1 Million Energy-Efficient Americans Can’t Be Wrong
For many, the holidays are the time to present Dad with that new television, or the season to turn the heat up in the house to keep out the cold. This year, if you’re going to upgrade, why not join more than 1 million American families and add an energy efficient bump at the same time?
When it comes to eco-construction, the two biggest names are LEED and Energy Star, standards programs that set the bar for construction and refurbishing in American homes and businesses. So it’s no wonder that this week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an outstanding milestone for the Energy Star program: the 1 millionth Energy Star-qualified home was completed.
The EPA’s Energy Star label has been in place since 1995 and has saved eco-minded homeowners an estimated $1.2 billion in energy bills. The benefits also include a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 22 billion pounds and an estimated annual savings of $270 million on utility costs. Earning the Energy Star label requires meeting energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA including effective insulation systems, high-performance windows, efficient HVAC equipment, construction and duct standards, and high-efficiency lighting and appliances.
The Energy Star label can apply to construction standards, but it also includes high-efficiency features and appliances. Many home appliance companies offer Energy Star lines of washers, dryers, televisions, and more. If higher-efficiency heating is on your list this winter, the Energy Star site has a great guide to lowering your heating costs with energy efficient options. For home features and appliances, local stores such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Sear’s offer a wide range of options for heating and cooling, refrigeration, building materials, entertainment appliances, and more.