Builder Magazine stated that typically, Energy Star models incorporate higher-quality materials, better design, and advanced technology. Manufacturers spend more time on researching and developing these products, thus these appliances cost more. An appliance that costs $1000.00 might cost $300.00 more with its Energy Star features. Spending more up front could realize an annual savings of up to 40% annually depending on the appliance.

Source - Builder Magazine, June 2001

Helpful Links

• www.eren.doe.gov/buildings: U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs.

• www.energy.gov: U.S. Department of Energy.
• www.energystar.gov: U.S. Dept. of Energy's Energy Star Program

Fast Facts About ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances

• Appliances that qualify for the ENERGY STAR label include refrigerators, dishwashers, room air conditioners, and clothes washers.
• ENERGY STAR qualified products are good for the environment because they use less energy to do the same work as non-ENERGY STAR qualified products. Electricity production, a major cause of air pollution, has been linked to smog and global warming. The more energy efficient we are, the more pollution we can prevent.
• ENERGY STAR works with manufacturers of appliances and with other companies to develop ENERGY STAR guidelines for their products, and then determine which of their products qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. All ENERGY STAR qualified appliances exceed existing federal efficiency standards - typically by 13 percent to 20 percent.
• ENERGY STAR qualified products and appliances save money, compared to standard models. Monthly savings vary depending on what model you buy and the cost of electricity in your area. The higher your utility rate, the more you can save with an ENERGY STAR qualified product.
• ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers and dishwashers also use less water than standard models. This saves consumers money on water utilities, and preserves this precious resource by reducing water treatment costs and water waste, as well as easing the burden on septic systems.
• An ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator uses half the electricity of a standard 10-year-old refrigerator, and will reduce your electricity bill by $35-$70 per year compared to the 10-year-old model. The savings will be even greater if the refrigerator is older or utility rates are higher.
• Circuit City, Sears, and Wards, as well as more than 4,600 retail storefronts nationwide; now label ENERGY STAR qualified products. Find a store near you that carries ENERGY STAR qualified products by using the "store locator" or "product locator" features of the ENERGY STAR web site.
• Some utilities offer rebates on ENERGY STAR qualified models. Contact your local utility directly for more information on rebates. A current list of ENERGY STAR utility partners can be found on the web.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR label on product literature, store signage, and on products themselves. Ask retail sales staff to show you the ENERGY STAR qualified products in their showrooms.
• The ENERGY STAR label was created to help consumers easily identify home appliances, office equipment and other products that save energy and money, and help protect the environment. ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy-efficiency, jointly managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.

Reprinted from www.energystar.gov