Why is the Energy Star label so important?
If you have read a few of our blogs or talked to any Commercial Service techs, it is very likely that you have heard “Energy Star” mentioned a time or two! While you may be familiar with the Energy Star label and/or standard, do you actually know what it means?
Energy Star exists to protect the environment and save you money
Energy Star is a joint program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Its goal is to help consumers, businesses, and industries save money and protect the environment by adopting energy-efficient products and practices.
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Energy Star products and practices start with research and testing
Energy Star has set specifications, testing procedures, and verification testing requirements for their various appliances, electronics, and commercial equipment. The Home Performance with Energy Star program combines the DOE’s research into residential energy use with Energy Star’s own outreach capabilities to promote energy-efficient home retrofits. The Commercial Building Energy Asset Score program is a commercial building energy assessment rating program developed to allow building owners, managers, and operators to more accurately assess the building’s energy performance.
How a product earns the Energy Star label
Energy Star is centered around protecting the environment; therefore, their label goes on things that are meant to “reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants caused by the inefficient use of energy.”1 The label makes it easier for consumers to find these devices, which will save them more money in the long run, while functioning more efficiently in the present day.
Products earn the Energy Star label by meeting requirements specified by the EPA. The requirements are based on the following set of these key guiding principles set forth:
- Product categories must contribute to significant energy savings nationwide.
- Certified products must deliver the features and performance demanded by consumers, in addition to increased energy efficiency.
- If the certified product costs more than a conventional, less-efficient counterpart, purchasers will recover their investment through utility bill savings within a reasonable period of time.
- Energy efficiency can be achieved through broadly available, non-proprietary technologies offered by more than one manufacturer.
- Product energy consumption and performance must be able to be measured and verified.
- Labeling will effectively differentiate products and be visible for purchasers.2
How often is change in the industry taken into account?
The EPA is constantly conducting research and monitoring any changes in the energy industry. Discoveries and evolving needs of consumers are taken into account as products are regularly reviewed, making sure the products are still worthy of the Energy Star label. Some examples of the standards used to conduct these reviews are as follows:
- A change in the federal minimum efficiency rating.
- Technological advances concerning efficiency that will allow the consumer to gain additional savings.
- Product availability.
- Significant issues with consumers realizing expected energy savings.
- Performance and/or quality issues.
- Issues with testing procedures.
Energy Star promotes the highest quality of products that have the least amount of impact on the environment and your budget, and that is why Commercial Service promotes the Energy Star label in all that we do. We are your local connection for Energy Star products, installation, maintenance, and repairs. To learn more about Energy Star or to update your appliances, schedule an appointment with our easy Online Scheduling or by calling 812-339-9114.
