As one of the country’s most well -known energy -saving programs, energy star helps consumers save money during energy saving. After more than 3 decades, the current administration’s reorganization plan for the existing administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in danger that will end the famous public private partnership program.
These energy star cuts can make consumers more difficult to identify energy efficient equipment and other home products. They can also lead to excessive use of energy, and therefore, if consumers eliminate the purchase of less efficient products, increase monthly utility bills.
Here we will see how the program works, what it can mean for consumers if the label is no longer present, and how you can still buy the world’s most energy efficient products without an energy star.
How does the Energy Star Program work
As a joint action by the Department of Energy (DOE) and EPA, the Energy Star Program includes manufacturers and retailers to provide thousands of organizations as volunteer partners to provide cost -saving and energy efficient solutions that improve environment protection, improve air quality, and protect health. Since its inception in 1992, the energy star and its partners have helped American families and businesses save 5 trillion kilograms of electricity, avoid more than $ 500 billion in energy costs, and reduce 4 billion metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions.
The government cooperates with industry representatives to determine energy saving specifications for the category of more than 75 products, including appliances, electronics, office equipment, lighting and HVAC equipment. These requirements include the amount of energy used, low strength or “sleep” mode, and when the product is running, the minimum performance rating. Manufacturers whose products match or more can choose to display energy star logo on these products.
Why is the label important
According to a recent survey, the Blue Energy Star label has been described as a symbol of energy saving, environmental awareness and financial savings by 89 % of US households. Consumers view the energy star label as a reliable source of neutral information so they can make well -purchased decisions.
In addition, consumers may be eligible for exemption and tax credit for certified products from energy star, which can help save extra money in low utility bills. In fact, the EPA estimates that the program saves nearly $ 450 to an ordinary domestic on energy bills every year.
Without the energy star program, over time, products will no longer be sold in which this remarkable sticker is available. With more than 20 % of home power -using devices, consumers can be strictly pressured to understand the best products to buy for their home.
Assistant Professor of School of Environmental Stability in Liola University Chicago, Gilbert Macaaid, who leads the Macaed Energy Policy Research Group, says cutting the energy star program will make consumers very difficult to make energy efficient decisions. He warned that “the confusion of consumers will increase.” “Although state agencies or third -party agencies can step as a verification of energy efficient equipment, a similar program will require a lot of time, money and harmony. As a result, this can be difficult to meet the goals of climate and decoration.”
Alternative Options to Find Effective Products
In April, a group of more than a thousand manufacturers, building owners, and small businesses signed a letter asking the EPA administrator to maintain the program. The program has also been proposed to transfer the program to the DOE. We will continue to track whether the energy star lives or goes.
In the meantime, it is important to plan for the world without an energy star. Although it may be difficult, there will still be ways to find more and more energy -efficient products. In the case of energy -star deductions, there are some points here to keep in mind when buying new devices.
1. Review the reviewer rating.
Well -known brands provide detailed energy specifications for their products, such as seasonal energy saving ratio 2 (Seer2), heating seasonal performance factor 2 (HSPF2), and annual fuel use performance (Afue). “These measurements, which are regular by the DOE, are not ending, and are more precise than the energy star brand,” says Alex Attockson, a HVAC expert in California. “For example, a seer2 rated central air conditioner of 16 or more is extremely efficient, and more than 95 percent of the rated furnaces are used.”
2. Turning to the third party certification.
The consortium for energy saving has its own energy -saving standards, though it does not independently test or confirm like an energy star. Also, organizations like the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and other consumer lawying groups can step up to offer free performance test data instead of energy star.
3. Compare Energy Guide labels.
You may have seen most new refrigerators, washs, dryers, dishwashers, water heaters, kilns and bright yellow labels associated with other products. The government essentially, the energy guide label provides a standard comparison of annual energy consumption and operating costs of each product. Try to compare the product of similar size and features based on this data during purchase.
4. Contact contact utility.
There is another option to call and ask for qualifying appliances. Utility currently offers energy -star data -based discounts and performance programs, so without a program, they will need to make their energy efficiency in their own standard. Attockinson says some already rely on the third -party certified database such as air conditioning, heating, and the Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) directory that confirms test data presented by manufacturers.
5. Find industry -led certification programs.
David Hunt, Chief Operating Officer of Versees Media in New York City, has suggested that we can also see industry -led certification programs, which help users to prioritize efficiency, to apply for filtered sustainable attributes to operate and work with the workplace. “Devices manufacturers can emphasize ISO standards or create unity to maintain public confidence,” says Hunt. “In the digital environment, the retailer side trust seal or energy scores can be common at home.”
6. See for market -driven digital tools.
Product Strategy VP Peter Barnett says in Action 1 in Houston, Texas, says that even without a central label, consumers can still be empowered by transparent, accessible data, which is provided by AI-capable smart-tech tools. “The retailers can start connecting energy -saving filters directly into their e -commerce platforms, which directly run through the database or manufacturers,” says Barnett. “I also believe that we will see the rise of free, tech -driven certification platforms, apps, or plugins that allow users to scan equipment in store or online and see real -world energy use, environmental impact and cost savings over time.”
7. Rely on online studies.
Consumers can also read product reviews and ratings from several sources, such as consumer reports, to help identify most energy efficient products.
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