Everything But the Kitchen Sink
You’re on a budget and need a new refrigerator. The best buy is the fridge with the lowest price, right? Not necessarily. How much an appliance costs depends on three things: purchase price, repair and maintenance costs, and energy costs. To estimate how much you’ll spend on an appliance over time, you have to consider all these costs.
Energy efficiency is an important part of any decision. All new major home appliances must meet government energy conservation standards. Many appliances exceed these standards and can save you even more money. What makes one appliance more efficient than another? Most of the differences are on the inside. Even if two models look the same, certain features can mean a big difference in your energy bills.
Enter the EnergyGuide. Manufacturers must use standard tests that let you compare the annual energy use of different models. The law requires manufacturers to put these labels on the inside or outside of many types of appliances. Labels are not required on dryers, ranges, and microwaves. If you don’t see a yellow EnergyGuide label, ask a salesperson for it.
The EnergyGuide label can tell you:
* capacity,
* estimated annual operating costs (for refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, and water heaters) and estimated annual energy consumption, and
* the range of estimated annual operating costs of similar appliances.
For more on using the EnergyGuide label, read EnergyGuidance: Appliance Shopping With the EnergyGuide Label.
Even a small benefit in energy efficiency can have a big payoff over the life of the appliance. The FTC’s Appliance Energy Database website posts results from energy efficiency tests.
While shopping, look for the Energy Star logo. To earn the logo, appliances must meet strict standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Department of Energy. Since Energy Star products use less energy, they can save you money and help protect the environment. Learn more about the Energy Star program at www.energystar.gov