If you are looking for ways to stretch your pocketbook while helping the environment, consider updating your appliances.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans spend more than $140 billion a year on energy bills and our home appliances use the bulk of that energy. It’s estimated that purchasing new ENERGY STAR appliances can cut your annual utility costs by up to 30 percent.

While all appliances sold in the United States must meet the minimum conservation standard set by the Department of Energy, appliances with the ENERGY STAR label conserve more energy than the minimum standard and cost less to use. ENERGY STAR products use less water and electricity, which reduces your family’s consumption, lowers your energy bills, and reduces pollution by decreasing emissions.

What is the ENERGY STAR program?

The ENERGY STAR program was created in 1992 by the EPA as a way to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Originally developed as a voluntary program that focused on computer products, the program has grown to include heating and cooling systems, new homes, electronics and appliances.

How much can I save on my bills by using ENERGY STAR appliances?

The average household can save big on energy by purchasing the following ENERGY STAR appliances:

• Residential Clothes Washers can save you an average of $50 a year or $550 over the lifetime of the washer. They also use up to 7,000 gallons less water a year than standard washers. Additionally, a front-loading or an advanced top-loading washer won’t just reduce your energy bill, but can also extend the life of your wardrobe because they’re gentler than conventional washers.
• ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers use at least 41 percent less energy than regular dishwashers, thus saving you an average of $30 a year in utility costs by using less hot water. They also help protect America's water supply by conserving resources and reducing wastewater treatment costs.
• Refrigerators & Freezers use up to 40 percent less energy than conventional models, because they are built with high efficiency compressors, better insulation, and higher quality temperature mechanisms. Replacing a
  20-year-old refrigerator could save your family enough energy to light your home for up to four months.
• Room Air Conditioners use 10 percent less energy than conventional air conditioners because they offer better temperature control and timers that cool the room with the minimum amount of energy needed.

Won’t an ENERGY STAR rated appliance cost more to buy?

Not necessarily! As with any appliance, the price of ENERGY STAR products will vary based on model and features.

You don’t have to wait for your monthly energy bill to see the financial savings roll in. To encourage consumers to buy energy efficient products, the ENERGY STAR website (www.energystar.gov) offers a searchable database of special offers, credits and rebates offered by ENERGY STAR partners in your area. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances help you save money at the time of purchase and will continue to save you money for many years to come.

How do I know if an appliance is qualified by the ENERGY STAR program?

It's not difficult to find energy-saving home appliances. Manufacturers are required by law to display a bright yellow and black Federal Trade Commission EnergyGuide tag on many appliances. This tag shows the manufacturer, model and appliance type, as well as estimates of the annual energy use and cost savings for that appliance. If an appliance meets the efficiency standards established by the EPA, the ENERGY STAR logo will appear on the EnergyGuide tag. You will find ENERGY STAR labels on many of the brand names you know and in the stores you trust.

The next time you purchase a new appliance, be sure to look for the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR makes it easy to save money and help the environment at the same time.

About Mrs. G TV & Appliances

This article was provided by Mrs. G TV & Appliances, a family-owned retail appliance and TV super store. Mrs. G’s sells more than 100 brands of designer kitchen appliances, televisions, and electronics and takes pride in its courteous, knowledgeable staff and customer service support team. For more information, please visit www.mrsgs.com/.

R.L. Fielding Bio

R.L. Fielding is a freelance writer who has written on a wide variety of topics, with special expertise in the education, pharmaceutical and healthcare, financial service and manufacturing industries.