Look For The Energy Star Label

Consumers who don't want to pay more for electricity than they really have to can do themselves a favor by looking for the Energy Star label. This federally backed program is designed to help shoppers make smart decisions in regard to energy.

Energy Star is a program that is backed by both the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It was created to help consumers locate and buy products that are known for the efficient use of energy. In sort, it's sort of the "Good Housekeeping" seal of approval for appliances and more.

When consumers look for the Energy Star label, these questions often arise:

• What products is it found on? This label is used to denote energy-efficient computers, appliances, office machines, lighting, homes, buildings and even small electronic devices.
• Do companies have to participate? No, Energy Star is a voluntary program. It does behoove companies to submit products for approval, however.
• How does buying labeled products help the environment? To earn the Energy Star label, products must meet rigid requirements for efficient energy use. This means these devices or buildings function without creating an undue draw for fossil fuels.
• Can buying labeled products save money? Yes, in most cases consumers who go with all Energy Star labeled products save a great deal of money. The U.S. government estimates households that operate using energy efficient devices tend to save about 30 percent a year on their electric bills. Actual cost savings, of course, will vary.

Energy Star products are smart buys for consumers who are concerned about the environment and their checkbooks. When saving electricity and not wasting fossil fuel is the plan, these devices can deliver. Plus, in most cases, items that earn the label do not sacrifice quality features to earn the "green" stamp.