Comfort Line - Questions and Answers

This quarter, our questions and answers segment discusses the government-sponsored program called Energy Star. What is it and what does it mean for you?

What is Energy Star?

Energy Star is the symbol for energy efficiency as designated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The Energy Star label helps consumers identify products that are more efficient than comparable products. Energy Star is a partnership between consumers, manufacturers and retailers with the common goal to help protect the environment for future generations by changing to more energy efficient practices today.

Energy Star gives consumers energy efficient choices in over 35 product categories for home and office, including items such as computer equipment, photocopiers, home electronics, appliances, boilers, furnaces, central air conditioning systems and new homes.

What is the history of Energy Star?

Energy Star began in 1992 as a voluntary labeling program for consumer electronics. The first products that were labeled were computers and computer monitors. Today, Energy Star partners with more than 7,000 private and public sector organizations to give consumers the information they need to choose energy efficient solutions. In addition to protecting the environment, the Energy Star program saves consumers more than $5 billion a year.

What are some of Energy Star’s recommendations?

Here are some of the suggestions made by the Energy Star program to help you save money on your energy bills:

1. Make sure your home is properly insulated.
2. Have your HVAC system maintained by a professional.
3. If you are purchasing a new HVAC system, make sure it is Energy Star rated.
4. Install a programmable thermostat to keep your house at a comfortable temperature only when you are home.
5. Turn your water heater down to 120° F.
6. Use light bulbs that are Energy Star rated.
7. If you are purchasing new appliances, make sure they are Energy Star rated in order to save money and energy.

How can I participate in Energy Star?

By making sure you purchase Energy Star consumer products. While these products may initially be more expensive, they cost less to operate and are better for the environment. For example, the average household spends about $90 a year on lighting. Standard light bulbs convert only 10% of their energy usage into visible light, with the other 90% wasted as heat. Energy Star rated light bulbs, like compact fluorescents, convert 70% of their energy usage into light and use 75% less electricity.

Does Hart & Iliff participate in the Energy Star program?

Yes, we participate in many ways. Recently, we installed new Energy Star lighting in our offices. In addition, all the hot water boilers, warm air furnaces and central air conditioning systems that we sell and install are Energy Star rated.