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What is an Energy Star® Appliance?
The Energy Star® may be found on clothes
washers, refrigerators, dishwashers, and room air conditioners.
An appliance receives the Energy Star® rating when it is
significantly surpasses than the minimum government standards
for energy efficiency. Energy Star® rated products are always
among the most efficient available today.
Energy
Star®-labeled appliances save money by using less electricity
and water than other appliances. Although energy efficient
models sometimes cost more to purchase initially, any extra
up-front cost can often be made up with savings on your utility
bill.
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Always buy
ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and equipment - they're up to
40% more efficient.
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Always read
the Energy Guide label carefully, and make sure you're
comparing "apples to apples." Energy use can range
significantly even within a single brand.
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Choose the
capacity that's right for your family. Whether it's a furnace
or a refrigerator, it doesn't pay to purchase a unit that's
too large or too small.
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In almost
every case, a natural gas appliance is more economical to use
than an electric model. The $50-75 price difference can be
paid back in energy savings in less than a year.
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Replace
inefficient appliances - even if they're still working. An
aging water heater or refrigerator could be costing you much
more than you think. If your central air conditioner is more
than 10 years old, replacing it with a high-efficiency new
unit will cut your summer electric bills by about one-third.
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Shop during
the off-season. Many heating and cooling manufacturers offer
significant rebates during seasonal sales promotions, and
dealers may charge less for installation.
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Investigate
new technology carefully. Some innovations, like convection
ovens or argon-filled windows, may save energy and make life
more convenient; others, such as commercial-grade kitchen
appliances, might be merely expensive cosmetic enhancements.
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Look for the
"EnergyStar" logo. This designation from the Environmental
Protection Agency means that the appliance exceeds minimum
federal energy- use standards, usually by a significant
amount.
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Don't forget
to ask about warranties, service contracts, and delivery and
installation costs.
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Be sure to
choose a reputable and knowledgeable dealer. A good dealer
should be able to help you calculate energy savings and the
payback period, and he or she should offer you a range of
brands and prices.
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