You’ve probably seen the bright blue ENERGY STAR logo on different appliances, and may have even seen the rectangular yellow sticker that is labeled “EnergyGuide” – but do you know why these labels are on a particular appliance? Being energy efficient is a priority for most homeowners, but to be energy efficient means understanding how different appliances and systems are energy efficient. Proper labeling helps, but to truly understand just how energy efficient you can be with a certain product, it’s important to know what’s behind the labeling.
How a Product Achieves an ENERGY STAR Rating
There is a specific list of criteria that a product has to meet in order to be categorized as a product that can be labeled as ENERGY STAR:
- Product must be tested and certified in EPA-recognized laboratories
- Product must pass “off-the-shelf” testing, meaning that any changes or variations that the product undergoes with future manufacturing doesn’t take away the characteristics that made the product worthy of the ENERGY STAR rating
- Product must be at least 15% more energy efficient than mandated minimum standards
- If the product costs more than less efficient but similar products, the ENERGY STAR product must deliver energy savings to the purchaser through utility bills within a reasonable amount of time
What the ENERGY STAR Rating Doesn’t Mean for Your Home
It’s important to note that purchasing and using an air conditioning system that is ENERGY STAR labeled does not mean that the ENERGY STAR rated air conditioner will cool your home better; it means that this particular system will cool your home using less energy than the same type of system with a lower energy rating.
Trying to determine which AC system to choose based on energy ratings can be confusing, but the trained experts at Climate Masters can help with this. Call us today and schedule an appointment for your home in St. Johns, FL.
