Energy Star is a voluntary program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Products and homes that earn the Energy Star label indicate that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Upgrading to Energy Star certified products and making energy efficient improvements to your home can lead to significant savings on utility bills while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
How Energy Star Saves You Money
There are several ways that Energy Star helps consumers save money:
1. Identified Energy Efficient Products
The Energy Star label makes it easy to identify products that meet rigorous energy efficiency criteria. When shopping for new appliances, electronics, heating and cooling systems, and other products, look for the Energy Star logo. These certified products consume less energy and can save hundreds of dollars per year in utility costs compared to standard models.
For example, an Energy Star certified refrigerator uses at least 15% less energy than the minimum federal standard. If you have an older refrigerator from the 1990s, replacing it with a new Energy Star model can save over $300 per year!
2.Home Improvements
Making energy efficiency upgrades to an existing home can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20% or more. Energy Star provides guidelines and certifications for energy efficient improvements like adding insulation, sealing air leaks, upgrading to high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment, installing ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors, and more. Home improvements with the Energy Star label deliver proven energy savings.
Replacing all the windows in a 2,000 square foot home with ENERGY STAR models can save over $500 per year!
3. Lower Energy Bills
The direct result of using less energy is lower utility bills. Whether you buy ENERGY STAR products or make home improvements, you will see a reduction in electricity, gas, and other energy expenses each month.
For example, replacing an old refrigerator, clothes washer, dishwasher, and lighting with Energy Star models can save a household more than $750 per year. That is money that stays in your wallet rather than being paid to the utility company.
How To Save Even More Money With Energy Star
Beyond purchasing Energy Star certified products and making certified home upgrades, there are additional ways to maximize energy savings.
Use Energy Star Tools
Take advantage of free online tools from Energy Star to analyze energy use and determine the most cost-effective upgrades:
- Home Energy Yardstick – Compare your home’s energy use to similar homes nationwide.
- Home Energy Advisor – Get customized recommendations for efficient home improvements.
- Savings Calculator – Estimate cost savings from Energy Star products and home upgrades.
- Product Finder – Search for rebates and discounts on Energy Star products for your area.
Perform an Energy Audit
Consider having a professional energy audit done for your home. An energy auditor will do a thorough inspection, identify areas of energy waste, and recommend the most cost-effective solutions tailored to your home. Implementing these customized recommendations can maximize energy savings.
Look for Rebates and Tax Credits
Check for rebates, incentives, and tax credits for Energy Star certified products and home improvements in your area. Utilities, states, and the federal government offer programs that discount Energy Star purchases or provide tax savings for efficiency upgrades. Taking advantage of these can save you even more money.
CompareLifetime Costs
When shopping for new appliances, electronics, HVAC systems, etc., compare the lifetime costs rather than just the upfront price. Energy Star products typically have higher initial costs but save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over their usable lifespan due to energy savings. Spending a little more upfront is often worthwhile to realize long-term savings.
Energy Star Guidelines
The key to Energy Star’s effectiveness at saving money is the strict specifications products and homes must meet to earn certification. These guidelines are based on established methods for superior energy performance.
Thorough Testing
Manufacturers must submit products to independent, third-party testing to verify energy use meets EPA guidelines for the Energy Star label. Products are re-tested periodically to ensure continued compliance. This rigorous approach ensures consumers get proven energy savings.
Strict Specifications
Energy Star maintains robust technical specifications for every product category covering things like maximum energy consumption, standby power draw, operating modes, and energy efficiency features the product must include. Specifications are tailored to each product type and updated regularly to keep pace with technology improvements.
Independent Verification
Third-party certification bodies verify that a product meets Energy Star specifications before using the label. This independent verification ensures products deliver the promised level of energy savings and prevents manufacturers from misusing the Energy Star name.
Focus on Actual Use
Specifications for appliances, electronics, and other household products focus on actual in-home energy use rather than just the technical efficiency rating. This approach ensures that products save energy under real-world operating conditions.
Major Product Categories
Energy Star covers over 75 product categories. Here are some of the major areas where consumers will find Energy Star certified models available:
- Heating and Cooling – Furnaces, boilers, central air conditioners, air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps
- Home Appliances – Refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, dishwashers, water heaters
- Electronics – Televisions, set-top boxes, speakers, computers, monitors, printers, scanners, cordless phones
- Office Equipment – Copiers, fax machines, scanners, monitors, printers, water coolers
- Lighting – CFL bulbs, LED bulbs, fixtures like ceiling fans with LED lights
- Windows and Doors – Energy efficient windows, doors, skylights, patio doors
- Building Products – Insulation, roofing, siding, HVAC fans and controls
- Water Conservation – Low-flow faucets, showerheads, toilets, irrigation controllers
Energy Star Home Improvements
Making whole-home upgrades can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. Here are some of the top home improvement projects that earn the Energy Star label:
1. Insulation
Adding insulation to attics, floors over unheated spaces, crawlspaces, and basements is a cost-effective way to make a home more energy efficient. Ensure insulation meets Energy Star recommended levels for your region.
2. Air Sealing
Sealing cracks, gaps, and penetrations throughout the home prevents conditioned air from escaping and uncontrolled outside air from entering. Caulk, weatherstrip, and use spray foam to seal waste energy leaks.
3. HVAC
Upgrade to Energy Star certified heating and cooling equipment like furnaces, air conditioners, and air source heat pumps. Ensure HVAC technicians size equipment properly and seal ductwork to maximize efficiency.
4. Windows and Doors
Replace inefficient windows and doors with Energy Star models that include low-emissivity coatings and insulating frames. This improves insulation, solar heat gain control, and air tightness.
5. Lighting
Swap all light bulbs for Energy Star certified LED lighting. Add lighting controls like dimmers, motion sensors, and timers to reduce waste.
6. Water Heating
Use an Energy Star electric heat pump or gas condensing water heater. Insulate pipes and set temperature only as high as needed.
7. Smart Thermostats
Install Energy Star certified smart thermostats that optimize heating and cooling operation for comfort and efficiency. Many models can be controlled remotely via smartphone.
8. Renewable Energy
Pair efficiency upgrades with Energy Star rated solar panels, solar water heaters, and geothermal heat pumps to maximize energy savings.
Energy Star for New Home Construction
Building a new home to Energy Star specifications can reduce energy usage 15-30% compared to homes built to the minimum code requirements. Energy Star partners with home builders to construct homes that earn Energy Star certification.
Efficiency Requirements
To earn the Energy Star label, new homes must meet guidelines in these areas:
- Effective insulation levels in walls, floors, and ceilings
- High-performance windows and doors
- Tight construction and ducts
- Efficient heating, cooling, and water heating equipment
- Energy efficient lighting and appliances
- Third-party inspection and testing
Solar and Renewables
Energy Star encourages solar panels, solar water heating, and geothermal systems. Homes that pair efficiency with onsite renewable energy generation achieve even greater cost savings.
Smart Home Technologies
New Energy Star homes incorporate smart thermostats, lighting controls, and appliances that optimize energy use while maintaining comfort and convenience.
Health and Safety
Efficiency guidelines also cover ventilation, moisture control, radon protection, and other health and safety measures beyond just saving energy.
Third-Party Verified
An independent Home Energy Rater must verify that all requirements are met in order to earn the Energy Star new homes certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about how Energy Star can help you save money:
How much can I really save with Energy Star products?
Savings vary based on your current energy usage, local utility rates, and which Energy Star upgrades you implement. However, most households can reduce energy bills by 10-30% by switching to Energy Star appliances and electronics, lighting, thermostats, and other products.
Does Energy Star apply only to appliances and electronics?
No, it covers over 75 product categories. In addition to appliances and electronics, Energy Star has specifications for HVAC equipment, windows, doors, insulation, roofing, and entire new homes.
Do Energy Star products cost more?
Sometimes, but the higher upfront cost is offset by lifetime energy savings of hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the product. And many Energy Star products have rebates that help offset the initial price premium.
How is Energy Star different than just buying an efficient product?
Energy Star specifications go beyond basic efficiency ratings to set rigorous standards for actual in-home energy consumption across a variety of usage modes. Plus independent testing is required to earn certification.
How do I know if a retailer is selling authentic Energy Star products?
Check for the Energy Star logo on product packaging and spec sheets. You can also verify certification on the Energy Star website. Be wary of products advertising themselves as “Energy Star compliant” or “Energy Star rated” without the official logo.
Is it worth getting an energy audit for my home?
Yes, a professional energy audit can identify the most cost-effective energy-saving measures tailored to your home. Implementing an auditor’s recommendations can maximize savings from efficiency upgrades. Many utilities offer discounted or free energy audits.
Conclusion
The Energy Star program makes it simple for consumers to find products that deliver proven energy savings. Upgrading to Energy Star certified appliances, electronics, heating and cooling systems, windows, and other products is one of the most effective ways to reduce home energy costs. Implementing Energy Star guidelines for home improvements like insulation, air sealing, and new doors provides even more ways to cut utility bills. With lower energy consumption, consumers can keep more money in their pockets while also helping the environment – a win-win for any household’s bottom line.
I hope this comprehensive guide gives you a helpful overview of how Energy Star can start saving you money today through greater energy efficiency. Let me know if you have any other questions!