Energy Star Rating

Definition: A voluntary program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that helps businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through superior energy efficiency.

Relevance to home energy efficiency: Energy Star certified products and homes meet strict energy performance standards, helping consumers identify and purchase energy-efficient items.

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Benefits:

• Ensures products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines
• Helps consumers easily identify energy-efficient products
• Can lead to significant energy savings over time

Drawbacks:

• Energy Star products may have a higher upfront cost
• Not all product categories are covered
• Standards may not be as stringent as some other international certifications

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Statistics: According to the EPA, Americans saved more than $39 billion on utility bills and avoided greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 51 million cars in 2019 alone, thanks to Energy Star.