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What to look for when shopping for Energy Saving Appliances

March 01,2012

Energy-efficient appliances have made lots of positive press in recent years and for good reason. Whether your goal is to save the environment or to save money on your electric bill, energy-efficient appliances can get the job done.

First and foremost, look for the “Energy Star” label when shopping for energy-efficient appliances. The Energy Star label is found on appliances that meet strict federal regulations as defined by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) and the U.S. Department of Energy. Found on Energy Star labels is an estimate of your appliance’s energy-efficiency, an integral element of comparison shopping.

Some things to keep in mind when shopping for energy-efficient appliances:

Opt for front-loading washing machines and dryers. They use at least 75% less energy and water, saving you up to $200 every year on energy and water consumption.
Newer washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers have several great new features that allow them to use even less water and energy and lower water temps than older models. Running smaller loads and washing clothes and dishes on cooler temperatures can save you money while still doing a sufficient job of cleaning.
If possible, choose a gas stove over an electric for further energy-efficiency.
Don’t just choose the cheapest energy-efficient appliances you can find. Do product comparisons through Consumer Reports and other sources of unbiased product reviews, and buy products that are rated highly. Not only will they save you money, but they’ll also last longer, too.
Choose the right size appliance for your needs. If you live alone, you probably don’t need a huge refrigerator or a second fridge or freezer for your garage or storage room. The more appliances you have running and the larger those appliances are, the more energy you use, bottom line.

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_find_es_products

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index

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