The Best Stores for Energy Star Compliant Appliances

ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances are made by brands such as GE, Whirlpool®, KitchenAid®, Electrolux, Jenn-Air, Maytag, and Frigidaire®. They are products or companies that meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy and they offer significant energy savings.[1] The companies who created the brands mentioned above were also given public recognition at the 2008 ENERGY STAR® awards. While the companies and brands listed above are not the only ones utilizing the ENERGY STAR® philosophy, their consistent efforts towards saving energy for you and I, the consumer-- is recognized and appreciated by their peers.

What does this mean overall? View the Energy Guide ratings on selected appliances before you make a purchase. It will tell you the estimated annual savings based on a comparison between similar models. To find ENERGY STAR® appliances that will serve you well, take a look at the following stores:

1. Lowe's

From refrigerators to washer and dryers, Lowe's has all kinds of appliances that show the ENERGY STAR® compliance logo. For instance, you can find the Frigidaire® 14.8 Cu. Ft. Top Mount Refrigerator ENERGY STAR® for about $500.00 .Lowe's has stores all over the U.S and Canada. From their website, check the on-line store locater to find the one nearest you. Also,heck the weekly advertisements or call your store to hear about the unannounced specials. You can buy an appliance on-line and arrange to pick up your purchase from the store. They advertise their Lowe's Project Card as having a low interest rate starting from 7.99%. You can choose to make your payments on-line for added convenience.

2. Home Depot

Home Depot is a great place to shop for ENERGY STAR® compliant refrigerators. Look for special Internet deals. They have the Maytag 25.3 cubic foot, side-by-side refrigerator with built in Pur® filtration system for only $1,399.00 on sale this week. The GE 3.8 IEC cu. ft, king-size capacity, front load washer is only $699.00, sale priced. Matching dryer sold separately. Click on your items of interest and then check back to see if these prices are reduced. Weekly specials for your geographical area can be chosen from their website. Product prices will change frequently, so viewing the ads is a great way to shop via the Internet at Home Depot. The best way to pay is via your credit card. They offer a Home Depot Consumer Credit Card; however, I suggest you use whichever card states the lowest interest rate. Their advertised on-line lowest rate is 22.9%.

3. Best Buy

Find the Frigidaire® 24 Tall Tub Dishwasher, color: black, at Best Buy locations nationwide. It was priced on-line for under $208.00 on this sale date. As mentioned earlier, Frigidaire is known for making ENERGY STAR® compliant appliances. Electrolux is the manufacturer of Frigidaire®. Best Buy has various alternative ways for you to pay via their Reward Zone programs. Check them out on-line. Interest rates start at 19.8%.

4. Sears

You can design your own kitchen with a snap by using "Virtual Experience". Chose your ENERGY STAR® compliant appliances and see how they look in a kitchen setting. If you want a superior dryer, view the Pacific Blue Kenmore® 6.7 cu. Ft. HE2 Super Capacity Electric Dryer for only $899.99. It is reduced from $999.99. Matching washer sold separately. Sears is known for their great customer service and outstanding products. The best way to pay is by using your Sears charge card. Purchase on-line for scheduled delivery or arrange to pick up your appliance at your local Sears store.

5. HHGregg

The hard to find Frigidaire® 70 Pints Per Day Dehumidifier is only $219.97 on-line at HHGregg. It is one of the very few ENERGY STAR® compliant dehumidifiers around. You can track the status of your order on the HHGregg website. To purchase, apply for their in-house financing.

6. ASKO

ASKO has many appliances that pass the ENERGY STAR® compliance test. Take a look at this extensive list of hard to find dishwashers and clothes washers. Then click on the "Where To Buy" tab at the top of the Home Page. Their ENERGY STAR® Rebate Finder can help you take in even more savings.

To save more on energy while cooking, here are some tips to save energy in the kitchen. Here is another article to give you some idea of how much you can save on appliances, overall.

Selecting ENERGY STAR® compliant appliances is the easiest way to go "green". Energy efficient dishwashers and clothes washers can save you water and electricity. Since refrigerators are is continually "on", it makes sense to look into saving electricity as well. All of these appliances can be costly in energy expenditure; therefore appropriately, you realize the most savings.

[1] http://www.echolsheating.com/glossary.htm. Accessed August 19, 2008