Unless you're getting a refund that's a whole lot bigger than $1,000, you're probably not going to throw out all your existing appliances in favor of more efficient new ones. And that's probably the right attitude, Sears said. "If it's not broke, don't fix it."

"We don't ever recommend you get rid of a machine that's working perfectly well," [Drew Smith] said. "It's not the best investment to get rid of something that's working. I'd spend the money on other things first."

"I'd look at energy and water costs first because that's where you'll recognize savings immediately," Smith suggested. "Do the lightbulbs and the plumbing issues, then work on the others."