Energy Star Efficiency Information

Saving the Earth

A household that buys Energy Star labeled equipment (including appliances, heating and cooling equipment, and computers) instead of standard new equipment could prevent the release of 70,000 pounds of carbon dioxide over the lifetime of the products. That pollution savings is equivalent to taking a car off the road for eight years. That same Energy Star equipped household can also cut, by nearly one-half, the release of nitrogen oxides, which are primary contributors to smog and acid rain.

SavingYour Money

Choosing Energy Star labeled air-source heat pump, instead of a regular air-source heat pump, can cut a household energy bill enough to provide a free month of cooling each year. The typical U.S. household spends about $1,300 on its home energy bills. Energy Star labeled appliances and heating and cooling equipment can reduce that energy bill by up to 40 percent - a potential savings of hundreds of dollars each year.

To Save the Earth...

We all depend on using energy as part of our daily lives. But when we use products that waste energy, we harm the environment. This is because most of the energy consumed in our homes and offices is produced by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. When these fuels are burned, they release air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particles that contribute to smog, acid rain, and respiratory disease. Another pollutant, carbon dioxide, contributes to global climate change.

In 1995, an international panel of scientists concluded that the available evidence now suggests that we are already witnessing the effect of human activity on the global climate. Carbon dioxide emissions from energy use, including the generation of electricity, are the largest world-wide contributor to global climate change. Disruptions now linked to climate change include an increase in the number of severe weather events, the spread of some diseases, more stress on water resources, and the degradation of natural ecosystems.

Just Look For the ENERGY STAR Label

When we spend money on new appliances, office equipment, heating and cooling equipment, or a new home, we want to get the most for our investment. A smart way to make a good investment is to think about energy efficiency. Considerable savings can be achieved by using energy-efficient products.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are working together to promote the use of energy-efficient equipment by awarding the Energy Star label to products that save energy. The agencies set energy efficiency criteria for specific consumer and commercial products. These criteria exceed the minimum national efficiency standards where such standards exist. Manufacturers or retailers volunteer to place the Energy Star label on those models that meet or exceed the criteria set by EPA and DOE.

The Energy Star label can help make purchasing decisions easier. These products not only save energy, they help prevent air pollution and save money, frequently with better performance. Remember to look for the Energy Star label - the symbol for energy efficiency.

ENERGY STAR Labeled Products

Office Equipment
computers
printers
fax machines
copiers

Appliances
refrigerators
dishwashers
room air conditioners

Residential Heating and Cooling Equipment
programmable thermostats
boilers
furnaces
heat pumps
central air conditioners

Other Products
exit signs

 

...to Save You Money

Not only does the environment benefit from using energy-efficient equipment, your wallet benefits too. By using products with the Energy Star label, you can avoid energy waste and save money on your utility bills.

Think of it this way-whenever you buy an energy-consuming product, it really has two price tags. The first price tag is the initial purchase price. The second price tag isn’t as obvious-it’s the cost to operate the product over its lifetime. Because this second price tag is hidden in your monthly utility bills, it’s easy to overlook. But the second price tag can be large. For some products, it can be even more than the initial price. So when you are comparing models, remember the second price tag before you buy. Products with the Energy Star label come with a smaller second price tag, which means lower utility bills every month for years to come.

Courtesy of the DOE