When purchasing appliances, watch for the Energy Star rating and energy guides. An appliance labelled "Energy Efficient" may be low energy rated, but may not meet the standards to be an Energy Star product.
Energy guide ratings for appliances will show their typical usuage in kWhs per year--the lower the energy number, the more cost efficient it is to run.
Appliances carrying the Energy Star rating typically are 10% to 20% more energy efficient than non-rated models. So you'll not only save money, but help the environment as well.