Understanding Appliance Energy Ratings

In order for products to become ENERGY STAR certified, they need to meet energy efficiency requirements. The EPA develops these specifications based on a set of key principles, including energy savings, verified test results, energy consumption and performance, and other factors.

There are several instances when the EPA will consider revisions to ENERGY STAR specifications. A change in federal efficiency standards can prompt revisions, as can product availability, quality or performance issues, or problems with test procedures. Advances in energy efficiency or technology can also prompt the revision of specifications.

As consumers become more likely to buy energy-efficient products, more brands are seeing the benefits of participating in the ENERGY STAR program. Now that consumers are aware of many products' impacts on the environment, they are looking to do their part to be efficient, which is not only a good way to help the environment but also a way to save on utility bills. ENERGY STAR products include not only appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines but also electronics and lighting. As technology advances and more products are developed to be energy-efficient, it is likely that the label will be applied to even more items in the future.