indoors
L IV IN G G R E E N
C O N SEI
e e n
star power
WHEN SHOPPING FOR A REFRIGERATOR OR
DISHWASHER, THE ENERGY STAR LABEL
HELPS NARROW THE FIELD.
The U.S. government is going all out right
now to give you good reasons to buy energy-
efficient appliances through its Energy
Star designation. A joint program of the
U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Energy
Star identifies and promotes energy-efficient
products, including kitchen appliances. So
why should you climb on board now?
• You need a new appliance, and the
government, as well as some manufacturers
and utilities, are offering rebates; see
page 78.
• You’d rather not throw away money every
day by operating inefficient appliances.
• You’re intrigued by the special features
new appliances offer but want to make sure
you’re getting a good deal.
• You can feel good about going green every
time you reach for the m ilk and a clean glass.
What does it mean to choose an Energy
Star-qualified appliance? Refrigerators are
required to use
2 0
percent less energy than
other models. Dishwashers must use 31
percent less electricity and 33 percent less
water than other models. (No ranges, ovens,
or microwaves are Energy Star-qualified.)
You’ll experience lower utility costs by buying
an appliance that’s Energy Star-qualified over
one that’s not, but the real savings come from
replacing a unit that’s more than 15 years old.
Need more convincing? Turn the page.
e n e r g y : l iv e • h e a l t h i e r : • s a v e ' m o n e y :
by GREG COOK
7 6
MARCH 2010 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
PHOTO: MARTY BALDWIN. REFRIGERATOR: COURTESY OF LOWE'S
