The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy began the Energy Star program to endorse and easily communicate with consumers about energy standards that are both efficient for homes and good for the environment.
The Energy Star program encourages the use of products to protect our environment while also providing efficiently run homes and businesses. The best part about it? Energy Star helps avoid higher energy costs.
Since 1992, Energy Star has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3.5 billion metric tons through the energy efficiency standards they provide.
For both consumers and businesses, knowing how to select certain products begins with the Energy Star endorsement.
What does an Energy Star Rating Mean
Energy Star labeled appliances and products typically have a 10 to 20 percent higher rate of efficiency than appliances and products that do not have the Energy Star label. Requirements for one type of appliance are not the same as for other appliances.
A complete list of Energy Star rated appliances with over 70 product categories can be used as a guideline for energy efficiency standards and comparisons.
How to Understand Ratings on New Appliances
Since appliances consume 30% of the energy within a home, it’s important to apply the Energy Star standards to new appliances. By shopping for higher efficiency products, you will see the benefits of a lower monthly utility bill and lower utility usage. Energy Star uses two different labels for rating appliances. One label goes up to six stars and for appliances that reach beyond six stars, the second label goes up to ten. The more stars an appliance has been awarded, the more energy-efficient the product.
You can find more information on heating and cooling systems, lighting, and water usage on the Energy Star website.
The Benefits of Using Energy Star for Your Home
With Energy Star, you will know that the EPA’s energy performance requirements are met. Choosing Energy Star appliances will give you higher efficiency equipment and appliances, with lowered greenhouse gas emissions.
Working to reduce energy consumption within your home is a great way to keep your home comfortable, safe, and less expensive.
Choosing Energy Star for your home can reduce a typical household’s utility costs by $575.00 dollars yearly. Energy Star certified homes are 10% more efficient, overall.