The Average Home in the U.S. Spends $1900 Per Year on Energy

When you buy new appliances, buy Energy Star appliances and you will save plenty each year on your energy expenses. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The U.S. government estimates that consumers can save as much a one-third on home appliance operating costs without sacrificing features, comfort, or quality. Remember that appliances have two costs: the upfront purchase price and the on-going operating costs. Energy Star-qualified appliances can save from 10%-50% on the utility costs of running them, which will more than make up for additional upfront cost over the life of most appliances. Look for the Energy Star label and consult the U.S. EPA Product Guide on line.

Is it ever worth discarding an old appliance that is still operating? What about repairing one that may need just a few hundred dollars in work to keep plugging along for a few more years? According to my Certified Residential Specialist Magazine’s November issue, a recent issue of Consumer Reports offered a timeline to determine when to discard old appliances that need repairs. The Consumer Reports organization took into account age, typical repair and replacement costs, and improvements made in newer models.

Here are the ages when it’s more sensible to replace an appliance than to fix it, according to Consumer Reports: