ENERGY STAR® Appliances
Are your appliances energy efficient? Buying an item with an ENERGY STAR® rating is a good way to reduce energy consumption and save money on your monthly utility bills. ENERGY STAR® is a joint program between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that works to help consumers save money and reduce energy use. It began in 1992, and has become an industry standard over the years. The program rates appliances per ENERGY STAR® standards, meaning they meet certain guidelines for efficiency. The goal of the program is to protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to save consumers money.
ENERGY STAR® ratings are given to many appliances, such as office equipment, lighting, home electronics, residential heating and cooling products, computers and other major appliances. The ENERGY STAR® label is also used on qualifying new homes, commercial and industrial buildings. Although some of these products may have a higher initial cost, savings can be found in the reduced bills over the life of the appliance.