About ENERGY STAR

Saving money and the environment with ENERGY STAR appliances is almost too easy. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have joined super powers to create environmentally-efficient products. Very strict guidelines for energy efficiency are set and maintained by the EPA and DOE, only giving the ENERGY STAR logo to products that meet these guidelines. As of 2006, ENERGY STAR has saved more than $14 billion in utility costs, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to nearly 25 million cars.

ENERGY STAR at Home

An ENERGY STAR home is typically 20-30% more efficient than standard homes, and builders can work with a home energy rater to determine if the initial building plans meet the strict EPA guidelines. An ENERGY STAR home generally includes insulation, tighter and more efficient construction and air ducts, more efficient heating and cooling equipment, and other more energy efficient products that help reduce air pollution and conserve energy and water. There are specific guidelines to meet in order to both build an ENERGY STAR home, and earn a label that states your existing home meets the same standards for energy efficiency.

Here are some additional ways to incorporate ENERGY STAR in your home:

• Hire a home energy rater to evaluate and determine how to meet ENERGY STAR guidelines.
• Replace existing lights in your home with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which produce about 75 percent less heat than traditional lighting.
• Purchase ENERGY STAR qualified windows, which undergo a series of certifications to ensure they meet certain specifications for solar heat gain, and maintain proper insulation during summer and winter seasons.
• Consider hiring an energy auditor to determine if parts of your home insulation need to be upgraded, as well as which areas need to be re-sealed to improve insulation. Also, consider having your air ducts checked and cleaned as well, especially if family members are suffering from allergies or unusual illnesses.
• Look for ENERGY STAR product retailers in your area. ENERGY STAR appliances include energy-efficient dishwashers, washing machines, heating and cooling units, home electronics and more.