Many people take their home appliances for granted. It only takes a few seconds to realize how much people depend on appliances to keep food frozen, prepare food, clean dishes and clothes. Refrigerators, freezers, ranges, ovens, dishwashers, washers and dryers truly make life easier. With so many appliances available on today’s market, shoppers may a have a hard time starting their search. There are some important factors to consider before making such major purchases.

The first consideration homeowners should think about is their budget. This doesn’t just refer to the up front sale price of an appliance, but also to the energy bills. In the long run, consumers will spend much more to operate their appliances than what they’ve paid for at the store. That is why smart homeowners look for the most energy efficient appliances to install at home.

The best indicator of energy efficiency is an Energy Star rating. This guarantees that an appliance meets the strict standards set up by the government, (the EPA to be specific.) Smart consumers always look for Energy Star stickers and labels. However, the standards of Energy Star change over time, so it’s important to stay updated about the latest numbers. This means that an appliance that may have earned an Energy Star approval five years ago may not qualify for the rating in today’s market.

Many homeowners also want to add aesthetic appeal to their house with new appliances. Stainless steel French Door refrigerators and cooking ranges add plenty of modern sophistication to any kitchen. For the laundry room, colorful front load washers and dryers add some character to a dull space.

Another important consideration to think about when purchasing new appliances is size and capacity. You want to make sure there is enough space in the kitchen and laundry room for the appliances. It’s important to make precise measurements of the floor space, ceiling heights, and distance between cabinets before making the purchase. Stackable washers and dryers are ideal for homes and apartments where every square inch is precious.

Some of today’s largest refrigerators offer capacities of up to 29 cubic feet, which is enough for a large family of more than five people. Separate freezers (chest and upright types), are available in capacities of up to 20 cubic feet. Washers offer up to about 5 cubic feet, while dryers can handle loads of more than 8 cubic feet.