Going green is in vogue and also a way of life that helps preserve the Earth's resources. Green living can include everything from recycling to using a bike as a primary means of transportation. Inside the home, persons interested in sustainability can adopt green appliances, which are kind to the environment while also providing long-term cost savings.

Energy-efficient appliances come in many forms, including water heaters, washers, dryers, and refrigerators. Water heaters in particular use about 20% of the total energy in the home, making them second only to the energy used by heating and cooling systems. Using cold water for housework provides a nice boost in the budget while still allowing for effectual cleaning.

Nowadays, washers use less water, including that which is heated. Washing clothes in cold water rather than warm or hot is an additional bonus to make life a little greener. Front-loading machines are better than their top-loading counterparts as the latter requires more time to spin water from clothes. Adopting green appliances can see homeowners benefitting from tax credits and rebates on qualifying models.

Dryers are well known for draining energy. Newer models feature sensors that turn off the machine when clothes are dry, which prevents clothes from being proverbially baked and their life shortened. The best option when it comes to drying clothes, however, is to hang clothes on a clothesline or drying rack. Doing so eliminates the energy a dryer would use, especially with an older model sans timer or sensor to turn off the machine when it's done. Keep in mind that a laundry explosion can be quite the conversation starter while also providing the gentle aroma of fabric-softener-scented air.

New federal standards have made appliances like refrigerators more energy-friendly. Models manufactured in the past 10 years beat out their predecessors given updated designs that include better insulation in fridge walls and doors. The best choices are those featuring freezers above or below the fridge, rather than side-by-side models. Similarly, refrigerators with a manual defrost component can use up to 50% less energy than those with an automatic defrost function.

While a homeowner's initial investment may be more than a standard appliance, long-term savings can be realized while remembering that a green machine eases environmental impact. Homeowners should keep an eye out for appliances that feature an Energy Star rating, which will allow consumers to be environmentally-conscious without sacrifice.

Holly Lee is an avid yogi, animal lover, and vegan. She enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves. Holly hates winter but enjoys wool socks, warm mugs and other comforts of home the season affords her.