Eliminating the use of a large appliance can be one way to reduce the overall energy consumption of household appliances. When appliances reach the end of their useful life, consider if a replacement is really necessary. Also remember to recycle or properly dispose of old appliances when you purchase a replacement. Continuing to run an inefficient appliance, such as an extra refrigerator in the garage, can be costly. Not only will the old unit be less efficient than its replacement, but it may even use more energy by being operated in an unconditioned space.