All verdicts

Household buys and habits, one word each, with sources.

• NOD Are LED bulbs worth it?

  Yes. LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last about 25 times longer, per the U.S. Department of Energy.

• NAH Should you rinse dishes before the dishwasher?

  No. ENERGY STAR says pre-rinsing raises your total water and energy use. Scrape, load, run it.

• NAH Is premium gas worth it if your car takes regular?

  No. AAA found no significant difference in horsepower, fuel economy or emissions in cars built for regular, and estimated drivers waste $2.1 billion a year on it (2016).

• NOD Is washing clothes in cold water worth it?

  Yes, for everyday loads. ENERGY STAR says about 90% of a washer's energy goes to heating water.