What's more, there are likely a few more appliances that I'd be eager to buy used, even though there are more efficient, “greener” versions being made today.
I mentioned in the roundup that we bought a used clothes washer and dryer. We found the advertisement on our local Craigslist, went up, and found the set to be in very good shape. A comparable set today would cost between $800 and $900, and we bought his two-year-old set for $400.
An $800-$900 washer/dryer set isn't completely bottom of the line, but it's not top of the line, either. A water-efficient, energy-efficient top-load washer, plus a matching dryer, runs about $1,000. The washer model at this level is Energy Star rated. (The dryer isn't, but I think that's because dryers aren't efficient in general. That's what clotheslines are for.)
There's a big push for people to upgrade their appliances to more efficient models. The government is even chipping in 30% of the upgrade cost on selected appliances, up to $1,500, in the form of a tax credit. (Washers and dryers aren't included.) It would seem that we, and our greenness, took a step backwards by buying a used washer and dryer.
Well, it probably will not only less costly overall to get the used appliances instead of the new efficient ones, it will probably be greener, too. I'll explain. There are a couple of things to consider: total cost, and total energy expended.
Let's use these numbers, which are pretty close to what they were when we checked them out at Lowe's. The less-efficient set cost about $30 more per year to operate than the more-efficient set. At a cost difference of $600 ($1,000 – $400) this means a break-even point of 20 years. We'd be fortunate if either set lasted this long. So, the difference in the total cost of ownership is a wash. (Sorry.)
But what about total energy expended? It's true that I'll burn more energy running the inefficient appliances, but that's not the only consideration. The energy-efficient appliances would have been brand-new, meaning they were constructed out of new materials. This construction process is very costly in terms of energy. We're giving the used appliances a second chance. The appliances are already manufactured. It's a pretty green way to go, actually. Why buy new when you can make do? Why buy new when a place like RepairClinic.com will help you find the replacement parts you need?
It's helpful to remember the second “R” of being green: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Used is great. Take that, Energy Star!
Thanks to Cash Money Life for including this post in the Carnival of Personal Finance.
I think you’re overlooking the real reason that the “efficient” washers are better for the environment–much lower water usage. If you live in an area where water is scarce and/or expensive, you will recoup the cost of the more expensive washer very quickly. We bought the $1000 washer 6 years ago when we moved to an area where water cost more than twice what we had been paying. On water savings alone, we recouped the cost of the washer in about 3 years. Our washer uses less than 10 gallons per load versus 40 for the previous model.
Since water is becoming scarce in more and more areas, expect to see more incentives to get the old style washers out of use.
Federal money for rebates is being released to the states this spring. Check out this site to see what is eligible in your state.
http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70022.html
Most of my relatives live in NC and VA, and clothes washers are on the list in both states.
First Step there is a little overzealous. Three times? eek.
I think reusing an older machine is fine. I struggled with the same idea when I had to buy a dishwasher for my condo rental. I ended up getting a new one since the price on a used DW wasn’t enough to make it worthwhile in balance with value in the condo.
I don’t think people realize all the chemical inputs that go into manufacturing. Dyeing clothing, volatilizing plastics, contaminated effluent, etc. It’s really hard to balance a green lifestyle between the upfront energy cost of manufacturing vs over the lifetime of the appliance. Thanks for raising the issue!
First Step: Water usage is a good point, but we have a flat usage fee that gives us so many gallons per month that we’ve never cracked it. Saving money on water isn’t a concern for us at the moment. (Thank you for the state links!)
mapgirl: Right, there are different considerations for rentals. The ones we bought were for ourselves, and (frankly) we didn’t have a whole lot of time to get them.
I think going used is a good route, especially since people often get rid of appliances just because they don’t like the color or style. You might be able to find something that’s pretty much brand new and efficient that way.
I just bought a used dryer on Monday to replace our dying one. It’s a win-win. I kept a machine out of the landfill and saved money on the purchase.
Good point, most people forget about the second R but that’s the one I’ve been doing my entire life. And by reusing appliances your payback will be much better. It may not be as convenient or pretty as a brand new one but yours will be paid for in no time.
More power to you!
Last year I needed a new desktop for a shop project. I had never bought used electronics but considered it only because this PC would get limited use. $99 for a refurbished PC and a 1 year warranty! I’ll never buy new again!