Give the green light to energy-saving appliances

With rising energy costs and the increased output of harmful emissions, it seems nearly impossible to do your part for the planet without spending a lot of money. In short, going green feels like it costs too much green.

But believe it or not, products are out there that are both effective and affordable — saving the average home around $80 per year. So whether it's a new refrigerator or a simple ceiling fan, we'll show you how to select and buy the right energy efficient products.

What to look for

Nonrenewable energy sources such as fossil fuels and nuclear power make up about 90 percent of electricity use in U.S. homes. By using more efficient products, you can consume less electricity, help reduce pollution and save money. You can identify these products by looking for specific labels, such as ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide.

Although some energy-efficient appliances are more expensive, the overall savings in operating costs ultimately pays off the initial purchase price. Here, we've outlined some of the features and functions you should look for when shopping for "green" products.

Clothes washers and dryers

• Features such as automatic water level controls, "suds savers," adjustable spin cycle and large capacity that reduce water use
• Horizontal-axis washers, which can save 6,000 gallons of water a year
• Dryer units with moisture sensors — they save energy and your clothes
• Gas dryers — they cost a little more than electric but are cheaper to operate

Dishwashers

• Features such as booster heaters and smart controls — they reduce water use

Electronics

• Power management features for remote controls and channel memory, which save energy when you're not using them

Home office equipment

• Power management features — they trigger a low-power "sleep" mode when not in use
• Cordless phone models with "smart" chargers and switch-mode power supply circuits

Refrigerators and freezers

• Refrigerators with top or bottom freezers (not side-by-side) — they're naturally more efficient
• Heavy door hinges for a better seal
• Manual defrost, which use up to 50 percent less energy than automatic units
• No through-the-door dispensers and automatic ice makers — they consume more energy, are more expensive and often need repair

Residential lighting

• Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use up to 75 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer

Room air conditioners

• Correctly sized units — they're naturally more efficient

Water heaters

• Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, which can cut water consumption in half
• Electric heaters with an Energy Factor (EF) rating of about 0.95, gas heaters with ratings of 0.06 or better and oil heaters with ratings of at least 0.5