What Does Energy Star Mean?

Energy Star is the name of a United States government program created in 1992 to motivate businesses and individuals to reduce energy consumption. Products and buildings that carry an Energy Star label have met specific guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.

Qualified products

The EPA and DOE developed a systematic process that relies on market, engineering, and pollution savings analyses, as well as input from industry stakeholders, to set the standards for Energy Star certification. Specifications differ with each item.

What's covered?

Major areas include computers, lighting, appliances, home electronics and heating and cooling systems. The Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, new homes and commercial and industrial buildings

Benefits

There are two big benefits in buying Energy Star certified equipment: helping the environment and cutting energy costs by 20 to 30 percent.

Tax credit

Builders and homeowner who purchase Energy Star products or systems may be eligible for a federal tax credit.

Considerations

An October 2008 Consumer Reports investigation found that loopholes in the Energy Star testing process allow manufacturers to label products more energy efficient than they really are. As a result, the program has expanded its enforcement efforts.

References

• About Energy Star
• Qualifying products
• Consumer reports investigation

Resources

• Energy Star program