difference. To compare dryer performance, visit our Green Ratings.
SHOWERHEADS
Go for low-flow. Replacing an old showerhead with a modern low-flow head could save both water and the energy required to heat it. Some showerheads manufactured before 1992 used more than twice the water vs. low-flow showerheads made today, which can’t exceed 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). For maximum water efficiency, select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gpm.
Skip multiple water jets. Theoretically, each jet can spray 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm), so five jets could use up to 12.5 gpm. Not only would that require extra water and the energy needed to heat it (which could require a larger, or dedicated hot water heater) the volume could swamp a septic system, and weak pressure would make the experience less of a blast than you might like.
LIGHTING
Replace your bulbs with CFLs. An average household dedicates 11 percent of its energy budget to lighting, and it’s one of the easiest places to start saving energy. Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) use around 75 percent less energy and some claim to last up to 10 times longer than their incandescent cousins. Look for Energy Star-qualified CFLs because they have to meet tough standards for energy-use, brightness, color, and bulb life. While pricier at the store, our tests confirm that each CFL will save you about $5 a year in electricity costs over a regular bulb. Beware that CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, and should be recycled at the end of their life. Check the Environmental Protection Agency for recycling options in your area. For expert advice on how to choose CFLs, visit our latest report, Fluorescent lightbulbs: New twists in savings. (full report available to subscribers).
HEATING AND COOLING
Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and therefore drains more dollars than any other system in your home. Typically, 45 percent of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling. So before buying a new furnace or air conditioning system, check to see if your home is appropriately sealed and insulated. By doing so, you may be able to choose a smaller unit, meaning a lower purchase price now and reduced utility bills for years to come.
ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS
Choose an energy-efficient model. The efficiency of room air conditioners is measured by the energy efficiency ratio (EER). The higher the EER, the more efficient the unit. A new unit with an EER of 10.7 is about 33 percent more efficient than an older one with an EER of 8, the minimum standard before late 2000. Look for an air conditioner with an EER of at least 10. Energy Star-qualified room air conditioners use at least 10 percent less energy than conventional models. To compare EER scores across models, check our Green Ratings.
Size it right. Using an air conditioner that’s too big can actually perform less efficiently and effectively than a smaller, correctly-sized unit. To help you figure out how much cooling capacity you need, Consumer Reports offers a sizing and energy calculator adapted from the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers. Try out the calculator.
Look for additional efficient-use features. An automated thermostat and timer on a room unit will let you set the temperature you want and program the machine to turn on automatically just before you get home from work or errands. Some models also have variable speed fans, giving you more options to save energy and money.
FURNACES
Consider an energy-efficient model. If you’re looking to replace your old furnace, be sure that a new one would offer significantly more energy-efficiency. Because new furnaces are pricey, in general, Consumer Reports has found that increased efficiency is not usually an economically valid reason to buy a new one. The payback period has been too long, though that period will shorten as fuel prices rise. The efficiency of new furnaces is measured by the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE); the higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace. Today’s furnaces are required to have at least a 78 percent AFUE. Energy Star-qualified furnaces must have an AFUE of 90 percent or higher, and some models on the market today exceed that.
Match efficiency to your climate. If you live in a cold climate, it usually makes sense to invest in the highest-efficiency system. In milder climates with lower annual heating costs, the extra investment required to go from 80 percent to 90 or 95 percent AFUE may be hard to justify. Generally speaking, greater fuel efficiency comes at a price: A furnace with a 90 percent AFUE can cost about $1,000 more than a similarly sized unit with an 80 percent AFUE.
PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS
Some make saving easier. A programmable thermostat can help you cut energy costs as much as 20 percent by automatically raising or lowering temperatures at night and when you’re away. But confusing controls on some can easily negate those savings. Be sure to choose a model that scored highly in our tests of programming ease by checking our latest report, Thermostats: Some make saving easier (full report available to subscribers).
CLEANING PRODUCTS
Greener cleaners can be safer alternatives to conventional brands that may contain chemicals that can pollute indoor air, irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and harm the environment. Many ingredients in regular cleaners are also made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. It can be a challenge to avoid certain ingredients, however, because manufacturers aren’t required to list all ingredients on product labels.
Look for phosphate-free automatic dishwasher detergent. Phosphates help boost the cleaning power of detergents, but they can also harm the environment by encouraging algae growth in freshwater, threatening aquatic wildlife. Some detergents now contain enzymes instead of phosphates, though sometimes both are used in combination. Our tests have found that phosphate-free detergents with enzymes can perform very well—they rated good to excellent. If present, enzymes are usually, but not always listed on the container. To compare dishwasher detergent performance, check our Green Ratings.
Avoid NPEs in laundry detergents. Nonylphenol ethoxylates, also known as NPEs, are recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency as toxic to aquatic plants and animals. Some detergents still contain those chemicals because they cost less. But in our tests, the performance of NPE-free detergents was rated very good to excellent. To find NPE-free detergents that performed well, check our Green Ratings.
Beware of antibacterials. They are used in a variety of products, including dishwashing liquids and multipurpose cleaners, but they might cause skin and eye irritation. Overuse of antibacterial products might also contribute to the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Consider concentrates and multipurpose products. Both will help to cut down on waste and free up storage space.
YARD AND GARDEN
Today’s gas-powered lawn mowers and tractors generate more than 70 percent less exhaust emissions than they did in 1995. But the average walk-behind mower still produces 11 times more emissions per hour than cars or trucks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Here are tips on finding less polluting equipment.
Consider a corded or even a cordless electric mower. Both offer push-button starting and quieter running, creating no exhaust emissions, and require no tune-ups. The best corded models perform as well as some gas mowers, though they’re best for small flat lawns. Better batteries have also helped cordless electric models run some 45 minutes per charge—far longer than earlier models—though they’re still best for lighter-duty mowing. Compare corded and cordless mower performance in our Green Ratings.
Also consider manual-reel mowers for very small lawns. While they’re truly the greenest of all mowers, cutting performance hasn’t matched rotary mowers in our tests.
Get a mower that can mulch as it mows. Not only does this decrease the amount of clippings that end up in landfills, but it’s more convenient than emptying a bag and also provides natural fertilizer for your lawn.
If you opt for a gas-powered mower, check the emissions standards. Make sure it meets the latest federal standards and the more stringent California emission requirements. Federal regulations have cut smog-forming gasses in recent years, and will continue to get more stringent over time. However, a dealer’s inventory could be several years old, so not every model you see for sale many meet the current standards. A label on the mower should indicate the standards it is certified as meeting.
Consider plug-ins for trimmers and power blowers. The top corded electrics in these categories outscored most tested gas models and also cost and weigh less. They also free you from fueling, pull-starting and periodic tune-ups. Corded string trimmers have become more competent recently. Keep in mind that cordless hedge trimmers lack the power for all but the lightest-duty trimming. Get the latest hedge trimmer, string trimmer, and power blower reports. (full reports available to subscribers).
ELECTRONICS
Consumer electronics play an increasingly large role in home energy consumption, accounting for about 5 percent of energy use. And believe it or not, about 40 percent of that electricity is consumed while the products are turned off.
Consider energy savings. Today almost all computers on the market meet the government’s earlier voluntary Energy Star requirements, which only measured energy usage when turned off. The latest guidelines, effective in July 2007, include operating power, but only about 25 percent of computers on the market meet that requirement. Relying on our Green Ratings will give you an edge because we test for operating power. Also note that laptops use much less energy than desktops.
Go with an LCD monitor. Whether you’re looking for a new monitor to go with your old computer or you’re also buying a new computer, an LCD model is the best choice. It uses half as much energy as a comparably-sized CRT and contains much less lead. The LCD monitor’s flat-screen design will also take up considerably less room on your desk. One downside is that and LCD may cost you more, although prices continue to fall. Get the latest expert advice and ratings on LCD TVs. (full report available to subscribers).
Find out whether a manufacturer has a recycling program. Electronic equipment contains toxic chemicals that can pose health and environmental risks when disposed, particularly in landfills where toxins may leak into the soil and ground water. Some companies offer programs in which they’ll take back computer equipment for recycling and reuse. To compare manufacturer recycling programs, visit our Electronics Reuse & Recycling Center.
Think smaller. The larger the screen, the more power a TV consumes when it’s turned on in active mode. The type of TV can also make a difference: LCD televisions draw less power than CRT or plasma screens, assuming the same screen size. Note that the Energy Star label for TVs doesn’t currently take operating power into account. Instead, TVs earn the label because they draw only a small amount of power when not in use, in standby mode. Nearly all TVs on the market meet that standard. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, new Energy Star standards that take operating power into account will be finalized in November 2008.
Consider rechargeables for digital cameras. It’s greener (and cheaper) to use rechargeable AA batteries rather than alkaline or lithium.
CARS
High gasoline prices have sparked a lot of interest in vehicles that can stretch fuel dollars. Concern about air pollution, carbon- dioxide emissions, and U.S. dependence on imported oil is also driving research into fuels and technologies that don’t rely on petroleum. The good news is that automakers and other researchers have been working on a variety of alternatives to conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles. But the reality is that only hybrids and “clean diesels” promise to be practical alternatives in the near future.
Consider the most fuel-efficient vehicle in your preferred category. You can save hundreds of dollars annually by simply comparing fuel-economy results before buying. Also, the more fuel-efficient the car, the lower the emissions will typically be.
Weigh the benefits and costs of hybrids. For years, hybrid cars have demonstrated above-average reliability, according to the Consumer Reports Annual Auto Survey. In our tests, they have gotten the best fuel economy in their respective classes. But they are typically priced thousands of dollars higher than similar all-gas models. And even though hybrids go farther on a gallon of gas, you aren’t necessarily assured of a payback, according to our analysis.
Consider the pros and cons of a diesel. Diesel cars typically get about 30 percent better fuel economy than similar gasoline-powered cars. But they also emit more nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (soot). A new blend of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, which is slated to be in all U.S. diesel pumps by December of 2010, is expected to pave the way for new, cleaner burning diesel vehicles that will significantly reduce NOx and soot. While new passenger car diesels must be fueled with the new cleaner diesel fuel, the new fuel will also work with existing diesel engines, which can be retrofitted with traps.
Consider a stick. Our engineers found that the manual transmissions in six small cars we tested provided about a 10 percent improvement in both acceleration and fuel economy. So if you’re looking for a small car and do most of your driving on the highway (or don’t mind the clutch in stop-and-go traffic), a manual transmission may be the way to go.
Be leery of the fuel economy number on a car sticker. Starting with 2008 models, the government has updated its methods to reflect more accurate fuel economy. However, while the new overall mpg ratings are much closer to the results for our testing, there are still discrepancies between the Environmental Protection Agency’s lab-generated results and the mileage we got from driving the cars on the roads. For our real-world fuel-economy results, check our Green Ratings.
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