Energy-efficient appliances are designed to help you save on utilities and, as a result, save you money. Which energy-efficient options will provide the best return on your investment? Read the following tips to help you decide.

Install a Smart Thermostat
A thermostat that you can program to maintain your home at a comfortable temperature will help you cut your monthly energy bill. Resisting the urge to turn your system up when you are cold and down when you are hot can help cut your energy costs too; the constant yo-yoing of your home's temperature is costly and won't result in a more comfortable home. Using a smart, programmable thermostat to keep your home consistently comfortable can have an immediate impact on your energy bills. A smart thermostat can pay for itself in two to five years, depending on how warm or cool you like your home to be and how frequently you adjust the unit.

Replace Outdated Appliances
According to Energy Star, getting rid of your old refrigerator and replacing it with a new, efficient model can save you about $150 per year. If your current refrigerator is more than a decade old, you'll see even greater savings.

Switching to a high-efficiency washer and dryer can help you cut your utility costs—but not as much as switching to laundering your clothing with cold water. The cost of heating your water to wash your laundry far outstrips the cost of running the machine itself, so making the switch to cold water can help you save.

Is the Upgrade a Good Investment?
Consider both the up-front cost as well as the energy savings. The time it takes to recoup your money will depend on how much you are spending on utility bills now compared with the energy-savings from the appliance or upgrade you choose.