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