If you’re wondering how to tell if the fridge, washer, dryer or other appliance you might be shopping for will be energy-efficient, we’ll make it easy on you: Just look for the ENERGY STAR label! Not only will these appliances save you so much money and energy, but they’re also becoming more common these days. So, it’s easier than ever for homeowners to shop for energy-efficient appliances at their favorite name-brand retailers.

Why the growing popularity? Well, there is more incentive than ever for people to conserve energy and minimize energy costs. That’s why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), together with the Department of Energy (DOE), created the ENERGY STAR program. With it, the ENERGY STAR label that you see on many of today’s appliances identifies top-performing, high-efficiency, cost-effective products.

So, do these appliances do everything the label promises? In short, yes. Let’s dig a little deeper into what all this means for the environment and for you.

What Are the Real Benefits?

Today’s technology has allowed manufacturers to make major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, dryers and ranges that do the same work as before (or even better) with much more efficiency. For an example of what we mean, check out our washer and dryer shopping guide here.

 Since 1992, ENERGY STAR and its partners have helped American families and businesses save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, avoid more than $450 billion in energy costs, and achieve 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions.1 If an appliance meets or exceeds its rigorous standards for energy efficiency, it is deemed ENERGY STAR-certified and able to provide consumers with these types of cost- and energy-saving benefits.

 In other words, shopping for ENERGY STAR appliances isn’t just good for the environment — it helps consumers save money, too. The less energy needed for an appliance (e.g., dishwasher, refrigerator, washing machine, etc.) to run, the less it’s going to cost you. This means you’ll be saving more than you would if you shopped for appliances without the ENERGY STAR label.

But If the Appliance Costs More, How Is That Possible?

We admit, it does sound like we’re contradicting ourselves. And it’s true, you may find that ENERGY STAR appliances come at a higher cost in the marketplace. Let’s break down what we mean.

According to ENERGY STAR, every appliance comes with two prices: The first is how much the actual appliance costs, the second is the cost of operating the product. If you have ever paid for and owned any kind of large appliance, you know that the costs to get it into your home and then operating it can add up fast. With ENERGY STAR appliances, it may cost a little more from the retailer upfront, but you can save money in the long run because the appliance won’t require as much energy to operate efficiently. 

So, say you find yourself trying to choose between two dishwashers — one that includes the ENERGY STAR label and one that doesn’t. You’re unsure which one you should go with: the more affordable dishwasher without the ENERGY STAR label or the one with the label, but that costs a bit more. What should you do?

Again, we’ll make it easy for you: Shop for an ENERGY STAR appliance.

Yes, you’re looking at a slightly more expensive price tag when you’re shopping, but we assure you that price you see now will be offset by quantifiable energy costs savings down the road. But don’t just take our word for it: The EPA has determined that the higher initial payment for an ENERGY STAR appliance will be made up by savings on your utility bills.

So, How Much Savings Are We Talking About Here?

Here comes the good news: The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a typical household can save as much as 25% on utility bills — which amounts to about $2,200 annually.2 It may require some patience to see a genuine difference, but you’ll soon find a little savings go a long way!

Want even more good news? Here goes: Because the demand for energy-efficient appliances has increased over the years, many ENERGY STAR appliances have gone down in price. In addition, there are actually more ENERGY STAR-certified appliances than non-certified appliances on the market, making it easier for you to take that environmentally friendly leap and get the energy-efficient appliance that’s just right for you.3

You may even discover more savings for doing your environmental good deed. They may come in the form of other tax credits, deductions from your taxes or discounts with your home insurance. Some retailers may even give you a credit or discount for recycling your old appliance. With a little research, you may be able to discover even more of these lesser-known savings.

Get Your Appliance Today with the No Credit Option

Now you know it’s easier to shop for an ENERGY STAR-certified appliance so you can more easily save energy and money. But remember, Acima also helps make it easier for you to invest in the exact appliance you want with the no credit option*. When you lease-to-own with Acima, you shop now and pay later using one of our flexible lease renewal payment options — which, of course, let you keep more money in your pocket.

Saving energy, saving the environment, saving your budget — it’s a win-win-win!