Energy Star Appliances Designed to Help Environment: Energy Products Articles: Eco20/20

Energy Star Appliances Designed to Help Environment

During the early 1990s, the United States Environmental Protection Agency determined manufacturers could reduce energy use, resulting in lighter carbon footprint, by developing products that use less electricity. Initially targeting computers and printers, the Energy Star program now includes over 40,000 products ranging from home electronics, washers and dryers and refrigerators.

In order for a product to bear the Energy Star symbol, it must meet strict energy use guidelines established by the EPA or the Department of Energy. The lower energy use requirement is different for different types of appliances, but essentially a 20-percent average reduction in energy usage is required. For example, to qualify to carry the Energy Star label, a refrigerator must provide a 20-percent energy reduction, and dishwashers must show a 41-percent savings.

This not only reduces the energy production need, but users of Energy Star products also realize a savings in their energy bills. The EPA estimated that in 2006, over $14 billion was saved on energy costs alone. Energy Star products are typically more expensive than their traditional counterparts, but the cost can be calculated over what it will cost for the duration of the products' lifetime to determine if it is worth the additional initial investment.

Washing machines are designed to use less water to wash the same size load as well as better sensors to regulate the amount of hot water required. This results in savings to the user by lowered operating costs of their hot water heater and a lower water bill. By factoring in those savings, the additional cost of an Energy Star-rated washing machine can be offset by the savings, theoretically paying for itself over the life of the appliance.

Homes are now being rated for their reduced energy use, and those carrying the Energy Star label must show a 15-percent reduction in energy use to qualify. These homes will use Energy Star-rated appliances, heating and cooling systems, as well as properly installed insulation, energy efficient lighting, and tightly insulated windows and doors.

What this means to consumers is better efficiency in their homes, reducing the carbon footprint to help the environment, as well as a savings on energy costs. Fluorescent lighting, for example, must use 75-percent less energy than previous lighting, which reduces energy costs and gives a minimum three-year usage warranty that will reduce maintenance costs by requiring less labor to change the bulbs.

Initially a voluntary program, Energy Star has unfortunately had a few bad apples in the bushel of manufacturers that try to skirt testing and reporting requirements to qualify for the Energy Star determination. With many consumers willing to pay more for products that help the environment while saving them money, manufacturers have found ways to report energy savings that may not be entirely accurate. For example, a refrigerator maker may test the appliance with the ice maker disconnected, a state in which the appliance is usually not used in the home, and requires less energy to operate.

The United States Inspector General does keep a close watch over testing and reporting to insure the goals of energy efficiency and reduction are met and that the Energy Star rating integrity is maintained by all manufacturers applying for the program.