Home Appliances

In 1992 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced the Energy Star program. The goal of the program is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Consumers benefit by selecting qualified energy star appliances in terms of lowered energy consumption, thereby lowering their energy costs while also helping the environment. Consumers can also gain periodic tax credits and rebates. Appliances in retail stores bear a yellow sticker that rates the appliance for energy use and projected annual energy costs for the consumer.

Department Stores

Visit major department stores for savings and deals on Energy Star appliances. A good time to shop is when there are major sales on appliances and during periods in states that have "tax-free" holidays, which typically take place around the back-to-school season in August and September. Stores like Macy's and Kohl's focus on smaller Energy Star qualified appliances, such as vacuum cleaners and lighting. Sears is the largest department store with nationwide locations carrying Energy Star qualified appliances. In 2010 Sears won the coveted Energy Star "Partner of the Year Award." The biggest brand and manufacturer of Energy Star appliances at Sears is Kenmore. Additional manufacturers include GE, Samsung, LG and Whirlpool.

Home Improvement Retailers

Home Depot and Lowe's are major retailers of Energy Star rated appliances. Home Depot and Lowe's sell energy star ranges, washers, dryers, air conditions and refrigerators from most major manufacturers. Benefits of shopping at home improvement retail stores is that they may often have bigger selections of styles and models and one-stop-shopping for devices if needed to hook up the appliance, such as electrical outlets, adapters and hoses.

Electronics "Superstores"

Electronic superstores such as Best Buy, Ames and H.H. Gregg have large selections of Energy Star appliances. They also have frequent sales on appliances. Some use marketing tactics to generate sales after the Christmas holiday selling season, right around tax return time and to stimulate sales during the spring and summer months.

Big Box Retailers and Club Stores

So-called "big box" retailers like Walmart, Target and K-Mart carry small Energy Star appliances from various manufacturers. Both carry smaller appliances, such as compact refrigerators and air conditioners. Walmart leaves sales for larger appliances to its Sam's Club store, which carries Energy Star ranges and refrigerators. Other club stores, including Costco and BJ's also carry Energy Star appliances. Club stores often provide lower prices; however, styles, types of appliances and manufacturer selections can be limited, versus selections at electronics superstores and local retailers that specialize in selling appliances only.

Local Appliance Stores

Local appliance stores are also a source to check and purchase Energy Star appliances. While prices may be a bit higher than big box and superstores, they often provide a greater selection of styles and offer the benefit of more personalized service and specific expertise in their knowledge about various appliances, such as the various benefits of one model, style or manufacturer versus another. They may also have their own in-house repair service or structured relationships with local repair companies if service on an appliance is needed.