Consumers who are interested in energy-efficient appliances, electronics and other items can find a reliable guide in the U.S. government’s Energy Star program. A joint effort of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, this program helps consumers save money on energy purchases and improve the environment through the use of energy-efficient products.
The program assigns Energy Star labels to a variety of consumer electronics, appliances and other items that consume energy. Even entire houses can obtain an Energy Star rating. The label assures consumers that products are energy efficient and will save both power and money. Energy Star-certified appliances and equipment will save about a third on your energy expenses while reducing your home’s greenhouse gas emissions by a similar amount.
The Energy Star program provides an online tool for assessing the amount of energy used in your home: the Energy Star Home Energy Yardstick. This calculator compares your energy use with similar expenditures in homes around the country. It shows where your energy consumption is higher or lower than average. It also helps you know where to start in your efforts to conserve energy and reduce your seasonal utility bills.
To use the Home Energy Yardstick, gather expense information from your previous 12 months of energy bills or get a summary from your utility company. Determine the type of energy source your home uses, such as natural gas, fuel oil or electricity. Finally, find your home’s square footage. Enter this information into the Yardstick’s easy-to-use form. Include other data as well, such as your ZIP code, the number of residents in your home, and energy cost and consumption totals.
After submitting this information, you will receive a detailed report on your home’s comparative energy use along with recommendations for improving overall energy efficiency.
Since 1945, Aladdin Heating & Cooling has provided trusted residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC sales and services to customers in the Detroit area, including Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. Contact us today for more information on Energy Star programs and ratings, and for help finding appliances and HVAC equipment that meet Energy Star standards.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy star and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Aladdin Heating services Novi, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Oak Park, Ferndale, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Twp., Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Madison Heights, Clawson, Sterling Heights, Warren, Troy, St. Clair Shores, Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Detroit, Utica, Shelby Twp., Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Lake Orion.
Energy Star image via Shutterstock |