Benefits of Energy Efficient Appliances and How They Can Improve Your Life and Wallet

The most significant benefit of energy efficient appliances is... it preserves the environment! This is based on the fact that the energy we use to run our homes comes from power plants. Power plants burn fossil fuels to power electric products. The burning of fossil fuels causes air pollution and is the main cause of acid rain, smog, and global warming. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, we could remove the need of 25 power plants if every American home used energy-efficient major appliances. However most of us think of another benefit of energy efficient appliances, it saves money. By using energy efficient appliances, you can save up to $400 per year on utility bills. Plus energy efficient appliances have an extended working life. By buying energy efficient appliances, you qualify for an energy tax credit on top of saving on your monthly utility bill.

To truly enjoy the benefits of an efficient appliance, you must first own one. Here are a few tips when shopping for an energy-efficient appliance:

• Measure the space you plan to place your appliance to make sure it will fit. Don't forget to make sure there is enough room to open the door and enough room for you to walk by.
• Think about how much time you would use the appliance. When deciding between two models, the purchase price and estimated energy usage should come into play. If you are planning to use the appliance a lot, you may actually save money by buying the more expensive. Usually the pricier product is the more energy efficient the model is.
• Don't be afraid to ask about special energy efficient offers. To encourage buyers to purchase efficient appliances, most often a store or manufacture will offer cash rebates or other incentive programs.
• Read the Energy Guide label! This yellow and black label states the projected annual energy use of the appliance. Use this to compare the amount of annual energy use to competing brands and models.
• Look for the Energy Star logo. Energy Star appliances are drastically more efficient and allow you to take advantage of the Energy Star benefits.

Another grate benefits of energy efficient appliances it there is a tax credit waiting for anyone who buys and uses efficient products. The United States approved for tax credits for the purchase of efficient homes and products. Energy efficient products can include everything from air conditioning, windows and solar panels, plus appliances like washing machines, freezers, and refrigerators.

The consumer is the one who is benefiting from the Energy Star standards being met in major appliances. Giving a tax break to manufactures who meet Energy Star qualification, the consumer can have a wide variety of efficient products with high quality and competitive pricing. Every energy efficient appliance has two price tags. The first is what we pay when we purchase the appliance. The second is the cost it will take to operate the appliance during its lifetime. Make sure your perches are based on the second price tag. This will save you the most amount of money in the long run and it will save the environment as well.