EnerGuide Appliance Directory 2005

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'll save money, contribute to long-term environmental sustainability and promote a better quality of life in your community.

Take the One-Tonne Challenge

Selecting an energy-efficient appliance is just one of the ways you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and help Canada achieve its targets under the Kyoto Protocol. In fact, the Government of Canada is challenging all citizens to reduce their annual GHG emissions by one tonne, or about 20 percent. Look around your home – what can you do to ensure your family is doing its part? You might install energy-efficient light bulbs, make smart use of ceiling fans year-round or improve insulation throughout your home.

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

	1984	1990	1997	1999	2002
Refrigerators
Top-mounted (16.5–18.4 cu. ft.)	1457	1044	664	664	514
ENERGY STAR qualified	–	–	–	–	440
Dishwashers
Standard	1213	1026	649	640	592
ENERGY STAR qualified	–	–	–	–	492
Clothes washers
Top-loading	1243	1218	930	860	779
ENERGY STAR qualified
Top-loading and front-loading	–	–	–	–	299
Clothes dryers
Standard	1214	1103	887	908	916
Compact	–	–	–	–	896*
Freezers
Standard chest	813	714	376	383	368
Ranges (30-inch)
Self-cleaning	790	727	759	742	735
Non-self-cleaning	–	786	780	770	784

Source: National Energy Use Database (NEUD). * Not a weighted average. Note: All figures were updated in 2004.

Potential Energy Savings with ENERGY STAR

Average household energy use

*Based on average household appliance enegy consumption in 2001.

EnerGuide for Houses

It's important to consider energy-efficient choices when selecting new appliances, so why not increase your energy savings by examining the efficiency of your entire home? It's easy, thanks to EnerGuide for Houses. For a fee, an independent energy advisor will visit your home and identify how your home uses energy and where it is being wasted. You'll receive a written report that includes valuable recommendations on how you can increase energy savings and ensure a more comfortable home. You could also be eligible for a grant.

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. Although no grants are available for new houses, these upgrade packages will save you money over time.

You can learn more about EnerGuide for Houses by visiting the Web site at energuideforhouses.gc.ca or by calling 1 800 387-2000 toll-free (in Ottawa, call 995-2943).

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