You’re ready to buy new electronics and appliances, but you want to make sure you’re going to save money and save the environment at the same time. For many people, this seems like a daunting task because of the lack of clarity there is when it comes to making the best decision. Here are a few tips on making sure you’re confident with your purchases.

Think two prices

The first price you want to consider is the actual cost of the product. This is kind of like a down payment for the machine. The second price to consider is the operating costs associated with the product. For example, if you buy a new dishwasher, you may pay less money upfront for the actual product, but may end up paying twice as much in operating costs if it is not energy efficient.

Look for the tag

Every Energy Star product is required by the federal government to provide specific information to the consumer about the efficiency of that particular product. The information can be found on a large yellow and black tag or label. The tag will provide you with accurate information on the annual energy usage and operating cost for the product. Take those numbers and compare them with the other products you’re looking and at and make your choice.

Decide on usage

Once you have this information, ask yourself the question, “How often will I use this?” If you are buying a dishwasher but you typically hand wash your dishes, you’ll want to take that into consideration. The more you use a particular electronic, the higher Energy Star rating you want it to have. Shopping for new stuff is intended to be fun, so don’t let the jargon slow you down. Remember to simply think of the two price tags, look for the tag and decide on how much you’ll use the product. It’s that simple to save the environment and save money.