Now that the Cash for Clunkers program for cars has come to a close, the federal government is poised to do a similar program to help consumers get rid of old, inefficient household appliances.

I’m encouraging homeowners -- whether you want to take advantage of the program or not -- to take a good look around the house and take stock of the shape your major appliances are in.  Did you know that without regular maintenance, most major appliances lose about 5 percent of their original efficiency for each year of operation? You can save a lot if you up the efficiency level of energy hogs like air conditioners, refrigerators and water heaters.

We did a poll recently, and it showed us that nearly half of Angie’s List members admitted that they don’t have their heating and A/C units serviced as often as they should, and 20 percent don’t replace furnace filters on time. When was the last time you took the vacuum cleaner to the coils on your refrigerator?

One of my friends finally agree to test my tip on that little task. She’d lived in her house for 11 years and had never done it.  She was amazed at how much stuff she pulled out of there – she said it was like cleaning out her dryer link filter – you know how if you let it go or do a huge load of towels it gets almost like a blanket? She said she was a little disgusted, and is convinced her refrigerator is breathing easier.

I’m sure your fridge won’t be as cluttered...

But back to my point – do yourself a favor and take stock of the age and performance of your refrigerator, dishwasher, heating and A/C units, water heater and washer/dryer.  Switch out a clunker appliance or two – and put those savings toward something fun.