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King County Washington home

Appliances

Many new appliances are designed to save energy, but added features can actually increase power use. Some appliances use almost the same amount of energy when turned off as when on. Others never fully turn off, especially those with internet connections or digital displays.

Older appliances can also contain harmful chemicals like PCBs, mercury, ozone-depleting substances, and oil. Recycling them properly helps protect both people and the environment.

Pro Tip: Every appliance has two costs: the price you pay to buy it and the cost to run it. ENERGY STAR® certified appliances use less energy, so they lower operating costs while still working just as well.

 Policy and Goals:

King County’s Sustainable Purchasing Executive Policy (CON 7-22-1-EP),

  • Sustainability Directives - The following environmental benefits shall be evaluated and prioritized for purchasing decisions:
    • Saving energy through the purchase of energy-efficient products and equipment and increasing the use of renewable energy such as solar or wind power 

King County’s 2025 Strategic Climate Action Plan:

  • All appliances purchased by King County must be ENERGY STAR® certified, if a rating is available for that type of appliance.
  • o King County plans to cut energy use in County-owned buildings by at least 20% by 2030 and 50% by 2040, compared to 2025 baselines.

Best Practices

  • Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
  • Unplug spare appliances or use power strips to cut power fully.
  • Keep appliances well maintained.
  • Replace refrigerator and freezer seals to keep a tight fit.
  • Clean refrigerator coils, check seals, and defrost freezers as needed.
  • Set refrigerator temperature to 35°F and freezer to 0°F.
  • Wash clothes in cold water and run only full loads.
  • Avoid overloading dishwashers and washing machines.
     

Quick Tips

Choose

  • Durable, long-lasting appliances
  • Energy- and water-efficient models (e.g., ENERGY STAR® certified)
  • Appropriately sized appliances to meet actual needs (right-sizing)
  • Appliances with energy-saving or standby modes

Avoid

  • Appliances with unnecessary features or gadgets that increase cost and risk of failure

End of Life

  • Recycle appliances through certified e-waste or appliance recycling programs
  • Donate functional appliances to extend product life

An EPA checkmark indicates a certification, or standard is recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

 

 
Other Guidance
 energyguide-71

All major home appliances must meet the U.S. Department of Energy’s Appliance Standards Program. The Energy Guide label shows how much energy an appliance uses, compares it to similar products, and lists the estimated yearly operating cost.

King County does not have a current contract for appliances, since most purchases are under $10,000. Use a P-Card to buy from a trusted retailer and choose ENERGY STAR® certified appliances when available. (Note: There is no ENERGY STAR label for residential ovens, ranges, or microwaves.)

When buying a new appliance, think about both the purchase price and the cost to run it. You’ll keep paying that second cost on your utility bill every month for 10 to 20 years, depending on the appliance. For example, refrigerators last about 12 years and clothes washers about 11 years.


 

U.S. Department of Energy: Appliance Energy Calculator

EPA: Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator

High Performance Buildings Guide: Appliances