Have you seen the Energy Star ratings labels on appliances lately while shopping for new appliances? All different types of appliances are given an Energy Star rating these days – from refrigerators, freezers, window or central air conditioners, furnaces, and water heaters to home electronics like televisions and computers.
Of course, the Energy Star program is actually a government program intended to make it easier for the consumer to identify and understand products that are considered more energy efficient than others. The standards for energy efficiency have greatly increased over the last several years – so much so that my wife was actually able to talk me into replacing our 15 year old refrigerator even though it still functioned perfectly. The thing is, the newest Energy Star refrigerators are twice as efficient as those from just 10 years ago, saving a ton of electricity and money.
Reading the EnergyGuide labels on the appliances you’re considering is a great place to start. Let me tell you how I decipher the information. I’ve found it’s best to narrow down the choices according to groups in the same size and capacity range first. Then I look at the labels for the models that have the very lowest estimated yearly operating cost to identify the most efficient of the bunch.
Please be aware, however, that just because they look efficient on the label doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re Energy Star compliant. The Energy Star badge is reserved for the best of the best that go well beyond the government requirements for efficiency. I’ve learned that it’s generally safe to assume that an appliance is efficient if it has an Energy Star label, even without trying to calculate every kilowatt.
I’m certainly pleased with our new Energy Star refrigerator-freezer combo. It’s does a big part in helping us fulfill our mission to keep our home as green as possible. Plus, it saves us a healthy chunk of change on our monthly utility bill, easily earning my seal of approval.
Have you seen the Energy Star ratings labels on appliances lately while shopping for new appliances? All different types of appliances are given an Energy Star rating these days – from refrigerators, freezers, window or central air conditioners, furnaces, and water heaters to home electronics like televisions and computers.
Of course, the Energy Star program is actually a government program intended to make it easier for the consumer to identify and understand products that are considered more energy efficient than others. The standards for energy efficiency have greatly increased over the last several years – so much so that my wife was actually able to talk me into replacing our 15 year old refrigerator even though it still functioned perfectly. The thing is, the newest Energy Star refrigerators are twice as efficient as those from just 10 years ago, saving a ton of electricity and money.
Reading the EnergyGuide labels on the appliances you’re considering is a great place to start. Let me tell you how I decipher the information. I’ve found it’s best to narrow down the choices according to groups in the same size and capacity range first. Then I look at the labels for the models that have the very lowest estimated yearly operating cost to identify the most efficient of the bunch.
Please be aware, however, that just because they look efficient on the label doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re Energy Star compliant. The Energy Star badge is reserved for the best of the best that go well beyond the government requirements for efficiency. I’ve learned that it’s generally safe to assume that an appliance is efficient if it has an Energy Star label, even without trying to calculate every kilowatt.
I’m certainly pleased with our new Energy Star refrigerator-freezer combo. It’s does a big part in helping us fulfill our mission to keep our home as green as possible. Plus, it saves us a healthy chunk of change on our monthly utility bill, easily earning my seal of approval.