| Government statistics report that conserving | | | | |
| energy costs in the home can save a household | | | | A refrigerator meeting ENERGY STAR's energy |
| several hundred, even several thousand, | | | | conservation guidelines today: Uses 40% less |
| dollars per year on their utility bills. | | | | energy than models sold in 2001, saves its |
| Replacing your older appliances and elements | | | | owner 15% in energy costs when compared with |
| of your home's structure, such as older | | | | other models (freezers save 10%) and compact |
| windows and doors, with more energy-efficient | | | | models, with volumes less than 7.75 square |
| alternatives, such as products that meet | | | | feet, save 20%. A washing machine that meets |
| ENERGY STAR guidelines, is an important step | | | | ENERGY STAR guidelines: Saves its owner up to |
| to maximizing the amount of money you can | | | | $110 per year, requires 50% less energy than |
| save. | | | | standard washing machines, uses up to 50% |
| | | | less water and has more efficient spinning |
| ENERGY STAR is a government program that | | | | cycles to reduce drying time. |
| identifies products - including appliances, | | | | |
| home electronics, and home improvement | | | | Energy-efficient appliances provide an |
| products - that meet energy efficiency | | | | obvious cost savings for a household's energy |
| guidelines that exceed the minimum federal | | | | expenses. And other products that meet ENERGY |
| standards, as determined by the U.S. | | | | STAR standards, such as vinyl replacement |
| Department of Energy. You can identify a | | | | windows, doors, skylights and siding, make a |
| product that meets the organization's | | | | significant contribution to keeping those |
| guidelines by looking for the signature blue | | | | costs down as well. Replacing your existing |
| ENERGY STAR logo. | | | | windows and siding with newer, better |
| | | | designed vinyl replacement windows and |
| The ENERGY STAR program began as a voluntary | | | | insulated siding can quadruple the insulation |
| labeling tool to "identify and promote | | | | value of your home and save an average of 30% |
| energy-efficient products to reduce | | | | on your utility bills. |
| greenhouse gas emissions." It started with | | | | |
| the labeling of computers and monitors and | | | | In addition to saving money, vinyl |
| more than a decade later, has expanded to | | | | replacement windows with this rating create a |
| identify all types of products used in homes | | | | more comfortable living environment by |
| and offices that conserve energy. The result: | | | | eliminating drafts, blocking heat, Offering |
| Consumers and businesses have saved billions | | | | protection from sun damage and reducing |
| of dollars since the program began - $12 | | | | interior condensation on windows. In the |
| billion in 2005 alone. | | | | winter, energy-efficient vinyl replacement |
| | | | windows keep the interior glass warmer for |
| Energy-efficient appliances - such as | | | | better temperature control. And the warmer |
| refrigerators and freezers, clothing washers, | | | | the window, the less interior condensation |
| dishwashers, dehumidifiers and window air | | | | that, over time, can damage your window sill |
| conditioning units - can cut consumer utility | | | | and paint job, and encourage mold growth. |
| bills in half when compared with standard | | | | |
| models. And home improvement products with an | | | | In the summer, these windows also block 45 to |
| ENERGY STAR rating - such as vinyl | | | | 70% of the sun's heat and provide "sunscreen" |
| replacement windows, doors, skylights and | | | | to your home by blocking ultraviolet light |
| siding - help to better maintain your home's | | | | that can reduce fading up to 75% without |
| temperature control, cutting heating and | | | | compromising visible light. |
| cooling costs anywhere from $20 to $400 per | | | | |
| year. | | | | Whether you are looking to add to the beauty |
| | | | of your home and lower your energy bills by |
| If you've been searching for a product in any | | | | installing vinyl replacement windows, or you |
| one of the more than 40 categories rated by | | | | want to make a smart decision when choosing |
| ENERGY STAR, you may have come across the | | | | your next dishwasher or window air |
| organization's blue logo. That seal of | | | | conditioning unit, products that meet ENERGY |
| approval indicates that the item can perform | | | | STAR guidelines offer an economical |
| as well as, or better than, comparable | | | | alternative that leaves more money in your |
| products, but save you more money than if you | | | | pocket. |
| purchased a less energy-efficient option. | | | | |