Time to go shopping for new appliances

Buying appliances like ovens, refrigerators, washers and dryers is an opportunity to save energy, water and money. Shop for an energy efficient unit. The additional cost will be “paid back” many times over by decreasing your monthly energy or water bill.

For example, when you replace a water heater that uses $400 a year in electricity with one that uses $330 but costs $200 more, the energy savings will pay for the difference in only 2.9 years and everything after that is savings in your pocket.

• Shop wisely
  Remember to shop for products that can save you money in the long term.
• Read the energy-guide sticker
  These stickers help to tell you how much energy a particular model can save you.
• EnergyStar
  Products with the EnergyStar label have been certified as being more energy efficient. Always try to pick products with this label when you are buying new items.
• Not from the top!
  Purchase a front-loading washer instead of a traditional top-loading model. They use about half the water and save energy too.
• Don't throw appliances away
  When you buy new appliances, don't throw away the old ones. Many old models can be donated or recycled.