Oct 19, 2009 6:47 pm US/Central
Report: Energy Star Not Always Energy Efficient
(WCCO)
While color, size and brand are still a large part of the decision-making when it comes to purchasing a new appliance, consumers these days are also looking for one key label: Energy Star.
"It's a big factor in picking out appliances today," said Angela Warner, a sales associate at Warners' Stellian Appliances. "If the Energy Star label's on the appliance than it means that they are going to be saving money, that they're doing better for the environment and people are very concerned about that."
The label provides consumers with energy data. The goal is to help reduce energy we use -- saving money and the environment.
The Energy Star program started in 1996 as a partnership between the federal government and manufacturers. Government sets the standards for energy efficiency. Manufacturers get to slap an energy star label on their product if it exceeds those standards.
But a report out of Washington, D.C. reveals the Department of Energy has not done a good job of monitoring the program.
"I think that is a wake up call," said Michael Noble, who is with the nonprofit group Fresh Energy. "Everyone has a right to trust that the appliances that are rated as the best, really do meet that standard."
Noble said that "cheating" to get the Energy Star label is not widespread. And he is encouraged that this will lead to better standards by the federal government.
"When people are buying appliances the amount of energy it consumes is one of the most important things they should be looking for," Noble said.
Aside from buying appliances, energy efficiency begins at home. Consumers should be sure to use the appliances properly and unplug things when they're not being used. But there's also a way to be sure you're buying clean energy, too, by ensuring that electricity comes from clean renewable sources like wind.
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