All of us know that products with the symbol of Energy Star imply that they are more efficient, since Energy Star is an international standard for energy efficient consumer products that can save 10% to 35% of energy as compared to non-rated products.
Energy Star has developed several energy performance rating systems that provide a benchmark on the energy efficiency of each product. However, the federal government’s accountability office (GAO), cited by Lisa Myers on MSNBC, had conducted a research. They concluded that though many products have received the ratings, but in reality, are not as efficient as claimed. The EPA Office had also released a report about faulty and inaccurate data. The report concluded there was lack of quality data collected, reliance on estimates, and unverified third party reporting.
Now the question arises, is the approval system to allot Energy Star ratings worthwhile? How trustworthy is the product that it would save energy as claimed? The dollars that we spend on these products thinking of cost cutting or energy saving actually give us false assurance.
Different buyers have different criteria for their choice to purchase products. Those are based on their methods of belief or reviews about the products. If there is any resource where information is available about products’ usage, advantages, ratings, and reviews of users, it would be of great help to the buyers to make an informed choice.
Advertisement is one of the ways that could help us decide before making the purchase. A buyer can refer to the testimonials given by the consumers about the products. The states’ energy department websites can also help us at times to offer incentives for a review about the products.
There is no energy star rating product that can give us the assurance that it is the only solution to our needs. A number of tests should be undertaken to know the efficiency of the product. Energy Star is putting a lot of efforts to work towards this.
UL and California Energy Commission are the two standards that provide us with laboratory proved electrical values of greater efficiencies and widespread acceptance. These are the standards which a buyer can rely upon and can make the choice of purchase. What you need is cost saving on every purchase. So, make the proper choice of product on every dollar you spend. Do your homework before you finally decide to buy.
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