It's in the Stars The importance of efficiency ratings

摘要

When buying anything for the home, the item's upfront cost, look and functionality are prime considerations. For some of these-furniture, for example-this is where the buck stops. But when it comes to 'big ticket' household items such as whitegoods, computers and home entertainment systems, heating/cooling units and hot water services, another element comes into the mix: ongoing running costs. Whether powered by electricity or gas, these costs accumulate over the life cycle of an appliance or system, and so the energy efficiency of these items becomes an important consideration in the purchasing decision. It's not just about the money, of course-greater energy use means greater greenhouse gas emissions.