If you're in the market for appliances, let the star be your guide -- the Energy Star, that is.

Appliances that earn the Energy Star rating from the Federal Government are 10 to 50 percent more efficient.

Energy expert Rob Hink talked with Weather Plus partner WTVJ Miami about the Energy Star system. He also explained how to use the handy Energy Guide "report cards" that you'll find in most displays.

According to the government, an Energy Star rated fridge uses -- on average -- half the electricity of one made just a decade ago.

"It'll probably save you $70 a year on your power," Hink says.

Two other tips to keep in mind: models with ice and water dispensers don’t use much more electricity than those without.

What about clothes washers?

Hink showed WTVJ one model at Sears. "This washing machine will save somewhere around 65% on energy use over a typical washer. And, somewhere around 70 percent of water use over a typical washing machine." An energy efficient model could lead to $100 savings a year. And, forget about front load versus top load. Hink says the power savers come without an agitator, which looks like a long spindle. "By not having an agitator these work with much less water. And, they use a pulse technology rather than a continuous motor running all the time."

How does all this technology translate to home use? Homeowner Mirayma Munoz immediately saw savings on her power bill after she renovated her home with updated appliances.

One thing to keep in mind: not all appliances are energy rated, like those that work specifically with heat such as dryers, ovens and microwaves.

And remember, buying the most energy efficient appliances you can will help the environment. According to Energy Star, if one in ten homes used Energy Star rated appliances, it would be the environmental equivalent of planting 1.7 million acres of trees. Think of all that clean air!

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