The availability of energy efficient appliances, such as those certified by the well-known program, Energy Star, seem to be motivating consumers to purchase and install a new generation of home and office appliances.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) recently completed an analysis that measured the amount of appliance shipments to retailers throughout 2007. Appliances featured in the study included refrigerators, dishwaters, washers and dryers. The analysis was conducted to gain an understanding of consumer buying habits and ascertain whether a measurable trend toward energy efficiency could be observed.

Overall, the analysis indicated that 55 percent of the documented shipments were appliances that are part of the Energy Star program.

Energy Star is a certification program sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy “helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices” (Energy Star). The program qualifies appliances that use the newest technology to reduce energy and water consumption trimming the amount of resources needed to power homes and offices.

AHAM’s report also found the following statistics about efficient appliances:

• 43 percent of energy consumption since 2000 has been generated by refrigerators, dishwashers and washers.
• From 2000-2007, energy consumption from washers decreased by 63 percent even though the carrying capacity of washers has increased 8 percent.
• From 2000-2007, energy consumption from dishwashers and refrigerators has decreased by 30 percent.

Reducing the amount of energy needed to power home and office appliances creates a nice greenhouse gas emission reduction. AHAM estimates that “the energy savings realized in 2007 shipments of refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers would offset the CO2 emissions of more than 698 million gallons of gasoline consumed or the annual CO2 emissions from 1.3 coal fired power plants."

Through consumer education programs, efficient appliances are leaving shelves just as efficiently as they use electricity. Consumers are eager to save money and do something sustainable for the environment.