When consumers interested in buying a new appliance visit DeWils Interiors in Vancouver, they nearly always ask about energy usage and how much the new appliance will cost to operate.
Bill Martin’s job is to help customers understand EnergyStar labeling on refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers, and how energy efficiency comparisons factor into the buying process.
Martin, DeWils’ appliance department sales manager, expects most customers know about EnergyStar labeling, but some may not realize how much has changed in the 10 or 20 years since they last bought a new appliance.
“If it’s been a while, they need to know that the old refrigerator is costing them real money,” Martin said. “And even though they may be paying more for a new appliance, the energy cost savings over time will pay them back.”
The federal government-backed EnergyStar symbol is meant to help consumers save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products. The website http://www.energystar.gov explains the program.
EnergyStar labeling, established in 1992 through a joint project of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, is expanding and is applied to more than 60 product categories and more than 40,000 individual product models. The program estimates Americans are saving $18 billion a year on utility bills and have cut annual greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 29 million vehicles.
Through 2010, more than 20,000 organizations partnered with the EPA on EnergyStar programs. More than 1,600 manufacturers are using Energy Star labels.
A label within a label
While the public’s general understanding of EnergyStar labeling has increased, DuWayne Dunham, a Clark Public Utilities energy adviser, said some consumers may not know that there can be different levels of efficiency for appliances that receive the EnergyStar label. For example, he said, “many clothes washers receive the EnergyStar label but some are more efficient than others, even within the same brand of washer. The efficiency for clothes washers is rated by the MEF (Modified Energy Factor). The higher the MEF, the higher the efficiency.”
New program rules
Last year, EnergyStar program administrators issued new tighter rules for appliances.
Now EPA staff will review each application. Manufacturers must submit complete lab test results for products before applying for EnergyStar certification. And companies will be unable to put the EnergyStar logo on products that have not been specifically approved.
What’s ahead
As utilities continue to focus on the electrical grid’s efficient operation, new technology may mean that power will cost more during peak usage hours such as early evening, when people are cooking dinner, watching TV, running computers and charging electric cars.
“We expect to see ‘energy-sensitive’ products introduced to the market that will adjust usage to off-peak hours and thus save consumers money,” Martin said. “Appliances with delayed starts or that automatically completely turn off to save on ‘ghost’ standby power costs are headed to the market.”
All of these new appliances will need clear labeling from Energy-Star to help consumers make the best cost-effective purchase investments.
The Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities energy counselors, who provide conservation and energy use information to utility customers. Send questions to energyadviser@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, in care of Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA. 98668. Past topics are available at http://www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
