Appliance Buying Guide

If you're ready to upgrade to a new energy-efficient appliance, you have a lot of great options. We've put together this buying guide to help make sure you buy the right one for your specific needs.

General Tips

Look for the Energy Guide label when deciding on which energy-efficient appliance to buy.
Check for available rebates before you buy.
See if you qualify for low-interest financing for your home energy upgrades.
Learn how to choose a qualified contractor to help with your home improvements.
Visit the ENERGY STAR® store locator to find a retailer near you that carries ENERGY STAR certified appliances and products.

Heaters or Furnaces

Heating tends to be one of the top energy expenses for most customers. In fact, heating may account for more than half of your total natural gas bill.

When away from home for more than a few hours, consider adjusting your thermostat by 5–8 degrees, if health permits, to help save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat to help automatically regulate your home's temperature for comfort control and energy savings.
Keep your heating system tuned up to operate at maximum efficiency.
Clean or replace your furnace filters according to manufacturer recommendations.
For safety and efficiency, keep all heating vents and furnace registers free of dirt, lint, and obstructions.
Visit the ENERGY STAR store locator to find a retailer near you.

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable thermostats save on heating costs by automatically turning thermostats down or off when you want and back on again when you need heat.

Programmable thermostats are available in do-it-yourself or professional installation models (including units with several settings to turn heat down at night and during work or school hours when the house is empty) and units that handle both heating and air conditioning for year-round savings.
Consider a smart thermostat with wireless capabilities and/or the ability to be controlled from your smartphone. This keeps the heating/cooling control at your fingertips from anywhere.
Before buying a thermostat, consider the following:
- Is the thermostat compatible with the electrical wiring found in your current unit?
- Are you able to install it yourself, or should you hire an electrician or a heating/air conditioning (HVAC) contractor?
- Are the programming instructions easy to understand?

Water Heaters

When buying a new water heater, consider an ENERGY STAR® certified natural gas model.
ENERGY STAR natural gas storage and tankless water heaters are independently certified to help save you money, energy, and support preventing climate change.
The energy efficiency of a storage water heater is indicated by its "Uniform Energy Factor" (UEF). The higher the UEF, the more efficient the water heater.
SoCalGas offers rebates on qualifying ENERGY STAR certified natural gas water heaters. Check with your local water utility to see if they also have rebate incentives.
It's recommended that you consult a contractor when installing a natural gas water heater.
Visit the ENERGY STAR store locator to find a retailer near you.

Clothes Washers

ENERGY STAR certified front load clothes washers use about 45% less energy and 50% less water than a top load agitator washer. (Source)
To help conserve water and energy, wash full loads of laundry or adjust the water level to fit the size of your load.
Help save money on water heating costs by washing and rinsing your clothes in cold water.
Select a laundry detergent formulated to clean effectively in cold water.
Visit the ENERGY STAR store locator to find a retailer near you.

Clothes Dryers

Combined Energy Factor (CEF) is what is used to rate the energy efficiency that reflects the energy use of a clothes dryer. The general rule is, the higher the CEF, the more energy efficient the clothes dryer is.
It’s recommended to check the ductwork to be sure that it is clear of obstructions and that the outside vent opens and closes properly.
Dry full loads of laundry, but don't overload or over-dry. Separate lightweight and heavy clothes for more energy-efficient drying.
Dry two or more loads in a row to take advantage of the heat remaining in the dryer.
Clean the lint filter before drying each load. Not only does this help your dryer perform more efficiently, but it's also an important safety measure.
Clean the machine. Periodically remove any buildup of lint and dust from the dryer exhaust, the back of the dryer, and behind the lint screen.
Replace leaky exhaust terminals. Check the outside dryer exhaust terminal to ensure it closes as designed and is not blocked with lint.
Visit the ENERGY STAR store locator to find a retailer near you.

Fireplaces

Highly efficient natural gas fireplace inserts may heat up to 1,000 square feet of living space.
Install glass doors in front of your fireplace to help keep warm air in the house. Natural gas fireplace inserts not only help keep your house clean but create less pollution than wood-burning fires.
Add an elegant cast iron fireback to your fireplace to promote heat transfer into the room.
Use your energy safely and wisely. Don't run your natural gas fireplace when you're not in the room.

Natural Gas Barbecues

A natural gas grill can be permanently installed in your yard, or portable models are available with a quick-disconnect.
When you use a natural gas grill constructed of stainless steel, your equipment may have better longevity and provide a true commercial-quality kitchen appearance. Other grill exteriors are made of enameled steel and aluminum. Look for heavier, thicker grades for the longest life.
Top-rated burners, cooking grids, and grates tend to be made of stainless steel, enameled stainless steel, cast iron, or brass.
For an additional fee, a representative from SoCalGas can connect your natural gas barbecue. Schedule a service appointment.

Pool and Spas

To help save energy, lower the temperature setting on your pool or spa heater.
Install a timer to preset and minimize heating hours.
Keep your spa or pool covered when not in use. Well-fitted pool and spa covers help prevent heat loss and may save energy.
Consider purchasing a solar pool cover, which uses the sun to heat the water's surface.
Reduce pool filtering and automatic sweep time, and schedule it during off-peak hours—before noon and after 6 p.m.
Check the accuracy of your spa's thermostat. An inaccurate thermostat could cost you hundreds of dollars each year.
Consider replacing your pool pump. When programmed appropriately, variable speed pumps may deliver significant energy savings for all pool loads and without degrading performance.

Caulking and Insulation

Caulking and weather-stripping help seal your home and reduce drafts, keeping heat inside during winter and cool air inside during summer.
Caulking works best for gaps that are 1/2" or smaller. For larger gaps, you can use a foam sealant.
There may be substantial savings for taking the time to seal behind windows and door trims, even if your windows are airtight.
Insulation blocks the flow of heat through attic floors and walls by forming dead air spaces.
Adding insulation in your attic can help maintain desired temperatures throughout your home and is a great opportunity to save energy.

Weather Stripping

When deciding which weather-stripping materials to buy, consider installation instructions, how long it will last, where it will be used, and its cost.
Instructions for installing weather stripping can be found in home improvement books or weather stripping kits. You can also ask home improvement personnel for advice on installation and which type of material you should buy.

Cooking Appliances

Don't open the oven door while food is cooking. Leaving the oven door open could lead to significant temperature loss and wasted energy.
Cover pots when cooking and follow time and temperature guides.
It's recommended to use pots and pans that fit the burners. Pans that fit a burner absorb more of the energy and may reduce the amount of heat lost.
Keep ovens and burners clean. A clean oven tends to use energy more efficiently.
Never use the natural gas range for room heating. It's not designed for this purpose and can create a hazardous situation.

Dishwashers

Skip the drying option on your dishwasher.
An ENERGY STAR dishwasher could save you about $220 annually in utility bills, saving $3,300 over its lifetime compared to handwashing your dishes. (Source)
Using an ENERGY STAR dishwasher could save you over 230 hours every year from no longer having to scrub, rinse, and dry each dish. (Source)
For better energy efficiency, look for ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers with energy-saving settings, such as partial load setting (which uses less hot water) and energy-efficient drying cycles.
ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers can increase water temperatures to 140 degrees, improving disinfection compared to hand washing. (Source)
New ENERGY STAR certified dishwashers save more than 8,400 gallons of water a year! (Source)
Check with your local water utility to see if they have rebates for new energy-efficient dishwashers.

Ducts

Have your ducts tested for air leakage, as leaky ducts may increase your energy bills. If you suspect an air duct problem, have a contractor check behind registers, in your crawlspace, or in the attic for crushed, disconnected, or leaky ducts.
Ducts should be repaired with mastic-type sealant, not duct tape.
Clean your ducts to improve airflow and minimize contaminants released by the duct system.
Insulate heating or air-conditioning system ducts with one to two inches of insulating batting.
Be sure a well-sealed vapor barrier exists on the outside of the insulation on cooling ducts to prevent moisture buildup.

Air Conditioning

Find a unit that is the right size and has the highest SEER that is within your price range. Look for the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates better energy efficiency.
Set your air conditioner thermostat to 78°F or higher, health permitting, when you're at home. Set it at 85°F or turn it off when you're away from home.
Consider installing a programmable thermostat to regulate usage.
Clean or replace filters regularly according to manufacturer recommendations. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for air conditioner maintenance, such as replacing dirty filters and keeping vents clear of obstructions.
Use a fan instead of your air conditioner to circulate air.
Open windows for cool air during the evening and early morning.
Close blinds or other window covers to block direct sunlight.

Home Office and Den

Turn off lights, computers, monitors, and other office equipment when they're not being used. If your computer is plugged into a power strip, be sure to switch the strip off after shutting down your computer.
If your computer has a "low power standby," be sure it's enabled to help you save energy.

Indoor Lighting

Turn off lights and other appliances when not in use or when leaving a room.

Outdoor Lighting

ENERGY STAR labeled outdoor light fixtures may be more efficient than conventional fixtures and could help you save on utility bills.
Outdoor light fixtures—including post- and wall-mounted fixtures, floodlights, and ground-level walkway lighting—can provide safety, security, and decoration.
Install timers, time clocks, or photocells to help ensure that exterior lights are turned off at the appropriate time.
Check with your local electric utility about available rebates and incentives for energy-efficient exterior lighting.

Refrigerators

Look for an ENERGY STAR certified model to ensure high efficiency, as these refrigerators are about 9% more energy efficient than models that meet the federal minimum energy efficiency standard. (Source)
If you have two refrigerators, or an additional freezer, consider whether you really need to operate more than one.
Dirty coils on the back or underneath the front of your refrigerator can make it work harder than necessary. Check and vacuum them at least twice a year. Proper maintenance could help improve your refrigerator's efficiency.
Allow hot foods to cool before placing them in the refrigerator. Hot food decreases the temperature in the refrigerator temporarily, forcing the refrigerator to work harder to keep the air cool.
Don't leave the refrigerator door open any longer than absolutely necessary.
Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Check them by placing a flashlight inside and closing the door. If you can see light with the door closed, replace the seal.

Windows

Your decisions regarding the type of windows to install will have a significant impact on your home's overall energy use.

ENERGY STAR certified products have a high standard of energy performance that's up to 15% better than standard single-pane windows. For possible available rebates, check with your local electric utility provider.
Look for windows with these energy-saving features: double panes; low-e coatings; low conductivity gas-fill between panes; and wood, vinyl or fiberglass frames.
Look for the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label as your guide to window energy performance. A window's ability to insulate is given by its U-value; and the lower the U-value, the more energy-efficient the window.

Actual savings obtained in each instance may vary and will depend on various factors, including geographic location, weather conditions, equipment installed, usage rates and so forth. Completing multiple energy-saving measures will not necessarily result in cumulative savings.