Hanging on to your 10-year-old washer/dryer may be a penny-wise move. But you could shrink your carbon footprint, cut your utility bills substantially and save money in the long term with many of today's high-efficiency appliances. Knowing what to look for - and when to buy - will save you even more time and money. Here are some points to consider before you buy.

1. ENERGY-EFFICIENT MODELS. "Energy Star" appliances meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the government. You often can cut your utility bills by one-third by switching to Energy Star models, which offsets their higher price tags. You also may be eligible for a tax credit for buying Energy Star appliances (See www.energystar.gov for more information). Consider: A typical top-load washer on a full setting can use as much as 52 gallons of water. A front-load "Energy Star" washer will use about 20 gallons of water while doing twice as many clothes. And the new washers spin so fast that clothes require much less time in the dryer.

2. IMPERFECT MODELS. Many appliance stores have clearance centers or scratch and dent areas. If floor models are still under manufacturers' warranty, you may be able to get them to fix the scratch or dent for you for free. Two of our faves: the Maytag Clearance Store, 3801 McKelvey Road in Bridgeton and the Sears Appliance Outlet, 639 Gravois Bluffs Boulevard, Fenton.

3. WHITE. That orange or green dryer may look sharp, but it will cost up to $100 more than the white one; and stainless steel refrigerators can cost as much as $300 extra.

4. SHOP AT THE RIGHT TIME. Look for deals when stores clear out older models in March and September. This is also a good time to get floor models at a discount.

5. NEGOTIATE. Many retailers advertise that they'll match a lower price from another retailer; ask. Also ask whether they'll make a deal, especially on big-ticket items. One of the easiest things to negotiate is free delivery, so start there.

6. BELLS AND WHISTLES. A top-freezer refrigerator is cheaper than a side-by-side and uses less energy. Ice makers and water dispenser are pricey and among a refrigerator's most repair-prone components. Anything with an electronic feature will be more expensive to repair. And size does matter, but not always in the way you think. Sometimes, larger refrigerators cost less than smaller ones because they are mass-produced. You'll pay more for quieter dishwashers, but the dishes won't show it.

7. LIFESPAN. Many retail and repair store owners suggest buying American brands such as GE, Kenmore and Whirlpool because they're easier and less expensive to repair. If you are going to splurge on an appliance, go for a stove or dryer because they have longer lives than water-based appliances like dishwashers or washers.

8. REFURBISHED APPLIANCES. Some stores such as Mid Rivers Appliance, 358 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters, sell rebuilt appliances with three-month warranties for half the price of new ones.

9. COUPONS AND REBATES. If you search online for "rebate" and "Kenmore" for example, it will take you to any deals on models now in the marketplace. Two sites that offer free coupons: www.couponmountain.com and www.dealtaker.com. Some shoppers we talked to said they've paid for 10 percent off coupons (from Sears and Lowe's) on eBay, then used those to buy appliances. They might spend $10 for the coupon, but 10 percent off a $1,000 appliance is $100; for a savings of $90. But BEWARE: There are frauds out there.

10. EXTENDED WARRANTIES. A Consumer Reports survey shows that fewer than one in five refrigerators were repaired in the first three years. Even if your fridge needs fixing during that period, the repair is likely to cost no more than the extended warranty.