Energy Star is a term you hear mentioned a lot when you’re buying many different products, but what exactly does the term mean and who runs the program? Below are some useful facts about the Energy Star program.


What is Energy Star? Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency that is designed to help Americans save on energy expenditures. In 1992, Energy Star started a voluntary labeling program which allows companies whose products meet the program’s criteria to display the Energy Star label. If a product has an Energy Star label, you know it is more energy efficient than most of the other products in its category. In 2010, Energy Star helped Americans save $18 billion on utility bills and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equal to 33 million cars. With Energy Star, homeowners can save as much as 30% on their utility bills, an average of $700 a year.


How Does it Work? Energy Star labels are available in more than 60 product categories, including HVAC equipment, major household appliances, electronics, televisions, water heaters, computers, and light bulbs. The Energy Star team produces specifications for energy usage in each category. In order to qualify, manufacturers must submit their products for review and testing through an Energy Star-approved third-party certification authority. The Energy Star program regularly reviews and updates the specifications so that those products with the Energy Star label will always be the top performers in the category.


How Do I Find an Energy Efficient Product? Many products are equipped with an “Energy Guide,” a label that describes how much energy the product consumes, what the yearly cost would be (calculated using the national average for electricity prices), and how the product performs compared to similar products. These Energy Guides label each product in a category, and are different from the Energy Star label, which recognizes the most efficient products in each category. In 2011, Energy Star introduced “Energy Star Most Efficient,” which identifies the top performers – early adopters of energy saving technology – in a product category.


How does Energy Star Work for Buildings? The Energy Star program has a rating system that has been used to evaluate the energy efficiency of commercial buildings. It also provides ratings for new homes, which are typically 20-30% more efficient than standard homes. In order to qualify, homes must meet strict guidelines for: high-performance windows, effective insulation, efficient HVAC equipment, tight construction, and Energy Star qualified lighting and appliances. Homeowners who purchase an Energy Star qualified new home can be confident that it will be energy efficient and comfortable – and will cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.