With energy prices on the rise, not only are people paying more at the pump, but they’re also paying more in their utility bills. This may cause you to be looking at energy efficiency in a whole new light. When you are purchasing home appliances, it is becoming more and more important to consider not only the price tag, but also the impact on your energy bill. So while some energy efficient appliances may cost a bit more at the store, the savings you get at home can outweigh the purchase price difference pretty quickly. Another bonus is that energy efficient appliances cause less stress to the planet, saving the environment.

Figuring out which appliances are best for you though, can be tricky. Different appliances and other home products like windows and insulation all have their own terms for what makes them energy efficient and they can be tough to compare. Looking for the Energy Star can be a good place to start, but before you do, it is helpful to know what it is and what it means.