With the cost of energy rising, homeowners are looking for ways to save money on their utility bills. In addition, many homeowners want to find ways to help the environment by using less electricity. Purchasing energy efficient appliances is one way to reach both of these goals. The following tips will help you by learning which appliance brands and models save the most energy you save money and the environment at the same time.

Read the label

In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission requires that all manufacturers to place Energy Guide labels on each and every appliance they manufacture. This is a black and yellow tag or label that you find on every appliance unit. This label shows you the appliance's energy efficiency rating, the estimated annual energy consumption and it even compares this range of energy consumption and efficiency with similar appliances. This label will give you a very good idea of how much energy that appliance uses. A comparison of the labels on the different models and brands will allow you to choose an appliance that is more efficient and can save you money.

Look for the EnergyStar Logo

Another label to look for is the EnergyStar logo. An appliance with an EnergyStar rating is more energy efficient when compared to a similar model that does not have the EnergyStar rating. These EnergyStar appliances go through testing. They have to prove that they exceed efficiency standards set by at least 20% to as much as 110%. Purchasing an appliance brand with the EnergyStar logo means that you are purchasing a unit that has the seal of approval of the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Size matters

Many consumers get carried away by size and are actually convinced that 'bigger is better'. In the case of some appliances, it's often is just not true. A 12' x 14' room, as an example, may not require a 4.0 Hp air conditioning unit. An air conditioner that is too large for the room is actually less efficient. The unit can certainly cool the room, but it will waste a large amount of energy in the process.

When purchasing an appliance, carefully measure to determine whether the increased size is actually a necessity. Larger appliances, even energy-efficient models, generally use more energy than their smaller counterparts.

A big mistake that many consumers make is to replace an inefficient appliance with an new appliance that is much larger and requires much more electricity to operate.

Mind the numbers.

Lower isn't always better, so learni what the numbers on appliances actually mean For example, when you are comparing refrigerators, s, choosing a brand that has the lowest consumption per kilowatt-hours (kWh). This number indicates the amount of energy the appliance uses. On the other hand if you are purchasing a heat pump, you might have to choose a unit that has a higher HSPF or heating seasonal performance factor. For dishwashers, the best choice is the one that has a higher energy factor.

When purchasing an appliance, a little research before making that purchase, can often save you money over the life of the appliance. Plus you are helping the environment by making an energy efficient choice.