When should you buy new appliances?
(contributed by John Rogers; email: jrogers@email.unc.edu)
Reducing energy consumption clearly improves the environment. By using less fossil fuel, we release less carbon dioxide and other aerosols into the atmosphere. By using less nuclear power, we relieve the pressure to manage radioactive waste. Here is a suggestion for reducing energy consumption, that not only makes good economic sense but also leads to reduction of a dangerous aerosol not generated by burning coal and oil.
Under the impression that they are saving money, most people keep refrigerators and other home appliances until they are so old and worn out that they are not worth repairing. Because of the improvement in energy efficiency of many appliances during the past 20 years, however, this may not be a cost-effective policy. The U.S. government has established standards for new appliances that require them to use less energy, in some cases only half as much, as the same appliances built 20 years ago. Those appliances that exceed the government standards are given an "Energy Star" label (see the website www.energystar.gov).
What this means for individuals is that it might be cheaper to replace an old appliance now than to wait until it gives out. For example, with home electric costs at about 7 cents per kilowatt-hour, old refrigerators use about $120 of electricity per year. New ones of comparable size, however, may use less than $50, for an annual savings of about $70. Over 10 years, this reduction in electric bills, plus the savings on repairs of old machines, might justify buying a new refrigerator now.
The environmental benefit of a new refrigerator is not only the reduction in energy consumption, but also the change from a coolant fluid that is harmful to the atmosphere to one that poses little danger. Old cooling systems (refrigerators and air conditioners), commonly use a gas known as freon, which is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) whose escape into the atmosphere has been largely responsible for a reduction in the upper-atmosphere ozone shield that protects the earth from ultraviolet radiation. New cooling systems, however, use a hydrochloroflurocarbon (HCFC) that has virtually no effect on ozone and can be employed safely.
Naturally, the decision to buy new appliances now or wait depends on individual family finances, but we suggest that part of the decision should be based on energy efficiency.