How the Energy Star Program Helps You Save Energy

Energy Star is a joint initiative of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy which has the express objective of reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas production. The approach of the Energy Star program has been to work with manufacturers to develop standards and programs to help Americans save energy by using more efficient appliances, heating and cooling systems, and business equipment.

The Energy Star program began in 1992 by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and began as a labeling program. Manufacturers of energy-consuming appliances were encouraged to manufacture specific products to Energy Star standards, and then identify with the program by using the Energy Star labeling.

The first products that started using the Energy Star labeling system in 1992 were computers and computer monitors. It was recognized that these products, both for business and home use, were usually left running - often 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and were therefore major consumers of electricity. Computer manufacturers were encouraged to develop systems that use less electricity and generate less heat when running. Software programs were also incorporated that turn off certain energy consuming functions of computers when they were not being used.

In 1995 the Energy Star labeling system was applied to other office equipment, along with home heating and cooling systems. Furnaces and air conditioners were designed to use as much as 30% less energy than comparable capacity non-Energy Star systems.

In 1996 the EPA and US Department of Energy cooperated to designate specific categories of products, and to develop standards for each of them. With the full implementation of the Energy Star program special labels can now be found on most major appliances, lighting systems, home electronics, heating and cooling systems and office equipment of all kinds.

Today Energy Star is allied with more than 15,000 private and public sector organizations and provides technical and research information that these organizations can use to help develop new products and programs. It also makes consumers aware of the advantages of Energy Star products. It is estimated that Energy Star programs saved consumers about $19 billion in 2008.

A major initiative of the program has been to apply the label to new homes, office and commercial buildings, and industrial complexes - in recognition that these are all major energy consumers. To earn the ENERGY STAR label, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. EPA.

The requirements for new homes include such things as effective insulation in floors, walls and attics, as well as high performance windows that keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. New homes must also be tightly sealed so that cracks and holes in walls, around doors and windows, ducts and pipes don't allow heat to escape.

Heating and cooling systems must also meet more rigorous energy-efficiency levels than in a normal non-Energy Star home. More efficient heating and cooling systems when combined with well insulated and sealed homes results in a significant reduction in a home's energy requirements. Indoor humidity is also reduced and comfort increased by more energy-efficient heating and cooling systems.

Many Energy Star approved homes are also equipped with high efficiency lighting, ventilation fans, and Energy Star appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, washing machines and clothes dryers.

Energy Star homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC), and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.

Nick Messe is the founder and president of Lead Frog LLC. When considering an upgrade to Energy Star heating or cooling systems in your home or business for Canton or Alpharetta Heating Repair or Cumming Air Conditioning see Comfort Zone Heating and Air in the Atlanta area.