Are you planning to remodel your kitchen this spring, but you would like to buy appliances now during the white sales. In most cases, it is not recommended replacing appliances just to save energy, unless that is your motivation for purchasing.

The monetary payback just is not there given the relatively low price of electricity. However, if your appliances are old and you are remodeling, then it is probably a good time for you to upgrade. Annual sales are an incentive along with many of the utilities companies rebates on Energy Star refrigerators. The rebate is only offered when you purchase from a participating retailer, of course. The utility will even arrange to recycle your older, inefficient fridge.

The larger the refrigerator, then the more energy it will use. Add bells and whistles such as water and ice through the door, and it will use even more. Top freezer models are the most cost effective design when it comes to energy use. Side by side designs use the most energy, partially because they are larger, but also because the fan operates almost constantly to move cold air. In the middle range are refrigerators with the freezer on the bottom. That being said, keep in mind that the newer side by side refrigerators still will use less energy than an older refrigerator with the freezer on top. That is how much more efficient appliances have become.

Refrigerators that carry the Energy Star label are going to use at least fifteen percent less energy than required by current federal standards and forty percent less energy than conventional models sold in 2001. Side by side models run more, $699 for a non-Energy Star model and $899 to $999 for an Energy Star-qualified model. The impact Energy Star specifications are having on the country's energy use is a powerful argument for buying the more efficient model. According to Energy Star, replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with an Energy Star qualified one would save enough energy to light the average household for four months.

Plus, if just one in ten homes use Energy Star appliances, then the environmental benefit would be like planting close to two million new acres of trees to offset carbon dioxide emissions. Almost all dishwashers are now Energy Star qualified, and will use at least forty percent less energy than federal standards and use much less water than conventional models, saving on water heating costs too. There are no Energy Star standards for ranges or microwave ovens, but you can do some smart shopping for these appliances as well by studying the federal Energy Guide labels carried on all appliances.

The United States Department of Energy sets standards that all appliance manufacturers must meet and demonstrate through uniform testing. Those results are printed on the bright yellow labels on all new appliances. It pays to know how to read them. The label details the style of the appliance, its size, manufacturer and model number so you can compare apples to apples when shopping. The label prominently displays the annual operating cost of the unit, plus where it stacks up against similar models. The model's estimated yearly operating cost can be somewhat misleading since the amount is based on the national average cost of electricity for residents.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for home goods, home supplies, home automation and security. Follow these links to find the best appliances, home supplies, and home automation and security.

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