Energy Star

• Since the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency started the Energy Star program in 1992, manufacturers have responded by creating much more energy-efficient goods. Energy Star appliances include washers and dryers, air conditioners, refrigerators, furnaces, televisions and dishwashers.
  
  

Find an Efficient New Appliance

• The Energy Star program lists all Energy Star rated products on its website. If you're looking for a new appliance, it's a great place to research the cost benefits of buying an energy-efficient replacement (See Reference 1).
  
  

Old vs. New Refrigerators

• Refrigerator Shelfeggs and milk image by Jeffrey Zalesny from Fotolia.com
  
  A refrigerator purchased in 2010 could be as much as 70 percent more efficient than one made in 1992 and 75 percent more efficient than a refrigerator made in the 1970s. That could result in a savings of $100 to $200 dollars in energy casts annually (See Resource 1 & Reference 2).
  
  

No More CFCs

• Air Conditionerwindow air conditioner image by Aaron Kohr from Fotolia.com
  
  Newer air conditioners and refrigerators no longer use ozone-depleting CFCs to cool.
  
  

Clothes Washers and Dishwashers

• Washing Machinewaschmaschine image by eka from Fotolia.com
  
  New clothes washers and dishwashers use far less water. An Energy Star clothes washer not only uses 50 percent less electricity than older washers, but also washes with 18 gallons to 25 gallons of water per load. A non-Energy Star washer can use up to 40 gallons of water. (See Resource 2).
  
  

EnergyGuide Label

• The EnergyGuide Label on new appliances shows you how much energy it will take to operate and how the product's energy consumption compares to other similar products.