The ENERGY STAR® can be found on refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers, and room air conditioners.

Refrigerators
Refrigerators are among the largest energy consumers in the home. Today, energy-efficient models have replaced the energy guzzler models of the 1970s. ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators must exceed minimum federal standards for energy consumption by at least 20 percent.

ENERGY STAR qualified models include features such as: better insulation which reduces the amount of time the compressor needs to run; more efficient compressors; improved heat transfer surfaces; more precise temperature and defrost controls.

Models that have earned the ENERGY STAR will save you between $35 to $70 a year compared to a model designed 15 years ago. In addition to looking for the ENERGY STAR, read the EnergyGuide on new refrigerators. The EnergyGuide label will tell you how much electricity a model uses in one year.

Dishwashers
A majority of the energy used in dishwashers goes towards heating the water. ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers reduce the amount of hot water needed during a wash cycle by using built-in electric heaters to heat water to temperatures hot enough to clean the dishes. This improved technology not only reduces the amount of energy required for heating, but also minimizes the amount of water needed. Diswashers that have earned the ENERGY STAR must exceed minimum federal standards by at least 13 percent.

Clothes Washers
Similar to dishwashers, most of the energy in washing clothes goes towards heating water—approximately 80 to 85 percent. ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use only 1/3 the energy and water used by typical machines. The program supports both horizontal-axis (front loading) as well as vertical-axis (top loading) washing machines. Horizontal-axis machines use a tumbling action rather than the traditional agitator in top loading machines. This tumbling action saves wear and tear on clothing. Vertical-axis machines use high-pressure rinses to remove soap residues from clothes rather than soaking them in a full tub of rinse water. Compared to the typical 40 gallons of water per load, clothes washers that have earned the ENERGY STAR use between 20-25 gallons per load. This translates into significant energy and water savings.

Room Air Conditioners
Air conditioners that have earned the ENERGY STAR logo feature high efficiency compressors, fan motors, and heat transfer surfaces. These features reduce the amount of energy required to compress the refrigerant through the coils. ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioners must exceed minimum federal standards for energy consumption by at least 15 percent.