The Energy Star label has become a benchmark by which we measure many appliances and other products in the US, but how did this rating start and what does it really mean? In 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency established Energy Star to designate products that use energy efficiently and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. The label began appearing on office equipment and residential heating and cooling systems. Then, in 1996, the US Department of Energy partnered with the EPA to include appliances, lighting, home electronics and more.
Energy Star indicates products that have the same or better performance as comparable models but that use less energy and save money and now includes new homes that meet Energy Star specifications.