Want to be an Energy Star?

We have something to be proud of here in the Pacific Northwest – we lead the nation in ENERGY STAR frontload washer use. Now, that may not seem like a lot to get excited about, but a front-load washer uses up to 50 percent less energy than a top load model. Plus a front-load washer uses much less water. What’s really behind the ENERGY STAR product? In short – energy savings for your home, plus the confidence of knowing the product meets strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. Most of the energy-using products in your home can now be found with the ENERGY STAR logo. Whether you’re shopping for appliances, water heater, home electronics, lighting, heating and air conditioning systems or office equipment including computers and laptops, make sure to first look for the ENERGY STAR logo. Then you’ll know you’re getting the most energy efficient product possible. When shopping for a new appliance, also look for the EnergyGuide™ label which manufacturers are required to display on many units. The label shows the estimated operating costs and annual savings of the appliance and compares the energy use of similar products. The average kilowatt hour cost in Washington and Idaho is .07 cents, but you can check with your electric or natural gas utility to find your rates to more accurately calculate your savings. Remember, the more energy efficient the product is, the less costly it is for you to operate. It may initially seem that an ENERGY STAR product costs more, but you have to look beyond the price sticker to the lifelong operating cost of the device. So selecting an ENERGY STAR product may in many cases save you money in the long term. Thinking about relocating that old refrigerator or freezer to the basement or garage after buying a new ENERGY STAR model? In a word – don’t. Models made before 1993 use up to three times the energy of newer ones, plus you’ll be increasing the electrical load of your home rather than decreasing it. Your utility may have a refrigerator and freezer recycling program which will pick up your older unit from your home and give you a cash rebate. In most cases, nearly 96 percent of your older refrigerator or freezer will be recycled with its toxins and the ozone-destroying gases safely disposed. An important final tip – If one or more appliances in your home are 10 years or more, start researching now for its replacement. You need to be ready before your appliance fails. Being prepared will help you get the most cost-effective energy efficient product, and it will allow you the time to check with your local utility company for energy efficiency incentives or rebates. Researching the product before it fails also gives you the extra time to determine if your upgrades qualify for federal tax credits. For information on ENERGY STAR products, visit www.energystar.gov where you’ll find a complete list of products with the energy saving designation and other helpful information. The site also has information on the federal tax credits.