Energy Star is a program that was created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) back in 1992. This program focuses on energy efficiency and has set standards for the electrical appliances, electronics, and other products. These standards are meant to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and save consumers money on their utility bills.
Recently, Energy Star has announced new requirements that will go into effect on January 1, 2023. These requirements are focused on improving energy efficiency in the following product categories:
1. Televisions 2. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems 3. Lamps and luminaires 4. Commercial fryers 5. Refrigeration equipment 6. Water heaters
The requirements for televisions are particularly interesting as this is an area where we've seen a lot of technological advancements over the past decade. The new requirements will require televisions to be 10-30% more energy-efficient than their predecessors depending on their screen size. This means that consumers will be able to enjoy their favorite shows and movies while using less energy and saving money on their electricity bills.
The HVAC systems requirements are also important as heating and cooling are typically the biggest energy consumers in a home. The new requirements will vary depending on the type of HVAC system, but in general, they will require systems to be more efficient and to use refrigerants that are better for the environment.
Lamps and luminaires, or light fixtures, are often overlooked when it comes to energy efficiency. However, the new Energy Star requirements will require these products to use even less energy than they already do. This means that consumers will be able to enjoy the same amount of light while using less energy.
Commercial fryers and refrigeration equipment are both commonly used in the foodservice industry. The new requirements for these products will ensure that they are more efficient, which will save businesses money on their energy bills and ultimately help to reduce their carbon footprint.
Finally, the new Energy Star requirements for water heaters are also noteworthy. The new standards will require more efficient tankless water heaters and will give credit to hybrid heat pump water heaters that use renewable energy sources.
In summary, the 2023 energy star requirements are focused on improving energy efficiency in six key product categories. These requirements will help to lower energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save consumers and businesses money on their utility bills. As energy efficiency becomes a higher priority for both consumers and businesses, we can expect to see more products being developed and released that meet these requirements.
