Energy-efficient appliances & products Energy-efficient appliances & products Energy-efficient appliances & products

Energy-efficient appliances & products

Energy-efficient appliances & products Energy-efficient appliances & products

Energy-efficient appliances & products

Optimize your home's energy efficiency by updating your home appliances.

Learn how the right appliances and projects can help transform your home’s energy consumption.
While some of these changes could require an upfront financial investment, you’re more likely to save energy and money in the long run.

Energy-efficient home appliances

In addition to heating, cooling, lighting, and hot water, appliances consume a large amount of energy in the home. To have the most energy-efficient home possible, you need to go beyond the proper use of appliances (e.g., turning off, unplugging, and regularly cleaning). 

In some cases, you must replace outdated appliances to see actual improvements. Older models can be highly inefficient compared to modern ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances.

Learn about the best options available, including tips on how to get the most from your new machines.1 And if your home has gas hookups, Consumer Affairs reports that having all gas appliances can take 30% off your electricity bill.2 

Father and Son doing Laundry
Father and Son doing Laundry
Father and Son doing Laundry

Clothes dryer

Clothes dryers consume massive amounts of energy compared to other appliances, but most ENERGY STAR-certified models are guaranteed to use less energy than conventional dryers, sometimes by as much as 20%.3

  • Contemporary dryers use sensor drying through moisture-sensitive controls.
  • When the dryer senses that your clothes are dry, it will stop automatically.
  • This is much more efficient than timed drying.
  • Dryers without sensor technology simply run until the timer reaches the end of the cycle.
  • Use low heat settings to maximize your dryer’s energy efficiency.

To look up dryer models according to annual energy use and a variety of other factors, use the ENERGY STAR product finder or view ENERGY STAR's most efficient clothes dryer.

Folding laundry
Folding laundry
Folding laundry

Washing machine

Clothes washers are another energy guzzler you might want to replace if you have an older model, specifically a top loader, which is much less efficient than a front loader. Washing machines built before 2003 are known to be especially inefficient and could be costing you around $190 per year on average to hold onto.4

ENERGY STAR-rated clothes washers use “25% less energy and approximately 33% less water than standard models.”4 

View ENERGY STAR most efficient clothes washer ›

Dishwasher

Dishwashers do not drain your energy as much as other appliances, but if you want an energy-efficient home, you need a modern dishwasher.

First, consider the water usage of your dishwasher. 

  • Contemporary dishwashers have technologies that maximize water usage.
  • Most have soil sensors that detect how dirty your dishes are and how much water and heat are needed.
  • Many also have clean-water rinse cycles, efficient spray jets and strategic dish rack designs so that every dish gets a complete cleaning.5

Next, think about the dishwasher size.

  • If you wash dishes by hand or you simply don't use very many dishes, you can probably purchase a smaller dishwasher. 
  • Countertop-sized dishwashers exist for people who might lack space for a full dishwasher or renters who want a dishwasher they can move to their next home. 
  • If your dishwasher is too small, you could run it more often, reducing your overall savings.

Choose one with several washing options and then use those options.

  • A lighter wash whenever possible can help cut down on water and electricity costs. 
  • Don't use the heated dry option. 
  • Your dishes don't need it, and it can rack up energy costs with little to no benefit to you.

View ENERGY STAR most efficient dishwashers ›

Little girl near freezer
Little girl near freezer
Little girl near freezer

Refrigerators

Refrigerators, especially outdated ones, are notoriously inefficient. If your fridge is more than 10 years old, you should upgrade. ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerators are around 9% more energy-efficient than standard models and can help you save a pretty penny over the next few years.6

  • Choose the right size for your home.
  • Opt for a model with the freezer on top. 
  • They tend to be more energy efficient than models with bottom freezers or side-by-side refrigerators and freezers.

View ENERGY STAR most efficient refrigerators ›

Water heaters

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heaters are the second largest consumer of electricity after HVAC systems.7 As with most appliances, the older your water heater is, the more likely it is to be inefficient.

Not only are modern water heaters incredibly efficient, but today, technologically advanced water heaters take energy efficiency to another level. This includes solar water heaters and whole-home tankless water heaters. 

Person washing face in sink
Person washing face in sink
Person washing face in sink

Electric and gas water heaters

If you choose the right model, traditional electric and gas water heaters are still very efficient. If you have a larger family, you can save even more and quickly recoup the initial cost of a new water heater.

Also, electric water heaters can be less expensive up front than gas water heaters, but the cost of gas can be less than that of electricity. If you can choose between the two, consider your gas and electric bills, the efficiency features, and the up-front cost of the water heater.

Tankless water heaters

Tankless water heaters, often referred to as on-demand, offer an alternative to traditional water heaters. This technology relies on a water reservoir that supplies hot water around a home as needed. The difference is that tankless water heaters only heat water once a hot water tap is turned on.

Homeowners must account for the following:

  • There is no standby energy loss, helping you save energy and money. 
  • Since water is heated on demand, the amount of hot water available is limited by a flow rate. 
  • Gas tankless water heaters generally have a higher flow rate than electric.

If you have a large household, even a gas tankless water heater can have trouble keeping up with demand.8 However, if you have relatively low hot water needs, a tankless water heater can be 24%-34% more efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.8 They can also be 8%-14% more efficient for households that use a lot of water.

Ultimately, tankless water heaters can be more expensive up front, but they can have lower maintenance and energy needs.8

SOURCE: Energy Star via U.S. Department of Energy

Home automation

The last step in revamping your home's energy efficiency is home automation. These features can help you control all the systems in your house, from lights to thermostats to appliances, in the most efficient way possible. The possibilities are endless, so let's look at some of the better tools on the market.

Smart appliances

Woman using phone

With the “internet of things” allowing different systems and appliances to communicate and send and receive data, one day, your thermostat could tell your HVAC to deliver a cool burst of air when your kitchen appliances say you are cooking. For now, many smart appliances are still on the cusp of innovation.

There are currently available options worth considering and exploring, such as smart refrigerators with sensitive temperature controls or ovens that shut off as soon as your food is done. As with most smart tools and home automation products, the upfront cost can be high, but they provide the ultimate in-home energy efficiency.

Smart thermostats

Home heating and cooling are the biggest part of your energy bill. Smart thermostats help regulate these systems so they only run when needed and aren’t overworked.

For instance, you can have the thermostat drop off while you’re away at work and then start up again so that your home is comfortable as soon as you walk in the door. Many thermostats let you control these systems remotely through an app, so you can turn down and monitor the systems when you’re away from home.

Higher-end thermostats will even learn your behaviors. This prevents you from constantly tinkering with the temperature, causing systems to be overworked or run unnecessarily.

House lamp
House lamp
House lamp

Automated lighting

Automated lighting isn't entirely new, but the options now provided by modern technology are nearly endless. Traditionally, lighting controls came in the form of dimmers and timers, and these are still great alternatives to running bright lights nonstop.

But today, home automation tools help you control every light in your home, no matter where you are.

  • Photo sensors outdoors can help ensure that exterior lights aren’t on unnecessarily. 
  • Wireless devices let you control your lights directly from your phone.
  • You never have to leave the lights on where they are not needed. 
  • Invest in smart plugs so that you can control devices from anywhere and program them to turn on and off at designated times.

A few tweaks will go a long way.9

Solar

Solar power is a great way to offset your energy usage while doing something good for the environment. Solar panels collect the sun’s rays and convert it into electricity for your home. Here are just a few of the ways you can implement solar around your home.

Rooftop solar panels

House with solar panels

Solar panels have gotten more popular in recent years, and with good reason. As hardware and material costs have decreased, it has become easier and more feasible for people to install solar panels on their homes. 

While installing solar panels can be quite expensive, the investment can be lowered in many ways, including government rebates and leasing options. Even accounting for the upfront costs, the potential for lower electricity bills can net you long-term savings.

If you’re an existing Reliant customer with solar panels on your roof, check out the Reliant Solar Payback Plus plan. You can sell the surplus energy your panels generate back to the electric grid, saving you even more.

For more information on what solar power and solar energy can do for your home, visit the solar section of the Reliant website.

Solar Screens

House with solar screens

Heating and cooling account for the majority of your home’s electricity consumption. An easy and affordable way to help cut down on your HVAC costs without compromising comfort is with solar screens.

Solar screens operate similarly to screen doors, but instead of keeping bugs out, they keep heat out. They also reduce glare and block UV rays that can cause fading of carpet, paint and furniture.

Solar screens can be placed on the inside or outside of your windows and doors. The price can vary drastically, depending on whether you purchase a fixed panel or motorized solar shades.10 If you can only afford to install them on a few windows at time, do the east- and west-facing windows first, then south windows.11

Outdoor solar light
Outdoor solar light
Outdoor solar light

Solar outdoor lights

Lighting accounts for roughly 10% of your electricity bill. Switching to solar lights is a great way to lower your electricity costs while brightening up the outside of your home.

Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, outdoor solar lights come in many styles and sizes, including landscape lighting, flood and motion lights for security, porch lights and even string lights. Best of all, solar lighting is eco- and budget-friendly.

Solar lights are easy to install and maintain. You never have to worry about remembering or forgetting to turn your solar lights on or off. Mother Nature has it handled.

Terms, conditions and other restrictions

1Products identified on this page are provided by companies other than Reliant and/or its parent company, NRG Energy, Inc. All questions or complaints concerning these products should be directed to their respective manufacturer. Neither Reliant nor its parent company, NRG Energy, Inc., is in any way affiliated with these manufacturers, and makes no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to the products or services of these companies. 

2 https://www.consumeraffairs.com/homeowners/gas-vs-electric-appliances.html

3https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/clothes_dryers

4https://www.energystar.gov/products/appliances/clothes_washers

5https://www.energystar.gov/products/dishwashers

6 https://www.energystar.gov/products/refrigerators

7 https://www.energy.gov/cmei/buildings/articles/heat-pump-water-heaters-achieve-significant-peak-reduction-and-energy

8 https://www.energystar.gov/products/whole_home_tankless_gas_water_heaters/benefits-savings

9 https://www.energystar.gov/products/decorative_light_strings

10https://www.efficientwindowcoverings.org/understanding-window-coverings/exterior-solar-screen 

11https://www.abchomeandcommercial.com/blog/how-energy-efficient-are-solar-screens/

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