LEARN MORE AT energystar.gov ENERGY STAR®, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program, helps us all save money and protect our environment through energy efficient products and practices. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov. ENERGY STAR Qualified Appliances Save Energy through Advanced Technologies Every appliance comes with two price tags: what it costs to take it home arid what it costs to operate and maintain it each month. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances incorporate advanced technologies and use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard appliances. From refrigerators to clothes washers, ENERGY STAR qualified appliances save energy, save money, and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants at the source. BENEFITS OF ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED APPLIANCES • Lower Utility Bills. Appliances account for nearly 20 percent of the average household's energy use. A comprehensive package of ENERGY STAR qualified appliances can save up to $80 a year in energy costs compared to standard appliances. • Improved Quality and Durability. Energy-efficient appliances often include quality components surpassing those found in standard appliances. These can result in fewer mechanical problems, longer equipment life, and in many cases extended warranties. • Enhanced Performance. ENERGY STAR qualified appliances often outperform standard appliances due to improved design and advanced technologies. For instance, some ENERGY STAR qualified appliances include features that decrease operating noise, while others include technologies that reduce water use. OVERVIEW OF ENERGY STAR QUALIFIED APPLIANCES REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators use up to 40 percent less energy than the conventional models sold in 2001 and at least 1 5 percent less energy than models built to current federal standards. These refrigerators feature high-efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms. ENERGY STAR qualified freezers use at least 10 percent less energy than required by current federal standards. TIP: Leave space between the refrigerator and walls to allow air movement and brush (or vacuum) refrigerator or freezer coils regularly to — — maintain efficient operation. ------- DISHWASHERS ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers use at least 41 percent less energy than the federal minimum standard for energy consumption. These dishwashers use "smart" features such as effective washing action, energy-efficient motors, and sensors that determine the necessary cycle length and water temperature. TIP: Use short wash cycles for everything but the dirtiest dishes. CLOTHES WASHERS ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use 40 to 50 percent less energy and about 55 percent less water than standard washers. As a result, you can expect to save up to $50 per year on utility and water bills, with additional savings from using less detergent. Most ENERGY STAR qualified washers extract more water during the spin cycle, providing further energy savings when using a clothes dryer because drying time will be shorter. Also, owners will see less wear and tear on clothes from front loading models, which do not need an agitator. TIP: Use the correct amount and type of detergent; too many bubbles will make the machine work harder than necessary. A BETTER FUTURE ENERGY STAR is a voluntary partnership between the government and more than 9,000 organizations, including more than 3,500 of the nation's home builders. Together with home buyers and their families, we are working to achieve a common goal —protecting the environment for future generations by changing to more energy-efficient practices and products today. ENERGY STAR is the government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. It identifies new homes, buildings, and more than 50 types of products that are energy efficient and offer the features, quality, and performance that today's consumers expect. Products that can earn the ENERGY STAR include windows, heating and cooling equipment, lighting, and appliances. To learn more about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov. ------- |