Tips to Help You Shop for Other Household Products
Insulation
Why Buy?
Insulation provides a continuous thermal barrier that minimizes heat flow through the walls, ceiling and floor. The result is a more comfortable home and reduced heating and cooling costs.
Save as much as $241 annually.
How to Buy?
Look for the right R-Value (a measure of insulation's ability to resist heat) for different locations in your home. The higher the R-Value the better the performance of the insulation.
Make sure to properly install insulation. Gaps, voids, compressions and moisture reduce the effectiveness of insulation and allow air to enter or escape your home.
ENERGY STAR Qualified Heat Pump
Why Buy?
ENERGY STAR qualified heat pumps have a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) than standard models, which make them about 20% more efficient.
Save as much as $127 annually.
How to Buy?
Look for the yellow EnergyGuide label, which contains the SEER and HSPF for heat pumps. The SEER measures the energy efficiency during the cooling season and HSPF measures the efficiency during the heating season.
ENERGY STAR Qualified Programmable Thermostat
Why Buy?
When used properly with the pre-programmed settings, an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat can consistently control your home's temperature.
Save as much as $115 annually.
How to Buy?
For minimum ENERGY STAR efficiency, thermostats should have at least two programs, four temperature settings each, a hold feature that allows users to temporarily override settings and the ability to maintain room temperature within 2° F of desired temperature.
ENERGY STAR Qualified Programmable Thermostat
Why Buy?
When used properly with the pre-programmed settings, an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat can consistently control your home's temperature.
Save as much as $115 annually.
How to Buy?
For minimum ENERGY STAR efficiency, thermostats should have at least two programs, four temperature settings each, a hold feature that allows users to temporarily override settings and the ability to maintain room temperature within 2° F of desired temperature.
Whole-House Fan
Why Buy?
Furnaces that have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90% or greater use about 15% less energy than standard models.
Save as much as $48 annually.
How to Buy?
Look for an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace with an AFUE rating of 90% or greater. The minimum recommended AFUE rating in California is 80%.
Have a professional assess your needs and recommend the type and size of system you should buy.
ENERGY STAR Qualified High-Performance Windows
Why Buy?
Windows with low-emittance (low-E) coatings and gas fills reduce winter heat loss and summer heat gain. ENERGY STAR qualified windows are 40% more efficient than products required under the most common national building codes.
Save as much as $91 annually.
How to Buy?
Look for the NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) label, which provides U-values and SHGC (solar heat gain coefficient) values. The lower the U-value, the better the insulation. ENERGY STAR can help you select a window that is appropriate for your climate.
ENERGY STAR Qualified Ceiling Fan
Why Buy?
Ceiling fans make a room more comfortable by producing a "wind chill effect" inside the home. ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fan/light models use about 40% less energy than standard ceiling fans.
How to Buy?
Choose the right sized blade based on the room you want to cool: 30-inch span for up to 50 square feet, 36-inch span for 51-100 square feet, 42-inch span for 101-200 square feet, 52-inch span for 201-400 square feet, and 54-inch span for more than 400 square feet. Also look for models with the highest air flow efficiency (CFM/watt) at each of their three speeds.
Source: Adapted "Major Appliance Guide," U.S. Department of Energy's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. ENERGY STAR.