Politics
U.S. D.O.E., E.P.A. name ‘Most Efficient’ brands under Energy Star line
- Details
- Category: Politics
-
15 Jul 2011
- Published on Friday, 15 July 2011 03:56
- Hits (511)
By Jen Balboa
The United States Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency named the first batch of “Most Efficient” appliance brands carrying the Energy Star label.
Electrolux major appliances, Kenmore by Sears department stores, LG, Samsung, Insignia by electronics retailer Best Buy, Panasonic, Nordyne, and Rheem were recognized as the most energy-efficient in their categories, among those that have earned the Energy Star label.
Products which received the Most Efficient label represent about the top 5 percent of models on the market in the categories of clothes washers, heating and cooling equipment, televisions, and refrigerator-freezers.
"We know American consumers are eager to make purchases that save them money on their utility bills and reduce the pollution in the air we breathe, and these labels will help them identify the best ways to find those purchases," said agency administrator Lisa P. Jackson.
Apart from providing consumers with new information about the products comprising the top tier in efficiency, the pilot program aims to encourage manufacturers to create more products that are energy efficient.
Manufacturers are enjoined to submit to the E.P.A. their products for Most Efficient consideration. Products must be Energy Star qualified and certified by an E.P.A.-recognized certification body.
The agency will initiate a process later this year to consider additional product categories for potential inclusion in 2012.
Energy Star is a joint program of the E.P.A. and the D.O.E. which identifies and labels the most energy-efficient products and practices in the country. The Energy Star label can be found on over 60 different kinds of products.
Energy Star also labels homes and commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy efficiency specifications set by the E.P.A.
"Over the last two decades, the Energy Star program has consistently offered consumers energy choices that have helped families save billions of dollars on their energy bills," said Energy Secretary Steven Chu.
U.S. consumers purchasing Energy Star-labeled products in 2010 saved $18 billion on their energy bills and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equal to the emissions of 33 million vehicles every year.
Another benefit of buying Energy Star-labeled appliances is being treated to the occasional state-wide tax holidays for these products. North Carolina, Missouri, West Virginia, and Texas are known to have seasonally waived sales tax by as much as 5 percent from products bearing the Energy Star mark.
