Well, to keep this simple, I will start off by saying "ELECTRONICS". Energy Star rating is somewhat of a higher standard of efficiency. This is usually obtained through the use of electronics (vs just mechanical devices).
Example: refrigerator, they will use a main curcuit board to control things like defrost cycles, temperature control, fan speeds, etc. The old style way was to use seperate devices: defrost timer, cold control, etc. Well, they are putting all components on one board. And you guested it, when these boards go out, you will pay more.
EX: GE side by side, they have put everything on one board, located on back of the machine (of all places). Well, if you have a defrost problem, and the defrost thermostat, thermistor, and element check good, and you need a main board, it's around $200. Service call and all, will run about $270 (with tax). These boards have gone through 11 revision that I can count. The old style defrost timer is $30 ( Service and all, $90). Now if the boards weren't built with minimal rated relay contacts and no surge protection ( replaceable), you would not have to worry about this bill for a good while. Not to mention, if you don't clean your condenser coils, energy star means nothing.......
My point is that Energy Star rating doesn't mean JACK if your have a big repair bill every few years. I usually say buy middle of the line appliances, and save your money for a nice vacation....
Additional Research:
On average, buying an energy star appliance will pay for itself in 10-20 years. But will it last that long?
For an extreme example: if you by a front load washer, that cost $1200, at an energy rated cost of $13 a year, vs a top load that cost $500, at $23 a year, you save $10 a year.
(These are real numbers, that were refferenced 5-21-2011)
The purchase price difference is $700. Do the math and see when this energy star appliance will pay for itself. Will this washer last that long? I don't think so...
"Energy Star Rating" is a scam on the consumer.....
So, what about the water savings??
Well first, this is included in the ratings, in the yearly operating cost.
Second, you could save more if you:
1. When washing clothes, select your load size correctly.
2. Run your dishwasher fully loaded, everytime.
3. Use low-flow fixtures on your toilet and shower.
4. Finally, don't water your lawn where you're running water down the street.
