When shopping for a new home appliance, the product with the lowest price tag is not always the best buy. In fact, the purchase price is only part of the total cost. To find out how much an appliance really costs, you must consider how much it will cost to operate the appliance over its lifetime, including energy use and maintenance.
The operational cost is often the largest out-of-pocket expense for a home appliance. Energy-efficient appliances cost less to operate, which can mean significant savings over the life of the appliance. To find appliances with the lowest operating costs, look for products with the
ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR is a U.S. Department of Energy program that tests and certifies appliances and other products for energy performance.
Making the Right Choice
The tips that follow will help you select the most energy-efficient and cost-effective appliances available:
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Choose the right size. Before you bring a new appliance home, make sure you have enough space. For example, is there enough room to open the lid on a new washing machine? Shopping by size or capacity will help you narrow your search.
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Know where to shop. Appliance outlets, electronics stores, and local retailers carry different brands and models. Dealers also sell appliances through print catalogs and online.
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Compare brands and models. Decide which features are most important, and compare products using the literature provided by the manufacturers. Look for safety features, repair history, energy efficiency, and so on.
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How much will the appliance cost to operate? Appliances that use a lot of energy cost more to operate over their lifetime. Use EnergyGuide labels to compare the estimated energy use and cost of different models.
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Ask about incentives. Cash rebates, low-interest loans, and incentive programs help to reduce the purchase price of energy-efficient appliances.
Home appliances are a big investment. With a little extra effort, you can find a high-performance product that fits your needs while saving you money.