There are many types of energy-efficient appliances. Refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, clothes washers, dishwashers, furnaces and air-conditioners are all available, and can save energy and cost over the life of the appliance. Some common examples you might consider include:
Replacing a typical 15-year-old refrigerator with a top-rated new model will typically save $50-$100 in electric bills and cut up to a ton of carbon dioxide emitted by your local utility every year.
A resource-efficient clothes washer, usually front-loading, will save about 100,000 gallons of water and $750-$1200 in energy and water bills during its lifetime.
A top-rated central air conditioner consumes one-third less power than a standard model, saving $100 or more each year in cooling costs and improving air quality by reducing power plant operation during the summer.
For further information on the technologies, see Appliances and Commercial Equipment Standards on DOE's Buildings Web site.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DOE collaborate on the Energy Star program, a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Energy Star Web site provides useful information on thousands of these products, including most major appliances.
The DOE "Consumer's Guide" Web site has information on efficient appliances and electronic equipment.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) provides a "best of the best" product lists on its Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings.