A couple weeks ago we told you that Energy Star appliances were definitely worth whatever extra cost they added to an appliance. But nowadays so many appliances seem Energy Star efficient that it takes more effort to find one that isn’t, among all the ones that are.
In October 2010, the EPA stated, “We believe the Energy Star program has sought to maximize the number of qualified products available at the expense of identifying products and practices that maximize energy efficiency.”
So then, how do you separate what is actually most efficient from all the products that claim to be energy-efficient?
In an effort to stay relevant, Energy Star recently began a Most Efficient program, which will operate on a pilot basis through 2011. The program names a limited number of top-performers for various appliance categories, including washers, heaters, cooling systems, televisions and refrigerators/freezers.
For the fall, the EPA has updated existing standards and will consider adding new categories. Generally, only the top 5% of energy-efficient products will win the honor of Most Efficient.
Most Efficient products, according to the EPA, “must demonstrate efficiency performance that is truly exceptional, inspirational or leading-edge — consistent with the interests of environmentally motivated consumers and early adopters.”
Energy Star hopes this new program will encourage innovation among manufacturers, in addition to helping consumers.
Previously manufacturers could certify their own products as Energy Star appliances, but now all Energy Star Most Efficient products are tested in EPA-recognized testing laboratories.
Energy Star’s 3.0 specifications became effective September 1st.
If buying all new appliances, however, isn’t in your budget, here are some tips from Consumer Reports on what to focus on the most:
1. Even though appliances are more efficient, we’re using more electronics, which offsets those gains. Be sure to set your computers to hibernate when you’re not using them, and replace your current cable set-top box with an Energy Star 3.0 efficient one. Also try getting a whole-house DVR, instead of one for each TV. Old plasma TVs can cost over $200 a year to use, so consider upgrading to a newer model LCD.
2. Many manufactures plan to introduce smart appliance lines in 2012. These appliances will cost more, but the smart technology won’t be effective, and save you money, unless your home has a smart meter, which is still rare at this time.
3. A space heater used to lower winter heating bills will only be effective if you turn down the heat in the rest of the house.
4. A cooling or heating system that may be highly efficient in one region may not be in another. Instead of upgrading the primary heating or cooling equipment in your home, seal and insulate your duct distribution system, which will save you far more money.
How are you making your home more energy efficient?
