Energy Star: An Overview
How you can save money with Energy Star products
It is becoming increasingly important to conserve energy, but how do you know when an appliance is truly energy efficient? Enter ENERGY STAR which originated as a United States government program and later was adopted by several other countries. Energy Star now serves as an international standard for energy efficient products.
What is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR is a program to help consumers save money while protecting the environment. ENERGY STAR does this by informing individuals of energy efficient products with its trademark. In 2007, the use of ENERGY STAR products saved enough energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions equal to 27 million cars. This energy savings reduced energy bills by $16 billion over the same period.
ENERGY STAR Label
All home appliances must pass the Appliance Standard Program. However for a home appliance to be considered ENERGY STAR qualified it must carry the EnergyGuide label. The EnergyGuide label notes whether ENERGY STAR approves the item or appliance. For an appliance to carry the EnergyGuide label it must undergo multiple tests authorized by the Department of Energy. These tests prove the appliance's efficiency and whether it lives up to the strict standards set up by the Department of Energy.
The test results on an ENERGY STAR label include:
- How much energy the appliance uses
- Energy use of similar products
- Annual cost to operate appliance
- View a sample EnergyGuide Label
- Benefits of ENERGY STAR Appliances
- Reduce Energy Bills
A home using ENERGY STAR appliances can save anywhere from $200 to $400 annually. Additionally, over the lifetime of an ENERGY STAR appliance you can save thousands of dollars off utility bills. Besides saving money, ENERGY STAR appliances also reduce the strain on our natural resources, contributing to a greener community.
Reduce Pollution
Surprisingly enough, your home is often a greater source of pollution than the average car. Of the U.S. greenhouse gas emissions generated, 16% comes from the energy used in houses. This number will decrease as estimates predict that by 2010 two million homes will meet ENERGY STAR specifications. Furthermore, choosing ENERGY STAR appliances today will ensure added value and selling incentive in the future.
Save Even More with Bulk ENERGY STAR Purchases
If you purchase ENERGY STAR products in bulk and are looking for energy-efficient products at low competitive prices quantityquotes.net can help. Also, Check out ENERGY STAR qualified room air conditioners, clothes washers, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, dishwashers, light fixtures, and light bulbs all in bulk.
Extra ENERGY STAR Tips and Tricks
Home Energy Audits for Prospective ENERGY STAR Homes
A home energy audit is generally the first step in making your home more efficient. An audit will determine how much energy your home uses and the best approach to making it more energy efficient. Once you discover the least efficient areas of your home you can refer to the ENERGY STAR audits page here for useful suggestions to increase energy efficiency and in turn decrease energy bills.
Insulation: an ENERGY STAR Recommended Money Saver
How well a home is insulated or sealed is one of the biggest costs factors when heating your home. A properly insulated home can save approximately 20% off your utility bill according to ENERGY STAR. If you feel air drafts or leaks coming from crawl spaces, the attic or the basement; fix them with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping to insure a comfortable home and lower utility bills. View ENERGY STAR's webpage about Do-It-Yourself insulation and sealing page or download the Do-It-Yourself guide. (2MB file)
Save with ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioners
Heating and cooling alone counts for nearly half of a home's energy bill, roughly $1,000 a year. Simply replacing an air conditioning unit that is 12 years old can reduce cooling costs by 30%. Because of the additional testing ENERGY STAR appliances go through, an ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioner is generally about 14% more efficient than a standard model. Although it may be true that ENERGY STAR products can be more expensive to purchase up front; the savings generated by the increased efficiency more than make up for the additional cost.
Disclaimer: This article offers general guidelines and is not intended as professional advice.
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