ENERGY STAR
For residents from Anoka to Stillwater, the ENERGY STAR program offers significant energy savings on everything from heating and cooling to lighting. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the program was created to promote energy efficiency and provide reliable information and resources to consumers. At Lumberjack Electric, our staff is well versed in the various products and benefits under the ENERGY STAR label. We would like to help you incorporate them into your home.
How ENERGY STAR Works
The ENERGY STAR program does not create or enhance any products. Instead, they test existing products to determine which offer the highest energy efficiency. In addition, they set specifications for consumer electronics and appliances, as well as some commercial equipment. However, the biggest job of the program is to get helpful and reliable information about the conservation of energy into the hands of the public. Every manufacturer touts their product's energy efficiency. However, when the rating comes from the ENERGY STAR program, consumers know they can count on the rating as factual and not just an advertising campaign bullet point.
ENERGY STAR Items
The rating system varies for each item or category that the program evaluates. The result is always that an item bearing the ENERGY STAR name on its packaging can be considered an energy-efficient choice. Some of the most significant categories include:
- Computers- The standards for typical computers focus mainly on the power supply used. Version 8.0 specifications became effective on October 15, 2020.
- Appliances- Being some of the larger energy consumers in most homes, appliances must meet stringent requirements to earn the ENERGY STAR label. Refrigerators must offer a minimum 20% energy savings over the industry average. Dishwashers must exceed the industry standard by 41%.
- Heating And Cooling Systems- the ENERGY STAR program evaluates heat pumps, boilers, furnaces, and air conditioners for energy efficiency. For a single room air conditioner to earn the ENERGY STAR label, it must be at least 10% more energy efficient than the industry standard.
- Home Electronics- Televisions are a huge energy user. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, units must use 30% less energy than the typical TV. Other electronics with external power adapters, like a cordless phone or battery charger, must use around 90% less power than competitors.
- Lighting- Only certain lightbulbs have earned the ENERGY STAR award. Qualifying fluorescent bulbs use on average 75% less energy than the typical incandescent unit. LED bulbs must use only 25% of the energy of an incandescent bulb and last substantially longer.
- New Homes- Entire new homes and apartments can also receive an ENERGY STAR award. To earn this rating, they must be 10% more energy-efficient. However, the current recipients average a 20% decrease in energy usage over an average similar residence.
To incorporate ENERGY STAR rated devices in your home, call the pros at Lumberjack Electric at 612-236-9052. We always provide a free, no-obligation price quote for the project and back out work with a comprehensive warranty for added value and peace of mind.
