Now is a good time of year to buy appliances. With the holiday sales upon us, many stores are offering deep discounts an anything from refrigerators, stoves, dishwashers, etc. With energy prices on the rise and people paying more in their utility bills, it is wise to look at energy efficient appliances. When you are purchasing home appliances, it is becoming more and more important to consider not only the price tag, but also the impact on your energy bill. So while some energy efficient appliances may cost a bit more at the store, the savings you get at home can outweigh the purchase price difference pretty quickly. Another bonus is that energy efficient appliances cause less stress to the planet, thus saving the environment.

Figuring out which appliances are best for you though, can be tricky. Different appliances and other home products like windows and insulation all have their own terms for what makes them energy efficient. Looking for the Energy Star can be a good place to start, but before you do, it is helpful to know what it is and what it means.

The Energy Star is a US government program, started in 1992, that is a joint project of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The list of consumer goods that can qualify for an energy star rating has expanded steadily ever since. According to their website, http://energystar.gov products that have the Energy Star label have met strict standards set by these agencies for energy efficiency and low emissions. While appliances are not on the list, some Energy Star labeled products give tax credits to purchasers.

Looking for the Energy Star when purchasing appliances is important , but keep in mind that not all appliances are eligible for the Energy Star. These include clothes dryers, ovens, and ranges. The DOE does have guidelines for purchasing energy efficient appliances in these categories. You can find the Energy Star on washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers, as well as other products for your home, like computers, phones, and light bulbs (led or fluorescent are best). Saving money now through store sales and later with a lower energy bill.