Energy Star is a program run by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to intice Americans to reduce their energy usage.

What is Energy Star Rating?

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

In layman's terms, Energy Star means Energy Efficiency.  Energy Star approved light bulbs use 75% less power than standard incandescent lamps.  Energy Star bulbs are cost efficient, saving up to $30 in electricity costs over the life of each lamp.  Energy Star CFL's are environmentally friendly by reducing the emission of pollutants, including mercury at coal power plants.

All types of products can carry the Energy Star logo, not just compact fluorescent light bulbs. Also, do not assume that a CFL bulb needs to have the Energy Star logo in order to reduce your energy bills. All compact fluorescent bulbs save energy. Getting the logo added to the packaging is a matter between the US government and the light bulb manufacturers. Energy Star rated products of all types will generally cost a small percentage more up front but then save you that money tenfold on your energy bills.


Energy Star Tax Credits

On February 27, 2008, the House passed $18.1 billion in renewable energy tax incentives (H.R. 5351), including an extension of the tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements. The bill is similar to the one passed last year, which was ultimately removed from the 2007 Energy Bill, signed into law in December 2007. This bill must still pass in the Senate, and be signed by the President to become law.

For everything you need to know about taking advantage of the US government tax credits visit their tax credit page here: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits


From energystar.gov

"ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

In 1992 the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced ENERGY STAR as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promote energy-efficient products to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Computers and monitors were the first labeled products. The ENERGY STAR label is now on over 50 product categories including major appliances, office equipment, lighting, and home electronics. EPA has also extended the label to cover new homes and commercial and industrial buildings.

The typical household spends $1,900 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR, you can save up to 30% or more than $600 per year, with similar savings of greenhouse gas emissions, without sacrificing features, style or comfort. ENERGY STAR helps you make the energy efficient choice.

* If looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. You can identify them by the blue ENERGY STAR label:

ENERGY STAR logo

* If looking for a new home , look for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR.
* If looking to make larger improvements to your home , EPA offers tools and resources to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy bills and improve home comfort.

EPA's ENERGY STAR partnership for businesses offers a proven energy management strategy that helps in measuring current energy performance, setting goals, tracking savings, and rewarding improvements. EPA also provides an innovative energy performance rating system to see how your energy use compares to similar buildings and plants. EPA also recognizes top performing buildings with the ENERGY STAR ."