When you are out shopping for your new fridge or stove, you might have come across some options of appliances labeled ENERGY STAR. Aside from the cool blue labels, you might be wondering: what’s the big deal about ENERGY STAR appliances?

Well, ENERGY STAR is actually an international standard for energy efficient consumer products. This standard started in the United States with a man named John S. Hoffman and the Environmental Protection Agency. This program began with printers and computer, but soon expanded to home appliances and other products.

The bit deal with ENERGY STAR appliances is they save a lot of energy. These products use about 20-30% less energy than required by federal standards. In 2006, The ENERGY STAR program saved about $14 billion in energy costs alone.

Want to save some energy and money? You might want to look into getting ENERGY STAR appliances because they could help you lower your energy costs and do some good for the environment at the same time. In addition to saving you money in utilities, ENERGY STAR appliances often have improved quality and durability as well as enhanced performance as compared to standard appliances.

There are other things that are ENERGY STAR approved as well. Products that can earn the ENERGY STAR include windows, heating and cooling equipment, lighting, and appliances. It might be time to give your home an energy efficiency makeover.