Helpful hints for buying energy-saving home appliances

Investing in new energy-efficient models can result in significant cost savings. Check out these helpful hints for buying and using appliances to help reduce your electricity bill.

A good time to make some energy-saving moves is when you are buying refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, furnaces, hot-water heaters and other new home appliances. In general, new appliances offer more energy-efficient features, run more quietly and use less electricity or gas than older models. Most manufacturers tout their energy savings, making it relatively easy to compare makes and models. Being aware of energy savings is a must when replacing old appliances.

A new refrigerator with a top-freezer is likely to be more affordable and energy efficient than a side-by-side model. Also, a large top-freezer model uses only slightly more power than a smaller one — and if it cuts trips to the supermarket, it may be more cost-effective in the long run.

Many dishwashers today come with water-miser and no-heat dry features, which can significantly pare water and energy costs over time if you use the dishwasher more than once a day. You also will save money by running only full loads.

New gas ranges and ovens come with electronic ignitions instead of old-fashioned pilot lights, which can tote up big cost savings since a pilot light eats up nearly half the fuel needed to run a gas stove. New electric stoves and cook-tops come with sensors that automatically turn down burners, saving on electricity. This, in turn, saves you cash.

The more you spend on new washers and dryers, the more energy features you'll find. Often, this is a case of spending money now to save money later. By allowing you to set the water level and wash times to fit each load, you save on water and electricity. Front-loading washers also save more water than top loaders. Humidity sensors on some dryers automatically shut off the dryer when the load is dry. As with a dishwasher, always run your washer and dryer with full loads.

You can lower your electricity bill with small appliances. Using a toaster oven or microwave to bake a potato, for example, takes less power than baking it in a full-sized oven. When choosing between small appliance models -- particularly in appliances that heat up -- the one with a lower wattage rating will cost less to run.

While buying new appliances may be expensive in the short-term, the long-term savings on your electricity bill can be significant enough to make it worth it. Always compare prices and shop around for the best deal possible. As well, using your appliances properly is sure to help keep money in your pocket.