| By :
Mark Etinger
When you think about Energy Star appliances, you think about that logo you see on washers, dryers, fridges, and other items to let you know they conserve energy and are good for the planet. You probably don't think much about how Energy Star started or where it came from. But it's actually a pretty interesting history. Energy Star appliances, first of all, are just appliances that are given the approval of the program. They aren't their own brand. You may find Maytag appliances with the logo, or maybe Whirlpool appliances. The brands are all different, but what the logo means is that the device generally uses 20% to 30% less energy than the average similar appliance. The Energy Star program was first created in the early 1990s by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It was initiated as a voluntary label program to identify and promote the mot energy efficient products. The first devices to have the Energy Star logo were computer and printer products. In 1995 the program expanded to labeling residential heating and cooling systems. In 2006, there were more than 40,000 Energy Star products available, including the major appliances we use in our homes. The labels can also be found on new homes and buildings. About 12% of new housing in 2006 were labeled Energy Star. Each kind of product has to hit certain criteria to be given the label. For major appliances, specifications are different depending on the actual product. Refrigerators need a 20% savings over the minimum standard, while dishwashers need at least a 41% savings. Most have a yellow EnergyGuide label which will show the overall yearly cost of operation compared to most other models. What does buying Energy Star appliances do for you? Well first of all, they help you be a little bit greener. You can do your part in causing less emissions and less energy usage which overall is a great thing for the planet. It also saves money. The less energy you spend, the less money you pay for your monthly bill. It's good to keep a look out for the logo no matter what you buy; appliances, lighting, computers or air and heating systems. You'll find the more you save in usage the more you'll save in money and that is always a positive thing. If you need help finding Energy Star specific appliances, you can always ask the retailer you visit for help.
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