My apartment in Tampa has energy star appliances, what are they and what difference does it make?

My apartment in Tampa has energy star appliances, what are they and what difference does it make?

Many apartments in Tampa boast the use of energy star appliances. But, what does that mean? Energy star appliances are qualified appliances that incorporate cutting-edge technologies and use up to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances. This is a government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. From refrigerators to clothes washers, energy star appliances save energy, save money, and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants at the source. Many of the best apartments in Tampa offer this green feature.

Apartments with energy star appliances offer many benefits to their residents. Appliances account for nearly a quarter of the average renter's energy use. Since these types of appliances use less energy, they will ultimately lower your bill. The progressive technologies behind any energy-efficient appliances often include quality components surpassing those found in standard appliances. These can result in fewer mechanical problems, longer equipment life, and in many cases extended warranties. In the event that your energy star appliance does breakdown, call your emergency maintenance team. Another benefit to energy star appliances is improved performance and features. Energy star qualified appliances often outperform standard appliances due to upgraded design and innovative technologies. For instance, some appliances include features that decrease operating noise as well as reduced water use.

In addition to having energy star appliances in your home, there are steps you can take to use less energy and save money! Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer's recommendations on water temperature; many have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater in your home to a lower temperature (120° F).Be sure your dishwasher is full, not overloaded, when you run it. Running your dishwasher erroneously will cost you money because of the extra energy and water you are using. Avoid using the "rinse hold" on your machine for just a few soiled dishes. It uses 3-7 gallons of hot water each use. Don't keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold as this forces your refrigerator to work extra hard, utilizing mass amounts of energy. Recommended temperatures are 35°-38°F for the fresh food compartment and 0° F for separate freezers for long-term storage. Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder. Regularly defrost manual-defrost freezers and refrigerators; frost buildup decreases the energy efficiency of the unit. For clothing washing machines, be sure to use the correct amount and type of detergent; too many bubbles will make the machine work harder than necessary. Additionally, try not to run extra small loads of laundry. You'll waste many resources with superfluous loads such as water, energy, and money. There are many tips on maintaining your energy star appliances on the governments energy star appliance site.

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