We are all familiar with that little blue label we see on appliances and devices. It's a quick way for us to spot which selections may be the most energy efficient ones. What is the Energy Star program and what qualifies an appliance to receive the status of an Energy Star rated product?
Energy Star is administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Thousands of organizations partner with Energy Star to deliver cost-saving energy efficiency solutions that help protect the climate, improve air quality and protect public health.
Since 1992, Energy Star has helped Americans:
Save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity
Avoid more than $500 billion in energy costs
Achieve 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas reductions
How It Works
The Energy Star program goes beyond just appliances and products. There are 5 key areas of the program. The EPA sets out energy efficiency specifications, and those who meet them can choose to use the Energy Star logo. Here are the 5 key areas:
Products
Products that have the Energy Star label are independently certified to meet standards of efficiency. Thousands of manufacturers and retailers partner with the EPA to make and sell these products. You can visit the Energy Star products page here to find a full list of products that have earned the Energy Star label. There are also guides for nearly every category to help you make the most energy efficient choices. If you want more information on a specific Energy Star rated product, you can use their product finder.
Existing Homes
For existing homes, the EPA provides guidance on efficiency improvements for homes. There are six key areas to assess for energy improvements--clean heating and cooling; well-insulated and sealed attic; super-efficient water heater; high performing windows or storm windows; smart thermostat; electric ready.
New Homes
The EPA has partnered with thousands of builders and utilities across the US who construct, verify, promote and incentivize Energy Star homes and apartments.
Commercial Buildings
Partnering with building owners and managers through the Energy Star program, the EPA has helped organizations save energy and money.
Industrial Plants
Hundreds of manufacturers have utilized the Energy Star program to foster a culture focused on continued energy improvement.
How Energy Star Protects the Environment
Congress created the Clean Air Act, directing the EPA to come up with non-regulatory strategies to prevent air pollution. Energy Star was created by the EPA to help increase the production and adoption of energy-efficient technologies and practices. American consumers and businesses use less energy to get the same job done, which means fewer fossil fuels burned at power plants!
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
Visit the Energy Star website here to learn more about the various credits being offered by the government.
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