Developed in 1992 in an effort by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, Energy Star helps consumers identify products and appliances that save energy without sacrificing features or performance. And for more than 20 years now, consumers have used the easy-to-identify labeling that includes the words "Energy Star" and an easy-to-spot blue star.
Now that the market is saturated with appliances, electronics, and heating and cooling equipment that meet the Energy Star’s stringent criteria, the program has evolved. Consumers can identify the best of the best in terms of energy efficiency in four categories:Previously in pilot mode, the Energy Star "Most Efficient" label can be identified with the same familiar wording and logo, but now consumers will find the words "Most Efficient" and the year of the rating affixed to the packaging as well.
To get an idea of how the new label fits into the equation, consider the federal government’s minimum furnace efficiency standards and compare them to Energy Star-qualified ratings and "Most Efficient" criteria:
One final note to consider: The new label requires that products earn the designation via independent third-party testing, while the original Energy Star certification can be achieved via self-testing.
For more information about the Energy Star's "Most Efficient "label, contact Russell's Heating & Cooling today! We've served homeowners in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia since 1977 with quality HVAC services, repairs and installations. Give us a call today or visit our website for more information.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Chesapeake, Virginia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about Energy Star and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide. Image courtesy of Shutterstock