That new appliance could cost you more than whats on the price tag.With utility costs rising, Consumer Reports says shoppers should consider how much an appliance will cost to run before buying it.Our consumer research found tha t the cost of usage is an important deciding factor when people compare products to purchase, especially for more expensive models, said Maria Rerecich, CRs senior director of Testing and Research.RECENT CONSUMER REPORTS NEWS | Consumer Reports warns drivers not to overrely on new car technologyRefrigerators are especially important to consider because theyre running around the clock. Tests found that energy use can vary quite a bit depending on the model and type.When it comes to laundry, an efficient washer can save money by removing more water, meaning your dryer doesnt have to work as hard.MORE CONSUMER REPORTS | Your car may be sharing data with Amazon, Google, Meta and MicrosoftWe have model-specific electric, gas, and water consumption data from our lab tests, said Rerecich. We combine this data with typical usage frequency and national average utility costs to provide consumers with a typical annual usage cost for comparing models.Heat-pump dryers can also use less energy, but they may take longer to dry clothes. ...read more read less