Buying Appliances and Electronics: ENERGY STAR, Warranties and Return Policies

ENERGY STAR certified products meet energy-efficiency requirements set by the government, and they're independently tested and certified before they can carry the label. The ENERGY STAR product finder lets you compare certified models.

For appliances that run all the time, like refrigerators, a more efficient model can lower your electric bill for years. Compare the yellow EnergyGuide label's estimated yearly operating cost when it's shown.

An extended warranty or service contract costs extra and may cover different things than the warranty that comes with the product. The FTC says it might not be worth it if the product isn't likely to need repairs, and it's not a good value if it doesn't add coverage beyond the included warranty.

• Costs: the price, plus deductibles, per-repair fees, shipping to a repair center or transfer fees.
• Who's behind it: it may not be the manufacturer. Search the company name with "review" or "complaint."
• Length: divide the price by the years covered to see the yearly cost.
• Coverage: does it cover accidental damage? If it isn't listed, assume it's not covered.
• Claims: how do you file, and who does the repair?
• Alternative: the FTC notes that setting money aside in savings for repairs can be a better option.

Store policies vary a lot, and they can change, so read them before you buy, not after. We'd check these in writing on the store's website or receipt:

• Price match: does the store match its own website, competitors, or neither? Is there a window after purchase to claim a lower price?
• Returns: how many days, and are there exceptions for big appliances, opened electronics or holiday purchases?
• Restocking or delivery fees: some stores charge to take back large or opened items.
• Delivery, installation and haul-away: are they included in the price, or extra?

The FTC warns that after you buy something, you may get calls and mail selling extended warranties, often from companies unrelated to the seller, using high-pressure lines like "act now." Robocalls like these are probably illegal if you have no connection with the caller. Report problems at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.