Which appliance is more energy-efficient?
By Evan Crowther•Last updated Oct 4, 2023
Last updated Oct 4, 2023
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With rising living costs and environmental concerns, conserving energy at home has never been more critical. One of the biggest considerations for saving energy is your home’s appliances. The right choice can save you money and reduce your home’s carbon footprint. Some options use electricity, water, or other resources more efficiently than others — but which ones?
You should always look up a specific model’s energy efficiency when shopping for new appliances. Always review the appliance’s EnergyGuide label, and consider choosing appliances that are ENERGY STAR-certified.
In this article, we’ll compare the typical energy efficiency of common types of appliances homeowners use every day. Use this guide to help you determine which options are most likely to make the biggest energy-saving impact.
Washers and dryers.
There are several ways to set up laundry appliances in the home. Some homeowners choose a drying rack or clothesline to save energy, but not everyone has the time or space. For homes with a washer and dryer setup, some options use less energy than others. Let’s look at how laundry appliances compare for energy efficiency.
Gas vs. electric dryers: Depends on where you live.
Operating a gas dryer is usually less expensive than operating an electric dryer. But there are a few things to consider.
Both gas and electric dryers use some amount of electricity. A gas dryer uses propane or natural gas to heat the drum, but electricity to turn the drum. An electric dryer, on the other hand, uses an electric heating element to heat the air in the drum.
Naturally, an electric dryer uses more electricity. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it will always cost more to operate. While gas is typically cheaper than electricity, prices vary by area. You should also consider the initial cost of a gas dryer, which is typically higher than that of electric dryers.
Finally, look at the infrastructure already in your home. If you don’t already have a gas hookup in your laundry room, installing a gas dryer might cost much more.
Front-load vs. top-load washers: Front-load.
Front-load washing machines are generally much more efficient than top-load washers. According to ENERGY STAR, certified front-load washers use 45% less energy than top-load agitator washers. They save 25% more water and electricity than impeller washers. Front-load washers also reduce drying time by extracting more water from clothes during wash cycles.
The main benefit of top-load washers over front-load models is convenience. They use more water and energy, but the top door makes them easier to load. Top-load washers also typically have shorter wash cycles. However, if you want to save water and power, front-load washers are usually the best choice.
Impeller vs. agitator washers: Impeller.
Top-load washers create friction between clothes using one of two methods: impellers and agitators. An agitator is likely familiar to most homeowners because of its tall, corkscrew shape. An impeller, on the other hand, is a cone at the bottom of the drum that gently spins the clothes during the wash.
While one usually doesn’t use more electricity than the other, an impeller may save energy in other ways. Impellers leave more room in the drum for clothes, which may mean fewer wash cycles over time. They also use less water and remove more water from clothes during the spin cycle. This can reduce drying time, which increases energy savings.
Heating and cooling.
A heating and cooling system is essential for keeping a home comfortable. Unfortunately, climate control can make up a large share of a home’s energy use. In some areas of the United States, air conditioning can account for as much as 27% of energy expenditures.
Choosing the most efficient HVAC equipment can help keep costs down. In general, the Department of Energy provides a few guidelines for energy-efficient options:
- Central air conditioners are more energy-efficient than room air conditioners.
- Heat pumps are an “energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners” — no matter where you live.
- Steam boilers are “inherently less efficient” than hot water boilers. However, there are high-efficiency options available for both.
- Pellet stoves are usually more efficient than wood-burning stoves, but you may pay more for servicing and maintenance.
Keep reading for more tips on choosing between popular heating and cooling systems.
Heat pump vs. split system: Depends on climate.
To keep homes at a comfortable temperature, air conditioners remove heat from indoor air and expel it outdoors. The heating process varies by system. A heat pump can move heat from outdoors to indoors or vice versa. A split system can only cool a home and relies on a heating device like a furnace or boiler to warm the air inside the home.
A heat pump uses less electricity than a conventional air conditioner. Despite their efficiency, heat pumps tend to work best in moderate climates. In extremely hot areas, a split system may be the best option for keeping your home cool.
Heat pumps also tend to be more expensive to install than split systems, so it’s best to get a professional opinion for your specific situation.
Central AC vs. ductless mini-split: Depends on home size and layout.
Central air conditioning systems use one indoor unit that circulates cool air through a network of ducts. A ductless mini-split, on the other hand, uses no ducts and instead connects one or more indoor units directly to the outdoor condenser.
Which system is most energy-efficient depends on your home’s layout. Because ductless mini-splits rely on a unit for each room, they tend to be best for smaller homes with fewer rooms. For a larger home, a central system will likely be the most energy-efficient option.
Boiler vs. furnace: Depends on the AFUE.
Experts measure the efficiency of a furnace or boiler using annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). This measures how efficiently the appliance converts fuel into heat over the course of a year. Comparing two appliances’ AFUE is a reliable way to gauge how much energy it will use to heat your home.
Boilers run at a higher temperature than furnaces and inherently use more energy. However, you should keep in mind that the ductwork associated with a furnace can have imperfect seals.
This can result in energy loss, which is less likely with boilers that use a system of pipes to circulate hot water into radiators.
AC vs. dehumidifier (to remove humidity): Dehumidifier
While an air conditioner will remove moisture from the air, a dehumidifier is much more effective.
Cooling humid air is also more of a power draw for air conditioners. If your air conditioner isn’t removing enough moisture, a dehumidifier can make it easier to cool your home. Specifically for removing humidity, a dehumidifier will use less energy than an air conditioner.
Just remember that the dehumidifier doesn’t provide any cooling on its own. You still need an AC for that.
Water heaters.
In addition to electricity, many appliances in the home use hot water for bathing, washing dishes, and more. Gas, electricity, and solar energy all have different levels of energy efficiency for heating water.
Gas vs. electric: Electric.
Gas water heaters are typically less expensive to run than electric water heaters. However, gas heaters may waste more of the generated heat than their electric counterparts.
Despite the operational cost savings, gas water heaters can also be more expensive to install — particularly in homes that don’t have a gas line connected. In short, electric water heaters cost slightly more to operate but waste less energy.
Solar vs. conventional: Solar.
Rather than gas or electric water heaters, many homeowners have switched to solar-powered water heaters. Since they don’t use fossil fuels or electricity from the power grid, the energy cost of solar water heaters is essentially eliminated.
Solar water heaters are usually more expensive to purchase and install, however. Homeowners should weigh the energy cost savings against the cost of installation.
Tank vs. tankless: Tankless
When choosing a water heater, homeowners also have to decide between conventional (sometimes called tank or storage) and tankless water heaters.
Many homes use a water heater with a storage tank that holds around 80 gallons of hot water. A tankless or demand-type water heater, on the other hand, heats water as needed rather than storing a large quantity.
For homes that use a large amount of hot water each day, a water heater with a tank can save on energy costs. A tankless water heater can save 24%-34% more energy than a conventional heater in homes that use fewer than 41 gallons of hot water each day.
But generally, tankless water heaters are “8%-34% more energy efficient than a storage water heater,” according to the Department of Energy.
To determine which type would be most efficient in your home, tally how much hot water your household uses each day.
Tank vs. heat pump: Heat pump.
Did you know you can also opt for a heat pump water heater? These water heaters rely on electricity to heat your water, and they are “two to three times more energy-efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters,” states the Department of Energy.
However, a heat pump’s performance depends largely on where it’s installed. If you install it somewhere that’s too cold, it may not work well. Make sure you install it where the temperature is 40º–90ºF and there’s plenty of space around the appliance. If you need help, hire a professional to install your water heater.
Cooktops, stoves, and ranges.
Finally, let’s examine the most efficient types of cooktops, stoves, and ranges. A more efficient stove or hood will save you time and money in the kitchen.
Ducted vs. ductless range hood: Ducted.
A ducted range hood allows homeowners to remove moisture and smoke from the kitchen and expel it outside. A ductless range hood absorbs smoke and contaminants into a filter and recirculates air into the kitchen.
Ductless systems tend to use more power than ducted systems but are more versatile and don’t require existing ductwork.
Induction vs. conventional cooktops: Induction.
Induction stoves are far more energy-efficient than conventional stoves. The direct transfer of heat makes induction stoves anywhere from 5%-10% more efficient than conventional electric stoves, and three to four times more efficient than gas stoves.
Rather than heating an element, induction burners generate heat within magnetized cookware. They transfer electromagnetic current directly to the cookware, minimizing heat loss.
Gas vs. electric cooktop: Depends on where you live.
A gas burner provides an undeniable tactile feel for cooking, but it may not be the most efficient option. While some avid cooks prefer the feel of an open flame, electric stoves lose much less heat than gas burners.
A gas burner won’t use electricity and thus can lower the electric bill. However, it will still waste more of the heat produced. As with choosing between gas and electric furnaces, it’s important to research the cost of natural gas and electricity in your area.
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