If you’re shopping for new appliances, you’re likely to have come across the term “Energy Star Certified.” Unfortunately, many consumers are unsure what this actually means and how it can impact your household.
In simple terms, the Energy Star certification is a mark of energy efficiency. The mark can be earned by commercial plants, buildings, and appliances. Most domestic appliances including refrigerators, dishwashers, televisions and even the humble coffee maker can be Energy Star certified. In order to be awarded this prestigious mark, products need to pass a rigorous set of criteria before they can receive this stamp of approval.
The United States EPA requires Energy Star products to be certified by approved certification groups and laboratories. The product manufacturers also need to continue proving the item’s energy efficiency. The EPA regularly revises Energy Star requirements to keep companies continuing to strive to meet better efficiency standards and provide more energy efficient options for consumers.
Each appliance type has a different set of standards that are necessary to meet to be awarded certification. The full list is available on the Energy Star website, but the basic guidelines of high standards of performance and function, in addition to significant contributions to energy savings are universal in all categories. For example, light bulbs with Energy Star certification use two third of the energy of standard incandescent bulbs. Energy Star dishwashers include sensor technology to minimize energy and water waste, while qualified televisions use approximately half the energy of a standard television.
Using Energy Star certified appliances in the home has been documented to reduce water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions around the country. In addition to being a greener choice, owning an Energy Star appliance can also make life in your household easier. Certified appliances cut down energy costs, reducing your utility bills.
According to the U.S Department of Energy, Energy Star appliances can reduce the energy usage of an average household by between 10 and 50 percent. While no household is precisely the same as another, estimates suggest that Energy Star appliances have saved homeowners in America as much as $200 billion. This adds up to approximately $2000 per household.
Energy Star products are also designed to make day to day life easier. More efficient home appliances often translates to improved product performance. Energy Star certified washers can effectively wash more clothes within a single load, so you can do fewer loads, while Energy Star dryers offer faster drying compared to many standard models. Additionally, the sensor technology prevents your clothes from being in the dryer too long and causing unnecessary wear and tear.
Since Energy Star requires appliances to improve energy efficiency and meet the exacting EPA standards, these models also feature the latest technology including conveniences that may not be available in other products. For example, many Energy Star certified air conditioner units feature smart controls that allow you to use your smartphone to control your system remotely.
Of course, even the most highly efficient appliance will need a little care and attention to ensure you enjoy the best performance. So, it is important to ensure that your new appliances are serviced, and any repairs are performed promptly. With the energy savings offered, ensuring your appliances are maintained can not only keep your utility bills in check, but also prolong the lifespan of your new appliance.
If you have any repair issues with your home appliances, you can rely on a professional appliance repair specialist for long term solutions. For practical advice and guidance, speak to your home appliance installation technician for help with all your appliance repair and installation issues.