When it comes to appliances, it takes a little education to select products that are environmentally sound.

Don’t overlook the familiar yellow EnergyGuide sticker. It holds a host of information that can help you find the most efficient appliances available.

Home appliances save time, make our homes more comfortable, and increase our quality of life. However, there is more to choosing an appliance than simply selecting the finish, features, and price.

Finding a washer, dryer, or refrigerator that gets the job done while using less energy and water can be difficult. Luckily, there are programs like Energy Star and the EnergyGuide label to help you select an appliance that will satisfy your needs while also conserving natural resources.

REFRIGERATORS THE BIG ENERGY HOGS
Of all the appliances in the home, the refrigerator can be the most wasteful of electricity. Unlike other appliances that you can turn off , the refrigerator is always on. Fortunately, modern refrigerators are more than 75% more energy efficient than ones built just 15 years ago.

Upgrading your 1970s-era fridge to a modern Energy Star–labeled option can save you over $200 annually in energy bills. Rebates from local utility companies, manufacturers, federal, state, and local governments are often available. Check online at www.dsireusa.org/ to see what’s available in your area.

Besides saving energy, some manufacturers are producing refrigerators that simply do a better job of storing food. Smart refrigerators are able to moderate the humidity of different bins within the unit, which reduces food spoilage and waste. Fruit and vegetables, for instance, require higher levels of humidity and a constant circulation of air to retain their freshness, color, flavor, and vitamins. Meats, on the other hand, should be kept in dryer, more air-tight compartments. While this technology can help you preserve your food, it does come at a higher price.

WHAT TO KNOW

> If you have a refrigerator that’s more than 15 years old, replace it!

> Energy Star–rated refrigerators can save you hundreds of dollars over the life of the appliance.

> Size matters: One big refrigerator in the kitchen is better than two small ones (i.e., one in the kitchen, one in the garage).

WASHERS AND DRYERS ADVANCES IN CONSERVATION
The average American family does more than 400 loads of laundry a year, so even modest energy and water savings can greatly impact overall natural resource conservation. Reducing water while doing the laundry has gotten easier in the past decade, thanks in large part to the advancement (and acceptance) of front-loading washing machines.

While top-loading machines still have their place in the market, front-loading units use up to one-third less water, reduce the wear on clothes, and require less detergent. By using gravity to move the clothes inside the drum instead of a spindle, front loading washers also conserve electricity while providing more effective spin cycles.

Two terms to be familiar with when evaluating washing machines are modified energy factor (MEF) and water factor (WF). The higher the MEF, the more energy efficient the model. This rating takes into account not only the energy used during the course of cleaning the clothes, but also the energy used to heat the water and run the dryer. The WF rates the water efficiency of the unit based on its size. The lower the WF, the more water efficient the washer.

Using the MEF and WF, along with an Energy Star label and the EnergyGuide label can help you determine which washer set will conserve resources and save you money while getting your clothes clean.

LIEBHERR HCBS 2062 REFRIGERATOR
Liebherr has been on the leading edge of environmentally responsible appliances since 2000. Unlike other refrigerators, this product is manufactured without the use of hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Liebherr has also included a “biofresh” feature, which helps prevent food waste through environmentally controlled zones for meats, fruits, and vegetables. www.liebherr.us

WHIRLPOOL VANTAGE TOP LOAD WASHER
The 5.2-cubic-foot Vantage Top Load is an Energy Star–qualified washer and is CEE Tier III rated, the highest rating possible for water and energy savings. Along with sensors that measure the size of the load and adjust water levels accordingly, the Vantage Top Load Washer also has a 7” color LCD touch screen, which includes upgradeable software to help track water and energy use. www.insideadvantage.com