Energy efficient appliances and rebates

Many household appliances, including air conditioners, water heaters, and refrigerators, use a lot of energy.  In the US, Energy Star rated appliances are more energy efficient and provide information to help compare brands and types.  Many other countries have similar rating programs to help consumers understand the energy efficiency of an appliance before they purchase it.  In addition to saving energy (and money) over the lifetime of the appliance, you may be able to get a rebate from your utility company or local government when you purchase qualifying energy efficient appliances.  For instance, right now my electric utility company offers rebates on specific energy-efficient items, including certain air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, electric heaters, refrigerators, clothes washers, and dishwashers.   There are also basic differences in how appliances operate, such as the difference between a tank-type water heater and an on-demand water heater, that will affect the overall energy efficiency.  By checking around, you may be able to save both money and energy.