Outside of your home and your vehicles, household appliances are probably some of the more expensive items you’ll buy. Since these appliances are responsible for most of the electrical usage at your home, you may be interested in how investing in Energy Star appliances can save you money and help the earth.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has estimated that kitchen appliances alone use half of the total amount spent each year by average households. Buying appliances with the Energy Start designation are said to decrease energy use, lower utility bills, and improve air quality in your home. While they may be a little more expensive at the outset, Energy Star appliances use so much less energy that they quickly pay for themselves.

If you’re looking for new appliances, take the time to read the Energy Guide label displayed on each Energy Star appliance. It will explain the features of the new appliance but will also estimate how much per year it will cost to operate it. They usually have comparisons of other popular appliances so you can see how much money you could save.

Here are some basic savings you can expect:

* Refrigerators use up to 40% less electricity which could save you up to $150 per year.
* Dishwashers use up to 40% less electricity and 50% less water, and could save more than $90 for the life of the appliance.
* Clothes washers use up to 40% less electricity and 50% less water, and save up to $110 per year. They also spin out more water which means they’ll require less drying time and cause less wear and tear on your clothes.
* Window air conditioners use 10% less energy and can save you over $250 for the life of the appliance.

Besides spending less in monthly utility bills, your Energy Star appliances reduce the amount of emissions into your home and the environment. This means you’ll not only save money but you’ll be help take care of the environment in a way using other appliances can’t afford.

Of course, once you have an Energy Star appliance helping you save money each and every month, you’ll want to do your best to keep those savings coming. Here's how:

* Keep refrigerator coils cleaned
* Limit opening and closing the refrigerator doors by getting one with an in the door water/ice dispenser
* Only run your dishwasher when it is full
* Use the air-dry option on your dishwasher or prop the door open after the final rinse
* Wash full clothes washer loads
* Wash in cooler water temperatures
* Air dry clothing as much as possible to avoid using the clothes dryer

Saving money and caring for the environment can go hand-in-hand. Investing in Energy Star appliances can save you money and help the earth. You may want to go one step further; when it’s time to purchase a new appliance, check to see if there are recycling centers that take old appliances to keep them out of the landfills.

The earth will thank you.

For more saving money tips, please check out: Money Sense Tips