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Examining the ENERGY STAR Label
One of the most frequently offered suggestions for folks looking to improve the efficiency of their home is to make the switch to appliances that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. Many may not be aware, though, of the program’s history, environmental significance or savings potential.
In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency introduced ENERGY STAR as a voluntary labeling program to identify and promote energy-efficient products with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While computers and monitors were the first products labeled, the program was expanded over the years to include such items as major appliances, lighting, home electronics, and heating and cooling equipment. The label now covers new homes and commercial buildings, too.
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Earning the ENERGY STAR means a product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines. The program’s success speaks for itself. According to EPA estimates, the use of ENERGY STAR qualified products saved enough energy in 2006 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equal to that of 25 million cars – while also saving consumers $14 billion on their utility bills.
Let’s take a look at some common household appliances to see the how the ENERGY STAR qualified models compare with their less-efficient counterparts. I recommend checking the energy labels for specific information about models you may be considering.
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Qualifying refrigerators use at least 15 percent less energy than required by current federal standards and 40 percent less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001.
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Qualifying room air conditioners are least 10 percent more efficient than standard models. The EPA estimates that if every room air conditioner sold in the U.S. was ENERGY STAR qualified, it would prevent 1.2 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions – that equals the emissions from 100,000 cars.
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Qualifying computers use 70 percent less electricity than those without the label. If left inactive, they enter a low-power mode and use 15 watts of electricity or less.
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Qualifying dehumidifiers can save enough energy over their lifetime to power a refrigerator for 6 months.
For more energy-saving tips, as well as information about
our rebates and programs, click on “Energy Efficiency” in
the left-side menu above.
We’re coming up on the perfect time of year to schedule an
energy assessment, so I’ll be focusing my next column on
reviewing how and why to have one done at your home.
Bill Stack is NSTAR's energy efficiency spokesman. He can be reached by emailing brightideas@nstar.com. If you're a member of the media and would like to arrange an interview with Bill, please call Caroline Allen (617-424-2460) or Mike Durand (508-441-5831).
