Conserving energy helps meet the challenge of preserving our environment for future generations.

By reducing our demand, we consume fewer resources and do more to protect our environment, while saving money in the process.

Efficient appliances save energy and money.

The National Resources Defense Council offers four main guidelines for figuring out which appliance models use the least energy. They are:

Look for the Energy Star Label.
Use the EnergyGuide Label.
Get the right sized appliance.
Whenever possible, choose appliances that run on natural gas rather than electricity.

Look for the Energy Star label.
Energy Star models are the most energy efficient in any product category, exceeding the energy efficiency minimums set by the federal government.

Use the EnergyGuide label.
All new appliances must carry an EnergyGuide label. Be sure to compare the typical annual energy consumption and operating costs of appliances.

Get the right sized appliance.
Make sure the product you are buying suits your needs. Oversized air conditioners, water heaters and refrigerators waste energy and money; in many cases they don’t perform as well.

Whenever possible, choose appliances that run on natural gas rather than electricity.
Usually it’s more efficient to burn natural gas where it’s needed – in a home or business – than to burn it at a power plant, convert the heat to electricity and then send the electricity over wires to your house. Look for water heaters, furnaces, stoves and clothes dryers that run on natural gas.

Think long term. Many of the most energy-efficient appliances cost more initially, but they’ll save you money in the long run. Expect to keep most major home appliances between 10 to 20 years. A more efficient appliance soon pays for itself; lower monthly utility bills over the lifetime of the appliance will more than offset a higher purchase price.