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If you’ve been shopping recently for appliances, home electronics or building
materials, chances are you’ve run across the blue ENERGY STAR logo. So just
what does it mean? Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR logo meet strict energy guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environ mental Protection Agency. Products in over 50 categories are eligible for the rating. Items include the expected—furnaces, air conditioners and windows—as well as the unexpected—televisions, laptops, cordless tool chargers, vending machines, even entire new homes. The designation means you don’t need to wade through all the complicated specifications and abbreviations to find the most energy-efficient product; the legwork has been done for you. ENERGY STAR standards and products are also often used by manufacturers, utility companies and government agencies to grant rebates and tax credits. Examples of ENERGY STAR products and qualifiers include:
Descriptions of what it takes for a product to gain the ENERGY STAR, along with a manufacturer-by-manufacturer breakdown of qualifying products can be found at the ENERGY STAR Web site at www.energystar.gov. Other information on how to make your home more energy efficient, including interactive features such as the “Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator,” the “Home Energy Yardstick” and store locators can also be found on the Web site. The ENERGY STAR Web site is refreshingly easy to navigate, and packed full of specific product and how-to information. And is it working? You bet. Through the ENERGY STAR program, Americans saved $12 billion on their utility bill in one year alone. Here are some general ENERGY STAR product categories, along with examples of the savings you might expect to see. Lighting ENERGY STAR-qualified bulbs—primarily compact fluorescent lights or CFLs—use two-thirds less energy than incandescent bulbs, while generating 70 percent less heat and lasting up to 10 times longer. ENERGY STAR light fixtures have been designed to easily accommodate energy bulbs and distribute light more efficiently, while using 33 percent less energy than standard fixtures. Many also contain extra energy-saving features, such as built-in dimmers, motion sensors and automatic daylight shutoffs. When replacing bulbs and fixtures, start with the five most frequently used fixtures. Often they’re the kitchen ceiling light, living-room table and floor lamps, bathroom vanity and outdoor porch or post lamps. You can save $20 to $30 in energy costs over the life time of a single CFL. Save $60 per year by replacing your five most frequently used fixtures and /or the bulbs with ENERGY STAR-qualified models. Appliances When shopping for a new appliance, there are actually two price tags to look at: the one attached to the appliance and the one attached to your utility bill each month. In many cases, what initially looks like an expensive product can start looking like a smart investment when the utility bills roll in. ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances use anywhere from 10 to 50 percent less energy and /or water than standard models. Here are laundry room and kitchen appliances that currently qualify for the ENERGY STAR: Dishwashers. Heating the water is the most expensive part of running a dishwasher. Most ENERGY STAR-qualified units have built-in water temperature boosters that allow you to keep your water heater set at a lower temperature. Most also use less water. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR, a dishwasher must use 41 percent less energy than the federal mini mum standards—which boils down to a savings of about $90 over the dishwasher’s lifetime. Tips: You can reduce the amount of energy your refrigerator uses by positioning it away from heat-producing sources such as ovens, dishwashers or direct sunlight. Refrigerators and freezers. In most homes, the refrigerator consumes more energy than any other kitchen appliance. ENERGY STAR-qualified models are better insulated and have higher-efficiency compressors—the workhorse of any refrigerator. Qualifying refrigerators use 40 percent less energy than standard models sold in 2001, while freezers consume at least 10 percent less energy than federal standards. Check out the “Refrigerator Retirement Saving Calculator” on the ENERGY STAR Web site for a real eye opener. If your refrigerator was made prior to 1993, you may be able to save $100 or more a year by switching to a more energy-efficient model. Clothes washers. Compared to a pre-1994 unit, an ENERGY STAR-qualified washer can save up to $110 per year on your utility bill. To qualify, a machine must use 50 percent less energy than a standard model. Most use half the amount of water as conventional older machines. Ventilation and clean air Clean, fresh air is something everyone appreciates—and using ENERGY STAR-qualified dehumidifiers, fans and ventilation fans can help save money at the same time. Dehumidifiers. The lower the humidity, the cooler a body feels—meaning a dehumidifier may allow you to run your air conditioner less often. ENERGY STAR-qualified units use 10 to 20 percent less energy than conventional models, and in doing so, can save up to $20 per year in electricity costs. Ceiling fans. Air movement from a ceiling fan can help make a room (and those in it) feel 2 to 8 degrees cooler, leading to lower air conditioning bills. ENERGY STAR- qualified ceiling fan/light units are 50 percent more efficient than standard units, which means you can save another $15-20 per year on utility bills by installing one. Ventilating fans. Kitchen range hoods, as well as bath room and other types of fans not only use 65 percent less energy than standard models, but are 50 percent quieter to boot. Windows, doors, skylights and roofing ENERGY STAR-qualified windows, doors and skylights are designed using new technologies to help keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Qualifying units also help reduce condensation and fading. Units qualify based on the climates in four geographic zones. Go to www.energystar.gov for more specific information. The Web site also includes tons of great information on purchasing products and on insulating and sealing your home. Certain ENERGY STAR-qualified reflective roofing materials reflect more of the sun’s rays, helping to lower roof surface temperature by as much as 100 degrees F. These lower temperatures mean cooling bills that are 10 to 15 percent lower. Heating and cooling Up to half your utility bill dollars go to heating and cooling your home. The older and less energy efficient your existing heating and cooling equipment, the greater your long-term savings with ENERGY STAR products. Room and central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and programmable thermostats can all qualify for the ENERGY STAR. Qualifying furnaces are up to 15 per cent more efficient than standard models. One of the smartest places to put your money is in a programmable thermostat that can save you $150 or more per year depending on your utility costs, usage habits and house. You can also save up to $25 per year by replacing a 10-year-old room air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR qualified model. The ENERGY STAR site also contains information on locating and hiring a dependable heating and cooling contractor. Next: Rebates, tax credits and incentive |