3. Use Energy Star Appliances

Large or small, stainless steel or chrome, Maytag or Whirlpool? When shopping for a new appliance you’ll have a lot on your mind. No need to waste precious brainpower on energy efficiency. Choosing the most energy efficient product couldn’t be easier with Energy Star’s little blue label.

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy that highlights appliances that save 10-15% more energy than standard models with a blue star.

As the equation goes, less energy leads to lower utility bills and less greenhouse gas emissions. According to Energy Star’s website, “Americans, with the help of Energy Star products, saved enough energy in 2006 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million cars — all while saving $14 billion on their utility bills.”

A home fully equipped with Energy Star products will operate on about 30% less energy than a house equipped with standard products, saving $600 a year. I don’t need to tell you the benefits of getting back $600, but I will mention Christmas is around the corner and it would be nice to get your family what they really want this year. Then again, and if you’re pretty selfish, there’s always that Star War’s Memorabilia you’ve been eyeing on Ebay.

Going Energy Star really is a no-brainer. With 18,000 products in 35 different categories, from washing machine to printers, refrigerators to desk lamps you won’t have to worry about finding an appliance that meets your quality standards. You’ll just have to worry about what you’re going to do with the money you’ve saved.

Posted on October 21st, 2007 by Olivia Zaleski