Filed under: Kitchen, Your Home
Look for this label! Photo: Energy Star.
Today's word: Energy Star
Definition: This little label packs a big punch -- think of the Energy Star brand as proof that an appliance isn't just green for the sake of green consumerism; it's tried and truly energy efficient. How efficient? In 2008, Energy Star products helped Americans save $17 billion on their utility bills and offset the greenhouse gas emissions of 30 million cars. We suppose that's to be expected from a joint venture from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
But not just every appliance can get the label -- only those that get their job done while saving a significant, measurable and tested amount of energy. They also need to be affordable, an idea aided by the federal tax credits available for Energy Star products.
But products aren't the only thing that can earn the label -- since 1995, over one million Energy Star homes have been built, and they're 20-30% more energy efficient than standard homes. But you don't have to buy a whole new house to live in an Energy Star home, instead you can renovate your own place to meet the standards: Effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, efficient products and the biggie: Third-Party Verification. So even if you go through the first five steps, you don't have an Energy Star home until it's inspected and tested.
Verdict: The Real Deal. Now go home and look: do you have any Energy Star appliances?