By Kelsey Abbott

Posted: 10.06.09 | Tagged: appliances, energy-saving, waste

Old cars (fondly referred to as "clunkers") aren't the only energy hogs. Old appliances certainly do a doozy on our energy bills as well. Now, the government's got a plan to help us upgrade our chug-a-lugging old refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, furnaces, air conditioners and water heaters.

The new program, known as "cash-for-appliances," aims to boost sales of energy-efficient appliances and reduce our national energy use in the process. (Unlike cash-for-clunkers, this program won't require you to turn in your old appliance.) Although the details aren't yet finalized, experts expect the $300 million program to offer $50 to $200 rebates to consumers who purchase an approved Energy Star appliance. Cash-for-appliances won't go into effect until later this fall, but each state will be allotted a limited amount of funding so you need to be ready. That's where we come in. We'll get you ready.

First, you need to figure out what needs to go. Scan your home to determine which appliance is the oldest — it's likely to be your most inefficient one. To calculate how much energy each appliance uses, multiply the wattage (it should be on the appliance's label) by the number of hours the appliance is used per day, and divide by 1000. Or, try this nifty little gadget called the Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor — in Maine, you can borrow one from your local library. For more information on estimating an appliance's energy usage go to the Department of Energy's page.

Let's look at the pay-back. If you replace a fridge from the ‘90s with a new Energy Star refrigerator, you'll save more than $100 a year, since your new one will use less than half the energy. Upgrading a 15-year old washing machine could save you up to $110 a year, and trading in your old dishwasher could put an extra $25 into your wallet. Bonus: No more icky clean-up required, since pre-washing dishes will no longer be necessary.

Now remember, an inefficient appliance doesn't just cost you money. By using loads of energy it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. By upgrading to an Energy Star appliance, you'll save yourself some money, help clean up the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.