What is EnergyStar? Posted on April 17, 2025 As energy costs continue to rise and more people embrace environmental awareness, energy efficiency has become a top priority, for both homeowners and businesses alike. One government-backed program plays a crucial role in helping consumers identify energy-efficient products that offer significant energy savings as well as sustainability benefits: ENERGY STAR. In this guide, we take an in-depth look at ENERGY STAR, how it works, and what it means for consumers. What is ENERGY STAR? ENERGY STAR is a voluntary program run by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE). It was established in 1992 to help consumers and businesses make informed decisions about energy-efficient products. To this end, it was created as a public-private partnership between the two federal agencies and appliance manufacturers to deliver efficient products for consumers. The ENERGY STAR label is awarded to appliances, HVAC systems, water heaters, and other products that meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Products must meet stringent standards and undergo rigorous third-party testing in order to get the coveted ENERGY STAR label. In the 30+ years since its founding, the program: Helped save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity Slash over $500 billion in energy costs Reduced 4 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions Counts almost 40% of the Fortune 500® companies as partners The ENERGY STAR Certification Process To earn the ENERGY STAR label, a product must: Meet or exceed the energy efficiency requirements established by the EPA Be tested by accredited third-party laboratories to verify claimed performance Demonstrate measurable energy savings compared to its non-certified counterparts Maintain performance and reliability while reducing energy consumption Offer cost-effective savings over the product’s lifetime In addition to these requirements, after a product has been awarded with the ENERGY STAR label: The EPA conducts post-market testing of a subset of all products each year to ensure product performance. There are periodic audits of product labeling on shelves at major retailers to ensure correct usage of the mark. As a reflection of the label’s integrity, previously-certified products have actually been disqualified from carrying the ENERGY STAR logo after the EPA carried out verification testing. The Difference Between ENERGY STAR and Energy Guide The Energy Guide is a generic government-mandated label that shows the energy efficiency of certain appliances, displayed in a bright yellow sticker. As it is a legally required label, it can be found in clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, televisions, water heaters, dishwashers, room air conditioners, central air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, and pool heaters. Think of them as Monroney stickers, but for appliances. On the other hand, the ENERGY STAR label is only awarded to the most efficient products that meet the strict standards set by the EPA and Energy Department. Why ENERGY STAR Matters ✔ Energy Savings Products with the ENERGY STAR label consume less electricity or fuel while delivering the same or better performance. This leads to lower utility bills and reduced overall energy consumption. According to the Energy Department, ENERGY STAR-certified products are 15% to 60% more energy efficient than their non-certified counterparts. This translates to roughly $450 annual savings in utility costs for the average American household that uses such products. ✔ Environmental Benefits By using ENERGY STAR-certified products, homeowners and businesses can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, helping fight climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. ✔ Financial Incentives Many ENERGY STAR products qualify for rebates, tax credits, and incentives from local utilities and government programs. These financial benefits help offset the upfront costs of energy-efficient appliances and HVAC systems. How to Choose ENERGY STAR Products When shopping for ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and HVAC equipment, consider the following factors: 1. Look for the ENERGY STAR label You can also verify if the product is ENERGY STAR-certified on the program’s product list. 2. Energy Efficiency Ratings Each appliance category has its own measure of energy efficiency. CategoryEfficiency Rating UsedWindow air conditionersEER, CEERLarger AC units like central and mini splitsSEERHeat pumpsHSPFFurnaces and boilersAFUE In general, the higher the number, the more energy efficient the unit is. 3. Rebate and Incentive Eligibility Check for available rebates and tax credits on the program’s Rebate Finder section to maximize savings. 4. Size and Capacity Ensure the product is properly sized for your home to optimize performance and efficiency. Here are our sizing guides for different appliances: AC Sizing Guide Ductless Mini Splits Sizing Water Heater Sizes How Big of a Tankless Water Heater Do I Need? 5. Technology and Features Look for advanced features such as smart controls, inverter technology, and next-gen refrigerants to further enhance energy savings and drive down utility costs. Our ENERGY STAR-certified Products At Total Home Supply, we carry an impressive range of ENERGY STAR-certified products across different categories, to help our customers find energy efficient systems for heating, cooling, and home comfort needs. ❄️ ENERGY STAR-Certified Air Conditioners Ductless Mini Splits: ENERGY STAR-certified mini splits use advanced inverter technology to provide precise cooling while greatly reducing energy consumption. Window AC Units: These units offer high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, consuming less energy compared to conventional models. Through-the-Wall Air Conditioners: ENERGY STAR-certified wall ACs meet stringent energy efficiency standards, available in both R410A and the newer R32 refrigerant models. ♨️ ENERGY STAR-Certified Heat Pumps Ductless Mini Split Heat Pumps: These systems efficiently provide both heating and cooling, reducing the need for separate heating equipment. 🚿 ENERGY STAR-Certified Water Heaters Water Heaters: ENERGY STAR-certified water heaters are available in tankless and storage tank versions. 💦 ENERGY STAR-Certified Dehumidifiers These dehumidifiers incorporate advanced technology to remove moisture from the air while consuming less energy, making them ideal for basements, crawl spaces, and humid climates. ENERGY STAR portable dehumidifiers ENERGY STAR whole home dehumidifiers Conclusion ENERGY STAR is a trusted program that empowers American consumers to make smart, energy-efficient choices when purchasing home appliances and HVAC systems. By selecting ENERGY STAR-certified products, homeowners and businesses can enjoy reduced energy bills and rebates, improved comfort, and a lower environmental impact. Explore our wide selection of ENERGY STAR products today and help save both the environment as well as your bills! Mickey Luongo Mickey is the resident heating and air conditioning expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry.
