Saving money while helping the environment? Sounds like a win-win. Upgrading your home with energy-efficient appliances is one of the most effective ways to lower your utility bills while reducing energy waste. These advanced models are designed to use less electricity (or water), giving your pocketbook and the planet a much-needed break. While it might seem like a big investment upfront, energy-efficient appliances pay off in the long run through savings on your monthly bills. Plus, many of them have added features that make your life more convenient. Whether you're building a new home or simply replacing old appliances, here’s a breakdown of some of the best energy-efficient options available today.

Energy Star Refrigerators

Refrigerators are one of the biggest electricity consumers in your home. That’s why swapping your old model for an Energy Star-certified fridge is a smart move. Brands like Samsung, LG, and Whirlpool are known for producing highly efficient refrigerators with smart technologies and sleek designs. These models use advanced compressors and better insulation to keep your food cold without overworking the appliance. An Energy Star refrigerator can use up to 15% less energy than older fridges. When shopping, look for one with a top or bottom freezer rather than a side-by-side model—they’re more efficient overall. A final little tip to improve energy efficiency is to keep your fridge well-stocked if you can because this will help maintain a consistent temperature.

Recommendations:

  • LG LRFLC2706S: A French-door refrigerator with a sleek design, smart features, and high customer satisfaction ratings.
  • GE GNE27J: Offers a spacious layout with flexible storage options, ideal for larger households.
  • Samsung RF25C5551SR: A 3-door French-door smart refrigerator with a beverage center and Energy Star certification.
  • LG LTCS20020S: A top-freezer refrigerator with Energy Star approval, known for reliability and affordability.

High-Efficiency Washers

Older washers guzzle both water and electricity, but modern high-efficiency models are built to do more with less. It isn’t 1920 anymore! Newer machines use up to 25% less energy and 33% less water than traditional machines. Maytag and LG Appliances offer popular high-efficiency washers, like the LG Ultra Large Capacity Front Load Washer. These machines come with features like faster spin cycles to save drying time and cycle customization for different types of loads. Just be sure you use the proper detergent with your washer. If you want to go the extra mile, you could get an eco-friendly option that's gentle on the environment and your washer.

Recommendations:

  • LG WM4000HWA: A front-load washer with TurboWash 360 technology, 12 cycles, and Energy Star certification, known for its speed, stain removal, and fabric care.
  • Electrolux ELFW7637A: A high-efficiency front-loader with SmartBoost technology for pre-mixing detergent, excellent stain removal, and customizable settings.
  • Whirlpool WTW8127LW: A top-load washer with a removable agitator, built-in faucet, and load-and-go detergent dispenser, ideal for large loads.

Energy-Efficient Dryers

Pairing your high-efficiency washer with an energy-efficient dryer is the best way to double up on savings. Many dryers now come with moisture sensors that detect when clothes are dry, so the appliance shuts off automatically instead of running longer than it needs to. Bosch is a highly rated brand for energy-efficient dryers, particularly for its heat pump dryer technology, which recycles hot air instead of venting it out. To get the most out of your dryer, clean the lint trap after every use and avoid overfilling the drum.

Recommendations:

  • Electrolux ELFE7637AT: An Energy Star-certified electric dryer with an 8-cubic-foot capacity, accurate sensor-dry technology, and steam features for dewrinkling and refreshing clothes.
  • LG WKHC252H*A: A heat pump dryer with a high Combined Energy Factor (CEF) of 9.0, WiFi connectivity, and a ventless design, making it one of the most efficient options.
  • Maytag MED7230HW: A mid-range electric dryer with Energy Star certification, steam cycles, and smart features for notifications and remote control.

Induction Cooktops

If you’re updating your kitchen, consider an induction cooktop. These cooktops use electromagnetic energy to directly heat your pots and pans rather than heating the stovetop itself. This makes them more efficient than gas or electric ranges, where much of the heat is wasted. GE Profile and Frigidaire are well known for their energy-efficient induction cooktops, offering precise temperature control and faster heating times. Just make sure your cookware is induction-compatible. Most stainless steel or cast-iron pans will work.

Recommendations:

  • GE Profile PHP9036: A 36-inch cooktop with 19 power settings, WiFi connectivity, a bridging function for griddles, and precise temperature control.
  • Bosch 800 Series NIT8660UC: Features a powerful 12-inch, 5,400-watt element, 17 power settings, and Bluetooth connectivity for syncing with a range hood.
  • Miele KM 7740 FR: Known for its sleek design, 10-year warranty, and features like auto-heat mode and keep-warm settings, though its controls can be less intuitive.

Energy-Saving Dishwashers

Modern dishwashers under the Energy Star label are designed to be incredibly efficient, using less water and electricity during each wash cycle. These machines can save you up to $35 a year in energy costs compared to older models. That might not seem like much, but all these little savings can add up over time. Bosch and KitchenAid are two brands that consistently earn praise for their energy-efficient dishwashers, which also happen to be some of the quietest machines on the market.

Recommendations:

  • Miele G5008 SCU Active: Energy Star-certified, with EcoPower technology, a QuickIntenseWash cycle, and FlexLine baskets for customizable loading.
  • Bosch 500 Series SHP65CM5N: Features PrecisionWash™ for targeted cleaning, AutoAir™ Dry for improved drying, and quiet operation at 44 dBA.
  • Fisher & Paykel DD24STX6PX1: Compact, Energy Star-certified, with fan-assisted drying and a low annual energy use of 114 kWh.

Smart Thermostats

Okay, a thermostat isn’t exactly an appliance, but it’s still worth mentioning because it saves a ton of energy. Smart thermostats learn your schedule and adjust the temperature automatically, so you’re not wasting heat or air conditioning when you’re not home. Google Nest and ecobee are standout brands in this category, offering intuitive interfaces and the ability to control settings from your phone. Some models even give you monthly reports showing how much energy you’ve saved. By sticking to energy-saving settings, you could save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs annually.

Recommendations:

  • Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium: Offers voice assistant integration (Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit), air quality monitoring, and energy-saving features. It also doubles as a home security device.
  • Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen): Features AI-powered scheduling, Matter compatibility, and a sleek design. It learns your preferences to optimize energy use.
  • Amazon Smart Thermostat: A budget-friendly option with seamless Alexa integration, energy-saving insights, and an easy installation process.

Ceiling Fans with Efficient Motors

While they may seem old-school, ceiling fans are a fabulous way to lower energy use in both summer and winter. Modern fans with energy-efficient motors use far less electricity than air conditioners. Hunter Fan Company makes a range of stylish, energy-efficient ceiling fans designed to suit different home aesthetics. Use your fan to circulate air, making it feel cooler in summer or pushing warm air down in the winter. Just remember to switch the fan's direction depending on the season. It’s supposed to go counterclockwise in summer and clockwise in winter.

Recommendations:

  • Minka-Aire Light Wave Ceiling Fan: Features a sleek design, energy-efficient DC motor, and dimmable LED lights. It’s powerful yet quiet, making it ideal for modern spaces.
  • Honeywell Xerxes Ceiling Fan: A large 62-inch fan with an 8-blade design, smart home compatibility, and multi-function remote control. Perfect for large rooms.
  • Hunter Key Biscayne Ceiling Fan: Designed for outdoor use with weather-resistant materials, reversible blades, and a rustic aesthetic. It’s efficient and durable.

Energy-Efficient Water Heaters

Traditional water heaters keep a tank of water hot 24/7, whether you’re using it or not. That’s not very efficient! A tankless water heater, on the other hand, heats water only when you need it. This saves both energy and money. Rheem is a top brand for tankless and energy-efficient water heaters, offering reliable units with compact designs perfect for almost any household. If you prefer keeping a tank, look for a model that’s well-insulated and Energy Star-certified.

Recommendations:

  • Rheem ProTerra Hybrid Heat Pump Water Heater: Offers smart features like leak detection, auto shutoff, and vacation mode. It’s Energy Star-certified and highly efficient, saving up to $480 annually.
  • Bradford White AeroTherm Heat Pump Water Heater: Known for durability and energy efficiency, it features a Vitraglas lining to prevent corrosion and a user-friendly control panel.
  • Navien NPE-240A2 Tankless Water Heater: A tankless option with a high efficiency of 0.96 UEF, providing endless hot water and significant energy savings.

Energy-Efficient Freezers

Just like refrigerators, standalone freezers have come a long way in energy efficiency. If you’re freezing food for the long haul, upgrading to an Energy Star-certified freezer can lower energy use by 10% or more. Frigidaire and Whirlpool both make excellent freezers with upright and chest options to suit your organizational and space needs. Upright freezers are easier to organize, but chest freezers are usually better at conserving energy since less cold air escapes when you open them. When choosing a model, remember to size it according to your household’s needs because oversized freezers waste energy.

Recommendations:

  • Hotpoint HCM22QW: A highly efficient chest freezer with Energy Star certification, offering excellent energy usage per cubic foot.
  • GE FCM22DL: A 21.7 cubic foot chest freezer that uses 10% less energy than federal standards, with manual defrost for better efficiency.
  • Crosley XCM22DM: Similar to the GE model, this chest freezer is highly efficient, consuming only 16 kWh per cubic foot annually.

LED Light Bulbs

While not exactly appliances, LED lighting deserves a spot on this list. Replacing old incandescent bulbs with LEDs is arguably the simplest and cheapest way to slash your electricity bills. LEDs use 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. Philips and Cree are two trusted brands for high-quality LED light bulbs and fixtures, offering options like dimmable bulbs and different tones to match your home’s lighting needs.

Recommendations:

  • Feit Electric Enhance 60W Replacement LED Bulbs: Offers excellent color accuracy, smooth dimming, and a five-year warranty. Available in soft white and daylight options.
  • Philips Ultra Definition Warm Glow LED Bulbs: Mimics the warmth of incandescent bulbs as they dim, perfect for creating cozy atmospheres.
  • Cree BR30 Floodlight LED: Ideal for high ceilings and recessed lighting, providing bright, energy-efficient illumination.

When investing in energy-efficient appliances, it’s important to check for the Energy Star label, as this guarantees the appliance meets the highest standards of energy saving. Brands like LG, Samsung, Bosch, Rheem, and Whirlpool consistently produce models that stand out for energy efficiency and reliability, so these are great options to keep an eye on as you shop.