Should you buy an Energy Star appliance?

Shopping for an energy-efficient appliance seems self-explanatory: Look for Energy Star certified models, then find one that meets your needs.

Energy Star certified appliances are independently certified to guarantee that they use substantially less energy than the federal government's minimum energy efficiency requirements.

For example, an Energy Star certified refrigerator is about 10 percent more efficient than the minimum requirements. Energy Star certified clothes washers use about 25 percent less energy and 40 percent less water than regular washers.

When every house cuts their electricity bill by 10 percent or more, it makes a huge difference.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that if every refrigerator sold in the United States was Energy Star certified, the country could save $400 million in electricity each year. Purchasing only Energy Star certified clothes washers could save $4 billion per year.

But what does this mean for your household? Is the increased cost to buy Energy Star products an effective trade-off?

"Even the non-Energy Star models are going to use a lot less energy than a refrigerator from 10 to 20 years ago," said Linda Saltzer, co-owner of Saltzer's Appliances in Lehighton. "Anything you buy is going to be better."

She noted that minimum efficiency standards have risen greatly over the past few years, meaning that it's easier to find an energy-efficient appliance without necessarily purchasing an Energy Star certified model.

Regardless of Energy Star rating, it's most important to find a model that meets your family's needs. Typical front-load clothing washers that are Energy Star certified use only 12 gallons of water; compare this to top-load washers using 22 gallons, or washers that use a "full tub" of water at 31 gallons.

Saltzer noted that while the water and energy savings from a front-load washer is substantial, families washing very dirty clothing might find that it can't get their clothes clean.

She's seen an increase in the number of homeowners returning to top-load washers despite the increased water and energy use. But even the biggest water- and energy-user sold today will still be a big improvement over a washer sold 15 years ago, she said.

"You can still get a degree of water savings, with a little bit of energy saving," said Saltzer.

The cost to purchase an Energy Star product can also be prohibitive. A standard top mount refrigerator from Frigidaire costs $549 at Saltzer's.

A similar model from GE with the Energy Star tag sells for $669, and a slightly larger "tier three" Energy Star Frigidaire refrigerator (which meets Energy Star's highest standards, using a third less energy than base models) costs $889.

Keep in mind that most rebates offered by manufacturers and electric companies are aimed toward Energy Star products. But current rebates, while helpful, won't typically make a big dent in the price.

For example, PPL is currently offering a $25 rebate for Energy Star refrigerators, and an additional $35 rebate for recycling an old working refrigerator.

"I think the idea of buying the best that you can afford is a good one," said Saltzer.

"Any new appliance that you purchase is going to make a big difference in energy use."