When you're buying a new appliance, it makes good sense to choose the model that uses the least energy while meeting your needs. It helps the environment and it can save you money too. When you're shopping for appliances, think of two price tags. The first one covers the purchase price—think of it as a down payment. The second price tag is the cost of operating the appliance during its lifetime. You'll be paying on that second price tag every month with your household's bill for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on the appliance. Refrigerators last an average of 13 years; air conditioners and dishwashers, about 11 years each; clothes washers, about 9 years - so spending a little more up front can save you a lot down the road.
 
When buying appliances, make sure that they are ENERGY STAR compliant. ENERGY STAR is an international standard for energy-efficient electronic equipment. ENERGY STAR reduces the amount of energy that a product consumes by either automatically switching it into 'sleep' mode when it's not being used and/or reducing the amount of power used when it is in 'standby' mode. ENERGY STAR compliant appliances consume around 75% less energy in standby mode than standard products do.

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