Have you ever wondered what that Energy Star logo really means? Have you questioned whether or not it actually saves you money in the end? And if so, just how much?
What’s the story behind Energy Star?
Energy Star began as a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy created to aid the conservation of our natural resources through energy efficient products and practices. Through this initiative, not only are we able to help our Mother Earth, but we also help our own budgets. On average, it’s been said that Energy Star can save families up to a third on their energy bills. In fact, in 2010 alone, $18 billion were cut from utility bills alone!
How are savings like these possible?
Refrigerators are a wonderful modern day example due to the fraction of electricity they use to keep food cold now compared to what they used to use decades ago! Today, much more insulation is used to keep the cold in, there are better sealing systems for doors, more efficient motors are used, and better designs for ducting cold air into the system are implemented. Even appliances that have the Energy Star logo require significantly less energy to operate.
What’s this mean for Realtors?
Buyers are becoming more and more environmentally conscious. Many of them now see energy wasting appliances as a threat to their environment and may entirely avoid properties that contain such devices. This is also why kitchen renovation has become so popular.
Some tips to consider (courtesy of www.energystar.gov):
- If looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy.
- If looking for a new home, look for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR.
- If looking to make larger improvements to your home, EPA offers tools and resources to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy bills and improve home comfort.
- New appliances are required to list the amount of energy they will require in typical use for a year. Consumers have become aware of these calculations and understand the costs they entail. Many know to look for Energy Star rankings and know which models have received this coveted designation.
For more information on Energy Star, click HERE.
Was this article helpful to you? We’d love to know your thoughts. Leave your comments below!
