In Twinsburg, Ohio, Judy Sautner recently visited Power Appliance, a store located in a southeastern suburb of Cleveland. Her mission was to buy a new dryer for her daughter without spending beyond her means. “I was not overly interested in additional features,” admitted Sautner.
Jay Buchanan, who owns the store, noted that many consumers share Sautner’s mindset, often opting for home appliances that bear the Energy Star mark. The renowned Energy Star program, prevalent in the United States, suggests that appliances with their distinctive blue label assist in saving households an average of $450 annually on energy bills. Furthermore, since its inception in 1992, Energy Star-certified products have played a role in preventing 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, pivotal in battling climate change.
However, Energy Star’s future is now nebulous. A reorganization plan disclosed by the Environmental Protection Agency may eliminate its offices dedicated to Energy Star, making it more challenging for consumers to purchase energy-efficient appliances. Below, we delve into how Energy Star functions and explore steps to stay eco-friendly should the program vanish.
Energy Star operates as a voluntary labeling initiative. The EPA sets energy efficiency benchmarks across an array of products. Manufacturers have the option to meet or exceed these standards to earn the Energy Star endorsement, signifying the product maintains quality while using less energy. This mark is incentivized by state and local utility rebates and federal tax incentives tied to the program. Consumers aware of these savings actively seek the symbol, which is recognized in about 90% of households, according to data from the program’s website.
The criteria to qualify vary per appliance but often encompass energy usage when powered down, the existence of low-power (or “sleep”) modes, and a baseline efficiency rating when operational.
With the potential decline of Energy Star, purchasing energy-efficient products might become more cumbersome, according to Elizabeth Hewitt from Stony Brook University. Consumers would need to research and compare numerous specifications for each appliance on their own. For example, a washing machine’s specifications might include load capacity, water usage per cycle, and electricity requirements, whereas a furnace’s specifications might highlight heat conversion efficiency and airflow effectiveness. Combining such metrics into a straightforward seal or label is complex.
“Consumers aren’t inclined to delve into analytics,” mentions Buchanan. Since customers often need assistance identifying energy-efficient options, the absence of the seal would require Buchanan to dedicate more effort to discern which appliances would lower energy bills.
Ben Stapleton of the U.S. Green Building Council California worries that such additional steps might discourage energy efficiency prioritization. “If the responsibility falls entirely on manufacturers and consumers to scrutinize energy consumption manually, it’s difficult to see that being widespread,” he expressed.
For consumers interested in energy-efficient appliances, utility companies often offer incentives to aid in purchasing efficient models. If Energy Star ceases to exist, utilities may need a new framework to determine qualifying appliances for incentives. Mark Kresowik of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy suggests contacting utility services for guidance on qualifying products. Additionally, Consumer Reports offers reviews and performance data on appliances, although some detailed insights require a subscription. The Consortium for Energy Efficiency also establishes efficiency standards initially centered around Energy Star but could transition towards specific product specifications for incentive standards.
Though the fate of Energy Star remains uncertain, it’s reported that the proposed EPA reorganization could significantly alter or shutdown the supporting offices. Yet the EPA hasn’t confirmed an imminent shutdown or any timeline. Amidst this uncertainty, consumers maintain the ability to use appliances mindfully. Simple actions like washing clothes in cold water or selecting less water-intensive dishwasher settings, besides choosing proportionate-sized appliances, can foster energy-efficient habits. “Perhaps opting out of the largest microwave isn’t a bad idea,” Stapleton noted.