2002 Volunteer Leader Training Guide
Save Money and Save the Environment
What Does ENERGY STAR® Mean to Consumers?
Handout 2
ENERGY STAR® is a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program is designed to help
consumers identify energy-efficient products. ENERGY STAR® products help save
the environment and money as a result of reduced energy use.
DOE and EPA award the ENERGY STAR® label to products that meet or exceed
established criteria for energy efficiency. Manufacturers and retailers
voluntarily place the ENERGY STAR® label on energy-efficient products. The
ENERGY STAR® label makes it easy for consumers to identify office equipment,
major appliances, heating and cooling equipment, lighting and various other
consumer electronics that will allow them to save money on their energy bill
while helping to save the environment.
In short, ENERGY STAR® is the government backed symbol for energy efficiency.
Can Purchasing an ENERGY STAR® Product Really Make a Difference?
Federal agencies say the answer to this question is "YES." Consider the
following:
- By choosing ENERGY STAR® products consumers can save 30%
(about $400) a year on their energy bills and protect the
environment for future generations.
- EPA and DOE have determined that choosing an ENERGY STAR®
labeled air-source heat pump can cut a household energy bill
enough to provide a free month of cooling each year.
- ENERGY STAR® refrigerators exceed minimum federal standards
by at least 10%.
- ENERGY STAR® room air conditioners exceed minimum federal
standards by at least 10%.
- ENERGY STAR® dishwashers exceed minimum federal standards by
at least 25%.
- ENERGY STAR® clothes washers use 50% less energy than the
minimum federal standards.
- If your refrigerator is 10 years old or more, it uses as
much energy as two of today's ENERGY STAR® models. A new
refrigerator with an ENERGY STAR® label can save you up to $500
on your utility bills over the expected 14-year life of the
unit, depending on the type of refrigerator and the cost of
electricity in your service area. If your refrigerator is more
than 10 years old, or if you have higher than average electric
rates, your utility bill savings may be even greater.
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