ENERGY STAR Rating and What It Means
If you've ever shopped for appliances, considered replacement windows, or had to replace an air conditioning system, you've probably seen the ENERGY STAR label. The teal blue and white tag with the star is pretty hard to miss.
But what exactly does the ENERGY STAR rating represent? Is it something you really need to look for? Let's find out!
What is the ENERGY STAR program?
In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the ENERGY STAR program to help homeowners and businesses save money while reducing greenhouse gas emissions with superior energy-efficient practices. Homes, buildings, and industry are responsible for two-thirds of greenhouse gas emissions.
To further advance research technologies and strategies to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, Congress authorized the Energy Policy and Conservation Act in 2005. The Act was established as "a voluntary program to recognize and advance energy-efficient products and buildings to reduce energy consumption, improve energy security, and reduce pollution through voluntary labeling of or other forms of communication about products and buildings that meet the highest energy efficiency standards."
How does a home receive ENERGY STAR certification?
The EPA institutes strict guidelines that must be met to receive ENERGY STAR certification. These guidelines vary between products, homes, industrial plants, and commercial buildings.
For homes to earn this certification, the builder or developer must create a Partnership Agreement with the EPA. This agreement includes three key facets:
Selecting a third party Home Energy Rater to qualify their homes as ENERGY STAR certified.
Agreeing to build at least one ENERGY STAR home annually to maintain the partnership. However, certified builders are not required to build ENERGY STAR homes exclusively.
Displaying the ENERGY STAR label on all verified homes.
After the partnership is formed, the builder presents home plans to their appointed Energy Rater. Once the home's construction is completed, the Energy Rater comes to verify the home's performance; if it passes verification, the home receives the ENERGY STAR certification.
Since the program's inception, more than 1.5 million homes and more than 22,000 establishments have received the ENERGY STAR certification. As a result, these homes and facilities are at the forefront in using less energy and are accountable for less harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
At The Window Depot, we are the home improvement experts in the Tampa Bay area. When you need replacement windows, we offer vinyl and aluminum windows from the top manufacturers. All of the products we offer will provide decades of beauty and dependable performance. Call us at (813) 901-5555 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment or learn more about our products and services. You can also visit our showroom in Palm Harbor to view our windows firsthand.
Sources
https://blog.constellation.com/2016/01/15/what-is-energy-star/
https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-energy-star-1908482
https://searchdatacenter.techtarget.com/definition/Energy-Star
Comments
Post a Comment