The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Appliances

When you’re shopping for new appliances, there’s a lot to consider. In addition to size, color, price and features, one more factor to look at is energy efficiency.

Energy-efficient appliances are easy to spot. They’ll sport the blue square ENERGY STAR® symbol. From the kitchen to the laundry room and everywhere in between, these energy-efficient products help protect the environment without compromising features or functionality.

ENERGY STAR® appliances also save you money on energy bills by using an average of 10 to 30% less energy than equivalent products.

Read on to learn more about benefits of using energy-efficient appliances in your home.

Why You Should Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

In addition using less energy to help the environment and save you money on energy bills, ENERGY STAR® appliances are also more convenient. Here are some examples of how energy efficient appliances can help you complete home chores quicker and easier:

• Running the laundry in an ENERGY STAR® washer means that you can wash more clothes in a single load.
• Drying clothes in an energy-efficient dryer will help you finish your laundry chores faster.
• ENERGY STAR® dishwashers use soil sensors, improved water filtration, more efficient water jets and innovative dish rack designs that improve dishwashing efficiency and performance to make dishwashing a breeze.

Additionally, energy-efficient appliances are often built with higher quality materials and advanced technology, leading to a longer lifespan compared to traditional appliances. This not only reduces the frequency of replacements but also decreases the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposing of appliances.

Earn Rebates and Tax Credits for Buying Energy-Efficient Appliances

In many regions, governments offer incentives, rebates, or tax credits to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient appliances. These incentives can help offset the initial cost of purchasing ENERGY STAR® appliances, making them much more affordable for homeowners.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

You can save up to $2,000 on costs of upgrading your water heater and HVAC system to energy-efficient heat pump technology. These energy efficient home improvement credits are available for 30% of costs (up to $2,000) for air source heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.

Here are some additional details about the federal energy efficiency tax credits:

• These credits are managed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and can be claimed with your federal income taxes on Form 5695 for the year in which the upgrades are made.
• You may claim the energy efficient home improvement credit for improvements to your main home (where you live most of the time). Your home must be in the U.S., and it must be an existing home that you improve or add onto. This credit does not apply to a newly built home. You may not claim the credit if you're a landlord or other property owner and you do not live in the home.
• The credits have no lifetime dollar limits. Homeowners may claim the maximum annual credit every year that eligible improvements are made, through 2032. The credits are nonrefundable, so you cannot get back more on the credit than you owe in taxes. You may not apply any excess credit to future tax years.

Consult your tax expert or the IRS for more information about earning these tax credits when replacing or upgrading your HVAC system and water heater.

Local Special Offers and Rebates from ENERGY STAR® Partners

ENERGY STAR® partners such as local governments and utility companies offer additional rebates and incentives for purchasing energy-efficient appliances in your home. Find the local rebates and incentives available in your area by using the ENERGY STAR® Rebate Finder.

Take advantage of these lucrative incentives when replacing or upgrading appliances in your home.

Sears.com can also help you with appliance replacement and upgrades. Visit our Sears.com Upgrade site to find special savings and incentives on new appliances. We’ve consolidated all help, financing offers and savings into one location on our Upgrade page to make it easy for you to replace your appliances now. No hassles and no waiting. Check out Quick Delivery options from top brands and get energy-efficient replacements installed in a matter of days.

Increase Your Property Value

Installing energy-efficient appliances can enhance the value of your home. As energy efficiency becomes a more significant consideration for home buyers, properties with energy-efficient features may command a higher market value.

In summary, the benefits of energy-efficient appliances extend beyond just cost savings. They play a crucial role in promoting sustainability, reducing environmental impact, and contributing to a more energy-efficient and resilient future.