Advantages

Immediate savings come from energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, toilets etc. Savings can be earned from lower utility bills for electricity and/or water. The performance levels of these appliances meet or exceed standard models. Regarding household refrigeration. In the late 1970s, refrigerators required about 1750 kilowatt-hours per year to operate. Today, energy-efficient refrigerators provide the same or better service at 450-550 kilowatt-hours per year, and they are much quieter also.

Savings

The savings achieved by efficient appliances are a function of how much the appliance will be used, performance of the equipment being replaced, and costs for utilities. When older equipment is replaced, it is not uncommon for electricity consumption to decrease by 50% or even more. If the appliance being replaced is more than 15 years old, and replaced with a Modern unit, you may realize a savings of 20%-60% compared to the previous appliance. Horizontal-axis washing machines typically save consumers 50% in both electric and water utilities.

Your monthly electrical bill is for all electricity used by all electrical loads in the home, changing an appliance will lower the bill, but in relation to the amount of electricity previously used by that appliance. If refrigeration eats up 15-20% of your electric bill, a new refrigerator that is twice as efficient as the one being replaced will lower your total bill by about 7-10%.

The initial cost you will definately make up in monthly savings. Visit (ACEEE's Most Energy-Efficient Appliances) for more detailed information.
 
More Information on This Topic:

U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Energy Savers - Appliances

U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program: Dishwasher Tips

U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program: Laundry Tips

U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Program: Refrigerator/Freezer Energy Tips

Energy Star: Appliances

Energy Star: Clothes Washers

Energy Star: Dehumidifiers

Energy Star: Dishwashers

Energy Star: Refrigerators

Energy Star: Room Air Conditioners