Understanding the ENERGY STAR program

You’ve likely seen the ENERGY STAR symbol on new appliances. Yet, you may never have fully understood what exactly it meant. ENERGY STAR is actually a voluntary program, co-managed by the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency, to enable individuals and businesses to reduce costs while also protecting the environment through greater energy efficiency strategies.
Since its inception, the ENERGY STAR program has helped American businesses and families save more than $450 billion on energy costs with more than 3.5 trillion kWh of electricity saved. Currently more than 800 utilities, state and local governments and nonprofits leverage ENERGY STAR in their efficiency programs.

ENERGY STAR Certification

To help consumers identify products that comply with ENERGY STAR requirements, the program places the ENERGY STAR label on products to represent savings, quality and performance. There are more than 75 residential and commercial ENERGY STAR product categories, and the market value of ENERGY STAR product sales tops more than $100 billion each year. Over 300 million Energy Star certified products were purchased in 2019, including light bulbs, HVAC equipment and kitchen appliances. According to ENERGYSTAR.gov, a typical household can save more than $575 each year on their energy bills by simply choosing products with this certification.

ENERGY STAR also offers new construction programs, working with builders, developers and manufactured housing plants. Last year, one out of every 12 single-family home was Energy Star certified. To receive this designation a home or apartment must be at least 10 percent more energy efficient than those simply built to code.

Of course, home solar, like ENERGY STAR, is a great way to minimize your use of energy. When used together, they can be a powerful combination to reduce your environmental footprint while also enabling you to save substantially on your energy costs. To learn more about how you can gain the maximum value of your ENERGY STAR appliances, call the experts at Cool Blew Solar today.

FAQ's

Is Solar Energy Expensive?

The size of your panel installation and the needs of your home will affect your costs. The average net cost of a 5.69kW system is $13,838 cash after 30% rebate (according to solar-estimate.org). An average-sized system can cost up to $35,000. Larger installations will require more hardware, planning and construction time. This can further increase costs. While solar panels are expensive, they have many distinct benefits. Cool Blew Electric & Solar’s experts can assess your situation and goals and recommend a cost-effective system to meet your needs.

How Much Can I Save By Installing Solar Panels?

An average-sized system (5 kilowatts) can reduce up to 50% of your monthly electricity bill. A 5.69kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $138. Over a period of 20 years, these savings can add up to $30,000, based on your location and energy usage.

How Long Would It Take to Recoup My Solar Investment by Solar Energy Savings?

With a 5.69kW Solar system you would recoup your savings in 7 years and 2 months but with continuous Utility increases every year your Return and Investment will be much sooner.

What is a Solar Lease Program?

The Solar Lease Program has been one the most popular option that homeowners have chosen over the years. Solar Lease programs gives homeowners the opportunity to take advantage and put Solar on their homes and a guaranteed savings from their Utility for little to no money out of pocket. Most Leases are 20 year power guarantee from the solar provider and includes fixed monthly payments, no repair cost, fully insured and warrantied for the life of the system.

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