Buy Energy Star appliances

When you shop for appliances, look for the Energy Star label. It means the appliance meets certain energy efficiency guidelines. The average household spends $2,000 each year on energy bills. Energy Star says that appliances bearing its label can cut those bills by 30 percent, for an annual savings of about $600. But you dont have to replace everything to see a savings. Just replacing an eight year old refrigerator with a new Energy Star model can save $110 a year or more in electricity.Not sure what to do with your old appliance? Recycle it. Dont salvage and resell it that only passes the electricity hogging appliance along to someone else. Check with your utility company or local home center for programs for appliance pickup and recycling.