What Is Energy Star Certificate? And Its 6 Benefits?

What is an ENERGY STAR Certificate?

It is a voluntary program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency & the Department of Energy (DOE). This certification ensures that homes and products meet tight energy efficiency standards.

There are more than 70 product categories covered by the program, including major appliances, electronics, lighting, and HVAC systems. An ENERGY STAR-certified product must use less energy than federal minimum standards while delivering the same or better performance.

For example, a dishwasher must use at least 40% less water and 25% less energy than the minimum federal standard to earn the ENERGY STAR label. Over 300 million ENERGY STAR-certified products were sold in the U.S. in 2021.

Who issues the Energy Star Certificate?

In the US, the Department of Energy (DOE) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issue ENERGY STAR certifications, specifically:

• The EPA administers the ENERGY STAR program, sets the efficiency criteria that products must meet, and oversees the certification process.

• The DOE helps establish the performance standards and test procedures for products. They work closely with the EPA on specifying the qualifications.

• Independent, third-party certification bodies accredited by the EPA conduct testing on products to verify energy efficiency claims and ensure they meet ENERGY STAR requirements.

• Manufacturers submit their products to EPA-approved labs for certification testing. If their products pass, they can label them as ENERGY STAR certified.

• The EPA enforces the proper use of the ENERGY STAR logo on certified products. They conduct verification testing and monitor products, retailers, and manufacturers to prevent misuse of the label.

So, in summary:

• EPA and DOE set the ENERGY STAR specifications

• Third-party labs certified by the EPA conduct product testing

• Manufacturers submit products to labs and can label certified items.

• EPA administers and enforces the program and proper labeling

This independent, third-party testing and verification system ensures consumers get legitimate energy-saving products that live up to their efficiency claims when they see the ENERGY STAR logo.

Is the ENERGY STAR certificate available in other countries?

ENERGY STAR certificate is available in other countries beyond the United States. The program operates internationally through partnerships between governments, manufacturers, retailers, and other organizations. Here are some details:

• Canada – Natural Resources Canada administers ENERGY STAR alongside the EPA. Qualified products have a joint EPA/NRCan ENERGY STAR logo.

• Europe/EU – ENERGY STAR is managed by the European Community, and labeled products carry the EC ENERGY STAR logo. Over 30 countries participate.

• Japan – ENERGY STAR is administered by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Products bear the ENERGY STAR logo.

• Australia/New Zealand – ENERGY STAR is managed by the Office of the Australian Building Codes Board. Certified products get the joint ENERGY STAR logo.

• Taiwan – The EPA has partnered with Taiwan’s Bureau of Energy to implement ENERGY STAR.

• India – The EPA agreed with the Indian Ministry of Power to introduce ENERGY STAR.

• Thailand – Thailand’s Ministry of Energy runs the voluntary ENERGY STAR program under an EPA partnership.

• Vietnam – The Vietnam ENERGY STAR Program is coordinated through the EPA, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Construction.

So, in summary, ENERGY STAR operates globally through partnerships between the EPA, foreign governments, industry organizations, and manufacturers. Qualified products bear the international ENERGY STAR logo. This allows consumers worldwide to identify products that save energy and reduce environmental impact.

The Value of Choosing ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR label gives you confidence that you are getting a high-efficiency, high-quality product that will save energy along with money while reducing environmental impact. With just a small upfront investment, you’ll benefit from significant long-term energy savings over the appliance’s lifetime.

Switching to ENERGY STAR-certified products provides real benefits for both your household and the planet. Together, our everyday purchasing decisions can make a world of difference!

6 Benefits of ENERGY STAR CERTIFICATE AND PRODUCTS

Choosing ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, electronics, lighting fixtures, and other products provides many important benefits:

1. Save Money on Utility Bills

Products with the ENERGY STAR label consume significantly less electricity, natural gas, and water than standard models. This saves the average household $75-$150 annually on utility bills. The energy savings add up over the 10-15 year lifespan of an appliance.

For example, an ENERGY STAR clothes washer can save over $300 in utility costs over its lifetime. And an ENERGY STAR-certified refrigerator saves up to $270 in energy costs.

2. Reduce Environmental Impact

ENERGY STAR products help protect the environment by reducing power plants’ air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. If all appliances sold in the United States were ENERGY STAR certified, we would prevent over 35 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year. That’s equivalent to the emissions from 5 million vehicles!

ENERGY STAR-certified residential lighting and appliances have saved American families and businesses over $500 billion in energy costs and prevented 3.5 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions since 1992.

3. Earn Tax Credits and Rebates

Many utility companies and state/local governments offer rebates and tax incentives for purchasing ENERGY STAR-certified products and appliances. These can reduce your upfront purchase cost by $20-$200 for certain items.

For example, rebates may be available for ENERGY STAR dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers, air conditioners, smart thermostats, refrigerators, and more, depending on where you live. To find available discounts, check the ENERGY STAR website or contact your utility company.

4. Ensure Quality and Performance

One common concern is whether ENERGY STAR products will perform as well as less efficient models. The EPA sets strict criteria for energy efficiency, and products must meet or exceed them without compromising functionality in order to be certified.

Many ENERGY STAR appliances actually outperform minimum standards. For example, ENERGY STAR clothes washers clean fabrics better while using less water, according to testing by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Products must pass laboratory testing to verify energy savings claims and ensure they deliver the same or better performance. The EPA also conducts rigorous screening to prevent false claims. This takes the guesswork out of choosing efficient products.

5. Get the Latest Innovations

Efficiency innovations often appear on ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and electronics first before becoming more widespread. Since manufacturers frequently update their products to meet the evolving criteria, you can access the latest technology advances that save energy and money.

Some examples include heat pump dryers, variable speed HVAC systems, smart home products like learning thermostats, and TVs/electronics with low standby power use.

6. Longer Lifespans

Research shows ENERGY STAR-certified major appliances last 2-5 years longer on average compared to standard models. For instance, ENERGY STAR refrigerators have an average lifespan of 12-16 years, while typical units last only 10-14 years.

Since the products undergo rigorous testing and meet high-performance standards, they tend to have greater durability. Fewer repairs mean you get even more value from your purchase.

How to Identify ENERGY STAR Products?

Identifying ENERGY STAR-certified products is easy – look for the blue ENERGY STAR logo on the box or on the product itself.

You can find ENERGY STAR models at most major retail stores, including Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowes, and Amazon. Use the ENERGY STAR website to search for certified products by category.

Over 1,000 manufacturer partners participate in the program, so there are lots of choices for items like lighting, appliances, electronics, windows, and more. Compare ENERGY STAR models to determine which is the best choice for your needs and budget.

When shopping for appliances, also look at the yellow EnergyGuide label, which shows estimated energy use and operating costs. This allows you to compare the efficiency between different brands and models.

Saving More with ENERGY STAR Homes

Beyond products, the EPA also certifies entire homes that meet efficiency qualifications for ENERGY STAR certification. This comprehensive approach ensures all systems and products in the home work together seamlessly to maximize energy savings.

On average, ENERGY STAR-certified homes are 10% more efficient than homes built to code. They also have better air sealing and insulation to reduce leaks.

Features of an ENERGY STAR home

• High-efficiency heating and cooling equipment

• Properly sealed doors and windows

• Added insulation in walls and attics

• ENERGY STAR-certified lighting fixtures and appliances

• Efficient water fixtures like low-flow toilets and faucets

• Independent inspection and testing to verify efficiency

Building or purchasing an ENERGY STAR-qualified home provides total peace of mind that you are getting maximum energy savings along with a higher resale value.

Frequently Asked Questions