What is ENERGY STAR Certified?

The ENERGY STAR label is one of the most trusted in the nation. In fact, brand awareness research suggests that nearly 90% of American households recognize the iconic blue and white logo.

But precisely what is ENERGY STAR, and, when it comes to improving the efficiency of your home, are ENERGY STAR appliances worth it? Here’s everything you need to know.

What are ENERGY STAR appliances?

ENERGY STAR-certified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines and testing criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Launched in 1992, ENERGY STAR is a voluntary labeling program designed to promote energy conservation best practices among residential consumers and commercial businesses alike:

ENERGY STAR products for homes include everything from light bulbs and electronics to white goods like refrigerators and dishwashers.
Energy-efficient products for businesses include office equipment, data centers, and commercial food service equipment.
Other product categories include heating and cooling systems and building products like windows, doors, insulation, and air-sealing solutions.

To earn the ENERGY STAR rating, equipment must use less energy while providing the same level of performance as standard appliances.

ENERGY STAR appliances vs regular appliances

ENERGY STAR-certified appliances are tested against higher efficiency standards than regular household goods to ensure they consume less power and resources while operating. For example:

On average, ENERGY STAR televisions are 25% more energy efficient than conventional models.
ENERGY STAR-certified clothes washers use about 20% less energy and 30% less water than regular washers.
Light fixtures in the ENERGY STAR program last 15 times longer and have a warranty of at least three years.

By ensuring longevity and improved energy performance, products that meet ENERGY STAR requirements ensure both reduced environmental impact and enhanced home comfort.

ENERGY STAR appliances: benefits for your home

Many new homes, apartments, commercial buildings, and industrial plants are built from the ground up with superior energy efficiency in mind. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, buildings and homes built to meet ENERGY STAR program requirements achieve a 20% increase in energy performance on average.

However, even if your property isn’t on the list of ENERGY STAR certified homes, there are still several advantages to making efficiency improvements by investing in products with ENERGY STAR ratings. Here’s a comprehensive list of benefits.

Energy savings

Specific energy savings vary depending on the type of equipment or appliance, with energy consumption savings ranging between 9% (refrigerators) and 90% (incandescent light bulbs). While some savings may seem small, overall energy use in your home can be significantly reduced if you invest in multiple home performance upgrades.

Lower utility bills

Lower energy consumption translates directly into cost savings. So, if you’re looking for ways to save money by lowering your electricity bill, investing in ENERGY STAR appliances is a smart move. The EPA estimates homeowners can save an average of 11% on total energy costs just by installing ENERGY STAR-approved air sealing and insulation. When coupled with appliance upgrades, the average American family could save around $500 a year on energy bills.

Reduced environmental impact

What is ENERGY STAR’s impact on our natural resources? Good question! Certified appliances protect the environment because homes using more efficient appliances reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, they help protect our lakes, streams, and oceans by using less water than their non-certified cousins. For example, an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher can save about 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime.

Enhanced home comfort

Appliances that meet ENERGY STAR’s energy efficiency requirements usually perform better than their non-certified counterparts. For example, residential heating and cooling systems with an ENERGY STAR label typically have better Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. This means they maintain temperatures and humidity levels more consistently, enhancing overall comfort levels.

Increased home value

Potential buyers often consider energy-efficient homes more desirable, and many may be willing to pay a premium for properties with ENERGY STAR upgrades. While you’ll likely take most of your appliances and electronics with you when you move, features like boilers, central air conditioners, heat pumps, and light fixtures will likely remain for the new owners’ benefit.

Better indoor air quality

ENERGY STAR heating and cooling systems are designed to operate more efficiently while improving ventilation via advanced filtration technology. This helps keep your home free of

dust, allergens, and excess moisture, which can lead to mold growth. Plus, equipment like certified furnaces reduces emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOx) gas, which can contribute to respiratory problems.

Longer appliance lifespan

ENERGY STAR-certified products are designed for durability and often outlast regular models. The less frequent need for maintenance and replacement parts lowers the overall costs. This applies just as much to small items as larger pieces of equipment. For example, ENERGY STAR decorative lights don’t have moving parts, filaments, or glass, making them more durable and shock-resistant than other alternatives.

Possible rebates and incentives

Are ENERGY STAR appliances tax deductible? Yes! Under the Inflation Reduction Act, you can apply tax credit for ENERGY STAR appliances for specified home improvements. To find out which upgrades are eligible for ENERGY STAR rebates in your area, simply enter your zip code into the online rebate finder.

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

ENERGY STAR appliances emit less harmful greenhouse gas emissions than traditional alternatives. The U.S. government has set ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2050. Homes that make energy upgrades contribute directly to this milestone, helping the nation transition toward a more sustainable future.

Higher efficiency standards

Appliances bearing the ENERGY STAR label have been tested through an EPA-recognized laboratory. But what is ENERGY STAR’s rating system, more specifically? Well, that changes based on the product in question. For example:

Qualified furnaces have an AFUE rating of 90% or more.
Qualified refrigerators are at least 15% more efficient than minimum federal standards dictate.
Office equipment automatically qualifies on products that kick into low-power/sleep mode after a period of inactivity.
Qualified TVs consume 3 watts or less when switched off, compared to an average of 6 on standard TVs.

Are ENERGY STAR appliances worth it?

In short, yes. When you invest in ENERGY STAR products, you can improve the comfort of your home, save money, and protect the environment at the same time. Plus, with extra benefits available through the ENERGY STAR appliances tax credit program, there’s never been a better time to consider a few upgrades.

Save on electricity plans with BKVE

If you’re interested in ENERGY STAR upgrades, you’re likely also interested in finding other ways to reduce your energy costs.

One of the best ways to save money on utility bills is to choose an energy supplier that offers straightforward electricity plans with fair prices and easy-to-understand contracts.

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Written by Graham Lumley

Graham Lumley, Growth Product Manager at BKV Energy, leads digital and traditional marketing strategies, focusing on educating Texans about the state's deregulated energy market. With over 10 years of marketing experience, he creates content to help consumers understand and save on their energy bills, bringing a fresh and dynamic approach to the industry.