If you’re thinking about buying a new refrigerator, the in-store price tag is only one factor to consider. The budget- and energy-conscious consumer should factor in the ongoing cost of operating this new appliance, and an energy-efficient model could save you a bundle in the long run. In fact, in some cases, a new energy-efficient refrigerator could save you up to $100 each month.

While it’s true that some energy-efficient models can be costly, the investment could pay off over time by decreasing your energy consumption and increasing your home’s value. And many energy-efficient refrigerators are available in a wide range of prices.

To calculate your potential energy savings, look for the Energy Star label on any refrigerator you are considering. This label signifies that the appliance has met the strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The yellow tag, which states the kilowatts per year consumed by the refrigerator, can help you figure out how much it would cost to operate the appliance in your home. Compare these labels to figure your savings.

It is important to purchase the smallest refrigerator that will comfortably meet your needs. For the simple reason that there is less space to keep cool, smaller refrigerators consume less energy than their bigger counterparts.

In addition to examining the physical size of the appliance, be sure to study its construction. In particular, consider the thickness and depth of its hull and how well the door seals. Details such as these can affect how energy-efficient the refrigerator is.

Another thing to take into account is that all temperature controls are not created equal. Seek out newer, more energy-efficient varieties that include actual thermostat settings, which will allow you to select the exact temperature you want for both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

Finally, you might consider purchasing a refrigerator that operates separately from a freezer. While this will undoubtedly take up more space in your home, you will increase the food-storage capabilities of both units and decrease the extent of radiant loss from one compartment to the next (the amount of cold-air “leakage” from the freezer into the refrigerator that inevitably happens with freezer-refrigerator combos). This, again, could add up to energy savings for you.