There are new models of household appliances coming out every year. Wonderful new features grab our attention and move us to buy a new and improved refrigerator or TV. At the same time, we can reduce our energy consumption, and our bills, by looking at the label.
For several decades the U.S. Department of Energy and EPA have run the Energy Star program. They allow the Energy Star label to put on appliances that meet their criteria for low energy use devices.
Over time what was deemed low energy use becomes more or less commonplace as manufacturers keep improving the performance of products.
So this year Energy Star has added a “Most Efficient” label program, stating:
Product categories were selected and recognition criteria were established to ensure that products that receive this recognition demonstrate efficiency performance that is truly exceptional, inspirational, or leading edge — consistent with the interests of environmentally-motivated consumers and early adopters.
Only the top 5% of products qualify for the new designation. The first four categories of appliances in the program are:
- clothes washers
- refrigerators
- televisions
- heating and cooling
Now, with the Energy Star Most Efficient label, we have a way of identifying those household appliances that are really efficient.