What’s the Big Deal about an Energy Star Label?

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No matter where you live, energy costs are a major monetary concern, because they keep growing year after year and is one of the costs we seem to always expect to go up. The state of New Jersey has been hit especially hard by this uptick in energy prices and that leaves many people unsure what to do about these exorbitantly high NJ electricity rates. Taking a look at your appliances is a great place to start.

Energy efficient appliances save you money

Most of your energy use comes from your home’s appliances (washer/dryer, dishwasher, fridge, HVAC, etc.), so it only makes sense that enhancing their efficiency will offer a great deal of protection from the costs created by high NJ electricity rates. But how do you know if your home’s appliances are energy efficient enough? The Energy Star label is a great place to start. Here is why:

What is an Energy Star label and what does it have to do with energy efficient appliances?

In short, the Energy Star label is a mark denoting a high level of energy efficiency. It is earned when a specific appliance or other energy using item passes a series of tests to prove that it meets a set of minimum standards. In order to make sure that you are getting the most energy efficient experience with your appliance or device possible, these standards are very high and difficult to match. The items eligible for recognition via the Energy Star label range from lightbulbs and televisions to home fixtures and appliances (there are over 60 categories in total).

The Energy Star program and the standard minimum requirements that must be met to earn its label were created by a joint effort by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Are all Energy Star labeled appliances the same?

The short answer to the above question is no, and here is why. Technology becomes better, parts become cheaper and mandates become stronger. That last factor is a key consideration to keep in mind when shopping around for an Energy Star certified item. This is due to the fact that the minimum requirements that must be met in order to earn the recognition availed by an Energy Star label increase all of the time. This means that an Energy Star labeled product from a few years ago that met the minimum requirements to wear that badge might not come close to earning that label today.

Also keep in mind that many appliance and electronics manufacturers will go well above and beyond the minimum requirements needed to earn the Energy Star label so that their products can contribute even more towards your goal of reducing the effects that NJ electric rates will have on your wallet.
Based on the information above, there are two factors that you should carefully consider when exploring Energy Star labeled products: model year and manufacturer energy efficiency guarantees.

Should I always look for an Energy Star label?

The short answer to this question is yes. Even an Energy Star labeled product that meets only the minimum requirements for Energy Star program approval is exceedingly more energy efficient than one that has not earned the label. For example, an Energy Star certified refrigerator alone can save you over $100 per year more than a less efficient one; this equates to thousands of dollars in savings over the course of the typical two decade lifetime of a refrigerator. Adding up the savings created by multiple Energy Star appliances will greatly reduce the financial strain created by NJ electricity rates. Any appliance that fits into one of the 60 plus Energy Star categories, but doesn’t have the label should be passed over.

Although an Energy Star appliance cannot reduce the actual NJ electricity rates, it can lower your bill

Do not overlook the value of an Energy Star label. Appliances bearing this mark can cut deeply into your energy bill. To learn more about how to fight against those extremely high NJ electricity rates, feel free to contact a member of our team at Make the Switch USA. We have been helping residents of the state battle the high rates charged by the power companies in NJ for many years.

Article Source:-http://www.squidoo.com/whats-the-big-deal-about-an-energy-star-label

Author writes various articles and blogs about the NJ electricity rates that gives some useful information and suggestions about saving money on your electricity bill.