Time to “Retire” Your Old Appliances (NAPSA)—There are simple steps that consumers can take to make their homes more energy efficient. One way to do this is to “retire” older appliances and replace them with energy-efficient models. In fact, a typical household can cut its utility bills by 30 percent simply by using Energy Star appliances (www.energy star.gov/cutyourcosts). To determine whether an appliance is Energy Star-rated, just look for the Energy Star label, which clearly identifies the most energy efficient appliances in the market. For instance, Energy Star-rated refrigerators must use at least 10 percent less energy than other new refrigerators. In more practical terms, an Energy Star-qualified refrigerator uses less than half the energy of a 10-year-old model. So, if your refrigerator is 10 years old or older, it’s probably time to replace it with an energy-efficient model. These newer models help conserve energy through engineering improvements such as better insulation, new refrigerants and moreefficient compressors. As a result, consumers can save approximately $30 to $40 annually, more if you have high-energy costs. (Based on Over their lifetimes, energy- efficient appliances may pay for themselves. now produces Energy Star qualified refrigerators that use less electricity than a 75-watt light bulb left on all year. And Energy Star refrigerators can come in a variety of styles (top-mount, sideby-side) and offer numerous features (ice dispensers, crisper washers, that incorporate the innovations needed to meet today’s demanding lifestyles. Over their lifetimes, these products mayeven pay for themselves. Take a closer look at refrigerators. While your existing refriger- drawers with humidity controls). Even Maytag’s newest refrigerator—the Wide-By-Side refrigerator—is Energy Star-rated. Not only does this model boast the widest available refrigerator and freezer space in a traditional sideby-side refrigerator; it also has Maytag’s Dual Cool™ freshness design and an Elevator™ shelf, built to accommodate tall items. But if you’re thinking about putting that old, energy-hogging refrigerator in the garage, think again. Based on replacing a 1972vintage refrigerator with one that meets the new energy efficiency standards, it may cost you as much as $120 per year to operate! (www.eren.doe.gov) In the end, “retiring” your refrigerator not only improves your lifestyle, it saves money and our natural resources. For more information about energy-efficient appliances, call 1-800-688-9900 or log on to appliance in the home, Maytag applianceonline. the Department of Energy test method with average electrical rates and annual kWh usage for a 10-year-old refrigerator. Your savings will vary depending on rates and modelreplaced.) And don’t let common misperceptions, like “buying an energy efficient model means I sacrifice the features that I want,” prevent you from purchasing an energy efficient appliance. Maytag manufactures numerous Energy Star appliances, including refrigerators, clothes washers and dish- ator uses the most energy of any www.maytag.com to purchase an
