Energy-efficient appliances

If you want to manage your finances better and save money but also help the environment, then there’s no better way to do it than to use energy-efficient appliances such as washers, dryers and the like. Yes, such products might be a bit more expensive, but in the long run, their benefits outweigh their costs.

What to do

Appliances such as refrigerators and dryers are the third biggest energy spenders, making up 9 percent of your energy bill. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, energy bills can cost you 5% to 30% less if you choose energy-efficient appliances. To know which products are included in this category and approved by the government, check for the Energy Star logo.

“Households are saving hundreds of dollars annually as a result of increasing appliance efficiency standards,” says Shannon Baker-Branstetter, the senior energy and environment policy council at Consumer Reports. “Programs like Energy Star are helping consumers easily identify products that will result in long-term savings.”

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