When buying new appliances, make sure you are buying Energy Star appliances. By replacing a ten year old washer or dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, and A/C unit you could save as much as $180.00 per year. Also, be sure to check with your utility companies, as they may offer some rebate checks for older appliances that you take out of service. Some may even come directly to your home to pick up and dispose of these older appliances. Also check with your big box retailer, as they may be offering 0% financing for up to 3 years. If you do the addition in savings from the rebate checks, the reduction in your energy cost at your utility company, and the 0% financing, you could end up saving a great deal. These newer appliances just make sense in whichever way you choose to look at them. Here is a website for more information regarding the Energy Star Program: www.energystar.gov