Energy Star Qualified Appliances Save Money

Energy Star qualified appliances are products that have passed qualifications through an agency created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy to help both consumers and the environment.

According to the Energy Star website, "Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2008 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million cars — all while saving $19 billion on their utility bills."

While helping the environment by saving energy, Energy Star appliances use 10 - 50% less energy than regular appliances, helping consumers save money on their utility bills. For example:

• Energy Star washers use fifty percent less energy than other older washers, saving an average of $135 a year in energy costs.
  
• Energy Star refrigerators use twenty percent less energy than older model refrigerators, which cuts your energy bill by almost $200 over the life of the refrigerator.
• Energy Star dishwashers use one third less energy and water than regular dishwashers or washing dishes by hand, saving on both water and energy bills.
• Energy Star air conditioning units use ten percent less energy, and also come with better control panels to allow you to use timers for when your air conditioner will need to run most and least, saving even more in energy expenses.
  

In addition to the savings you will get on your energy and utility bills, the government also offers federal tax credits for making your home more energy efficient by improving windows and doors, insulation and water heaters, and by installing solar panels, geothermal heat pumps and fuel cells.  A full list of available tax credits can be found at energystar.gov/taxcredits.