While many of us are familiar with the Energy Star label on appliances, its meaning may still be a bit of a mystery. What are Energy Star Appliances? These products use less energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and utility costs, without sacrificing performance. Learn more about Energy Star appliances’ meaning and benefits, as well as the brands that earn this distinction.
The Meaning Behind the Label: What Are Energy Star Appliances?
Since 1992, the Energy Star Program has provided strict efficiency requirements to help consumers save money and protect the environment when purchasing appliances. To earn an Energy Star rating and corresponding label, the appliance must be below specific minimum energy usage criteria. In addition, it must also meet requirements for cost and performance to ensure that the buyer is still purchasing a quality product.
This federally-run program is governed by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). With the assistance of independent third parties, testing procedures are set to ensure that each appliance meets the specified requirements. The testing procedures and requirements continually evolve to reflect changing technology, product costs, and efficiency standards.
Energy Star Appliances vs Regular Appliances
Do Energy Star appliances save money compared to regular appliances? Do they have a longer appliance lifespan or greater ease of use? We’ll examine the pros and cons of energy star appliances vs regular appliances to best illustrate how they compare.
What are the pros of Energy Star vs regular appliances?
- Lower energy costs: If an appliance uses less energy, it will cost less to operate. This means lower monthly utility bills and increased annual savings. It can also translate to greater savings over the lifespan of the product. In just 2019, the Energy Star program helped Americans save $39 billion in energy costs.
- More environmentally-friendly: Energy Star-rated appliances have been proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption as well as our reliance on fossil fuels.
- Increased convenience: Often, Energy Star appliances can do more, faster. An Energy Star-rated washer can wash a larger load and dry it faster, adding up to less loads of laundry per year. Refrigerator features for Energy Star-rated models often include dual-evaporator systems that provide independent cooling for the refrigerator and freezer, lowering overall energy usage.
What are Energy Star Appliances’ Cons?
Upfront cost: Are Energy Star Appliances more expensive? They often cost more to purchase upfront. However, the energy they save over their lifespan more than makes up the difference. The government’s Energy Star website also has a Best Value category that ranks appliances by price to help determine the least expensive options.
Who Makes Energy Star Appliances?
Who makes Energy Star appliances? Almost every major brand offers Energy Star options. Specific names also have products that are ranked Most Efficient for the year or Best Value.
What are Energy Star appliances according to brand? There are some well-known choices for each major appliance:
- Refrigerators: Sub-Zero, LG, Dacor, Frigidaire, Sub-Zero,Thermador, Viking
- Dishwashers: Bosch, LG, Miele, Samsung, Whirlpool
- Washers & Dryers: GE, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Whirlpool
Now that you know more details, are you wondering where to buy Energy Star appliances? Visit Caesar’s Appliance Sales & Service or browse our wide inventory of Energy Star options online!