Potential energy savings with ENERGY STAR

Potential energy savings with ENERGY STAR image
*Based on average household appliance energy consumption in 2003

EnerGuide and the Environment

Many electrical utilities across Canada burn fossil fuels – such as oil, coal and natural gas - to produce energy. The combustion of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the global problem of climate change.

By choosing energy-efficient appliances, you help the environment by cutting emissions that contribute to climate change. After all, the less energy we use, the less energy will be generated – and fewer pollutants released.

Smarter consumers, more energy-efficient appliances

As the following table shows, over the past two decades, appliance manufacturers have made significant improvements to the energy efficiency of their appliances. For example, on average, today's refrigerators and freezers use at least 60 percent less energy than those built in 1984; dishwashers use at least 50 percent less.

In part, these improvements are a result of energy efficiency regulations in Canada and the influence of initiatives such as EnerGuide. But these improvements are also due to the efforts of consumers like you. By demanding efficient and environmentally friendly choices, you create a market in which manufacturers apply technology and innovation to continuously improve energy performance.

Use the EnerGuide label as you shop for your new appliance – you will save money, contribute to long-term environmental sustainability and promote a better quality of life in your community.

Average annual energy consumption of new major appliances (in kWh/year)1

  1984 1990 1997 1999 2003
Refrigerators
Top-mounted
(16.5-18.4 cu. ft.)		 1457 1044 664 664 470
ENERGY STAR® qualified – – – – 435
Dishwashers
Standard 1213 1026 649 640 524
ENERGY STAR qualified – – – – 452
 
Clothes washers
Top-loading 1243 1218 930 860 708
ENERGY STAR qualified – – – – 296
Clothes dryers
Standard 1214 1103 887 908 914
Compact – – – – 398*
 
Freezers
Standard chest 813 714 376 383 369
 
Ranges (30-inch)
Self-cleaning 790 727 759 742 691
Non-self-cleaning – 786 780 770 752
Source: National Energy Use Database (NEUD), Natural Resources Canada.
1Based on year of manufacture.
*Not a weighted average

EnerGuide for New Houses

If you are planning on building a new home, call an EnerGuide for New Houses advisor to have your house plans evaluated before the house is built. For a fee, the advisor will work with your builder to develop energy-saving upgrade packages that can be included in your new home. You can learn more about EnerGuide for New Houses by visiting the Web site at energuidefornewhouses.gc.ca or by calling 1-800-387-2000 toll-free (in Ottawa, call 613-995-2943).