BECOME AN ENERGY STAR!
Making the right decision, buying ENERGY STAR products
In 1992 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the Energy Star program on a voluntary basis to promote energy efficient computers and monitors. The initiative grew to include major appliances, office equipment, lighting, home electronics, and many other products. Energy Star products need to meet specific standards and specifications. Products with the Energy Star label give you the same features and abilities as other similar products, but use less energy.
How do products earn the Energy Star label?
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes specifications based on a set of principles. The principles state that Energy Star products must use significantly less energy on a national scale and must have the same features and deliver the same results as their competitors while using less energy. If an Energy Star product costs more initially, consumers must be able to recover the cost difference through energy savings. The principles also encourage manufacturers to explore different suppliers for new technologies that are available. In addition, performance and energy use must be tested and measured with the results clearly stated on a product label. The label is to be placed in a highly visible location on the product. Specifications are revised periodically to remain current, for example the 5th revision of the Energy Star specifications for computers took effect in July 2009.
The real question is why is it important for you to buy Energy Star products?
SAVE ENERGY & RESOURCES
You’ll be doing the world a favor by saving energy and natural resources, future generations will thank you for it!
According to the “Refrigerator Retirement Calculator” on the Energy Star website, a 19.0-24.4 Cubic foot top freezer refrigerator built between 1992-1995 uses 1285 kWh/year. By switching to an Energy Star refrigerator you can reduce energy consumption by over 65% to 411 kWh per year.
SAVE ON ENERGY BILLS
Products that meet Energy Star specifications are designed to save energy. This can reduce your usage of gas and electricity, thereby reducing your household bills. According to EPA, about $40 billion is spent annually in the US to air condition buildings — one-sixth of all electricity generated in a year! ENERGY STAR qualified roof products reduce the amount of air conditioning needed in buildings, and can reduce energy bills by up to 50 percent.
FEDERAL TAX CREDIT FOR HOME OWNERS
Energy efficient products or renewable energy systems purchased for your home may be eligible for a federal tax credit. Products such as biomass stoves, insulation, windows, doors, roofs, heating units, air conditioners and water heaters are eligible for a 30% of cost tax credit up to maximum of $1500. There are some conditions, rental units and new construction are not applicable and it must be your principle residence. It’s important to note that not all Energy Star products are included in the tax credit.
Energy Star gives citizens a chance to do what is best for the Environment, in a simple and accessibly format. The Us Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed all of the work in order to make these choices easy for consumers. For more information visit www.energystar.gov