In recent weeks, we've talked about alternate
ways to get electricity in your home. But what about if wind and solar power aren't viable for your home? There are a few ways you can save money on
electricity in your home. We've talked a
little bit about this on the blog before, specifically lighting and
utilities in
general. As always, getting your home weatherized can help reduce your energy
costs! The beginning of the weatherization process starts with an energy audit.
But that’s for another blog. This week, we're talking about Energy Star.
On most appliances and electronics these days, you’ll
see the Energy Star sticker.
Energy Star is an international standard for energy
efficient products, whose branding began in the United States in 1992 by the
EPA and Department of Energy. Since then, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand,
Taiwan and the European Union have also adopted the program. Devices carrying
the Energy Star sticker or mark generally use about 20%-30% less energy than
required by federal standards. The program began as a voluntary one, that would
demonstrate the potential for profit in reducing energy consumption and
greenhouse gases by power plants. The first products to use to the label were
computer and printer products. The program was expanded in 1995 to include
residential heating and cooling systems and new homes. As of 2006, more than
40,000 Energy Star products are available, including appliances, office
equipment, lighting, electronics, etc. Newer buildings and homes that use
energy efficient materials can also carry the Energy Star label. In 2006, about
12% of new housing in the United States was labeled Energy Star. The EPA
estimated a savings of about $14 billion in 2006 alone. In 2008, the EPA
announced Green Power Partnership program, which, among other things, offers
renewable energy credits to companies without direct access to renewable power.
The RECS are only accepted into the program when the actual equivalent renewable power will be produced.
The specifics of each product’s required numbers to
earn the Energy Star distinction can be found here. On the
Energy
Star website, you can take a quiz to
find out how energy efficient your home is. You can also learn about any
available tax credits you might be eligible for just for buying Energy Star
products. The site is a great resource and full of such good information.
