ENERGY STAR Explained

By now, most people are familiar with the little, blue ENERGY STAR logo.  The ENERGY STAR Program was established by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1992, under the authority of the Clean Air Act.  It's a voluntary program to "identify and promote energy-efficient products and buildings in order to reduce energy consumption, improve energy security, and reduce pollution through voluntary labeling of or other forms of communication about products and buildings that meet the highest energy efficiency standards."

That's great - but what does that mean for the average consumer or home buyer?  It means that someone else has already done the legwork for you in identifying the most efficient products and manufacturers.  Visit the ENERGY STAR Certified Products page for an easy way to look up the specific item you are researching.  These items use less energy to operate, reducing utility bills and usually enhancing performance.

Homes can also receive the ENERGY STAR qualification.  These homes use less energy for heating, cooling and water heating - about 20% less.  Comfort and indoor air quality are improved, as well as the reduction of fossil fuels burning which decreases outdoor air pollution.  Homes that are awarded the ENERGY STAR qualification must meet minimum standards in 5 areas:

• Efficient insulation system
• High performance windows
• Tight construction and ducts
• Efficient heating and cooling equipment
• ENERGY STAR appliances and lighting

Obviously, then, the presence of ENERGY STAR appliances alone in a home does not necessarily mean that the home itself is ENERGY STAR qualified.  In addition, energy-efficiency standards have changed over the past 22 years; an old ENERGY STAR appliance may no longer meet the current minimum standards to receive the qualification.  The ENERGY STAR qualification is awarded for a specific year and must be requalified yearly to maintain the certification.  Find home builders who are committed to building ENERGY STAR homes HERE.

If your home does not have the ENERGY STAR qualification, there are still things you can do to improve it's performance.  As you replace appliances, windows, insulation, etc., consider ENERGY STAR products that will reduce utility bills over time.  Certain product models also perform better due to their design; for instance, refrigerators with bottom freezers and through-the-door water and ice dispensers are more efficient.  Chest freezers use less energy than upright freezers.  Front-loading washing machines are more energy efficient, use less detergent and get clothes cleaner.  Appliances that don't receive ENERGY STAR ratings?  Clothes dryers, microwaves, ovens and ranges, solar products (other than water heaters), and space heaters.

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I would love to help you with your real estate journey. 

Please contact me at 303-917-7143 or robbin@stauferteam.com

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