Every time you buy a major appliance, you’re told to look for the equipment with the Energy Star rating. You know it has something to do with energy efficiency, and that you should buy the equipment because it’s better for the environment. But you may not know where the rating actually comes from, what it actually signifies – and why you should buy it.
This article will tell you what you need to know about the Energy Star.
What is the Energy Star?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) came together in 1996 to create an international standard for energy efficiency in consumer products like washers, dryers, refrigerators, and HVAC systems. The goal was to save consumers money by cutting energy costs and also to help conserve energy and help the environment.
By 2010, the program was doing so well that it saved enough energy to equate to taking 33 million cars off the road, plus saving $18 billion on homeowner energy bills.
By 2017, there were more than 60 product categories with thousands of items on available to consumers.
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Some Facts About Energy Star Today – Why Look for the Star?
Here are some of the things you need to know about Energy Star today and why you should always select equipment rated with the star:
· You have a lot of choices when it comes to Energy Star products. There are dishwashers, washers, and dryers, furnaces, air conditioners, ceiling fans, water coolers, air purifiers, dehumidifiers, refrigerators – to name a few.
· Heating and cooling take up half of your energy bill, so making sure you select HVAC units with the Energy Star rating to make the biggest impact on your savings. Geothermal heat pumps and programmable thermostats are also on the Energy Star list, and they can make a significant addition to your savings.
· Ask your CPA about the federal renewable energy credits for installing products with the Energy Star rating.
· Energy Star equipment typically delivers better performance at a lower operational expense than non-Energy Star rated equipment.
· Energy Star rated equipment typically lasts longer because it is held to higher standards.
· Even if the energy Star equipment costs more, this higher price is typically made up in energy savings. If your heating and cooling equipment is more than 10 years old, the newer HVAC equipment available today could actually pay for itself in energy efficiency.
The most important thing to consider, when buying new equipment, is to have it installed properly. We see a lot of improperly installed equipment in our line of work, and in fact, a poorly installed HVAC unit can reduce system efficiency by up to 30%. Energy Star also has rules governing how HVAC units are installed, too. When you make the big decision to purchase a new furnace and air conditioning unit, ask your installer if they install following the standards of Energy Star.
Ambient Edge offers Energy Star rated products and would be happy to provide you with a free consultation on new HVAC equipment. Contact us to discuss how Energy Star could provide you with a savings on your energy bill.
