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Saving money as a homeowner can help you stay on top of mortgage payments and manage your monthly budget. Who doesn’t like saving money? Sometimes, the route to saving money starts with an upfront cost. Energy efficient appliances can save you money in the long run, if you’re willing to upgrade now. You might actually be surprised by how quickly these types of appliances can pay off. Energy efficient appliances lower the amount of energy needed to work, lowering your monthly utility bills. In addition to saving your money, this also lowers your carbon footprint.

Energy Star Appliances Are Certified

You’ve probably seen the “Energy Star” label on certain products if you’ve been in the market for a new appliance. That label is more than just a claim. “Energy Star” products are actually certified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. When you purchase an Energy Star product, you are guaranteed a certain level of energy efficiency. When this label was first introduced, certified appliances could cost significantly more than non Energy Star products. However, due to demand, the marketplace is now full of Energy Star options that are also affordable.

Consider Yearly Savings and the Lifetime of the Appliance When Making a Choice

Before purchasing an appliance, you’ll want to make sure that it makes economic sense for you. If you find an energy efficient clothes washer, it may save you around $40 on water utility costs for the year (depending on the size of your household and how much water you use). Then you can determine what the lifespan of the appliance is likely to be. For a quality clothes washer, the lifespan may be 10-12 years. Over that time, you may save over $400 on water costs. That can more than makeup for the added cost of energy efficiency.

Utility Savings Makes It Easier to Replace an Appliance

If you’re considering the whole picture when it comes to the cost of an appliance, it can make it easier to move forward with a major purchase. You may hold on to an old refrigerator or dishwasher for a couple of years to save yourself the cost of replacing the appliance, when actually, a new model would start saving you money now. You should look into any tax credit or tax-free programs that may help you with the cost of a new energy efficient appliance. It can pay to be environmentally friendly!

Find Your New Home with The Swanson Group

Finding a great deal on your next home is another effective way to save money. The Swanson Group is here to help. With decades of real estate experience and an acute understanding of the Omaha area, our team members — Bill, Chris, and Faith are ready to help you find a beautiful home that you love. Start working with The Swanson Group in Omaha, NE by contacting our office at 402-679-6566.