Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

HTTPS

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (LockA locked padlock) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

ENERGY STAR
Utility Navigation
  • About
  • For Partners
Main navigation
  • Find Products
    • Product Finder
    • Rebate Finder
    • Ask the Experts
    • Product Specification Search
    • Best Value Finder
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Save at Home
    • Heat & Cool Efficiently
    • Seal and Insulate
    • Expert Home Improvements
  • New Homes
    • Find a Builder
    • Homeowner Benefits
    • Join as a Partner
    • Program Requirements
    • Residential Resources
    • § 45L Builder Tax Credit
    • ENERGY STAR NextGen
    • About Us
  • Commercial Buildings
    • Benchmark
    • Save Energy
    • Earn Recognition
    • Resources by Audience
    • Resources by Topic
    • Training
    • About Us
  • Industrial Plants
    • Industrial Partnership
    • Industrial Assistance Network
    • Plant Certification
    • Challenge for Industry
    • Industries in Focus
    • Treasure Hunt
    • Get started with ENERGY STAR
    • Program Administrators
    • Service & Product Providers
    • Decarbonizing Industry
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Energy Efficient Products
  3. What Makes a Product ENERGY STAR?

What Makes a Product ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR products are the same or better than standard products, only they use less energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR, they must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. Since they use less energy, these products save you money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by causing fewer harmful emissions from power plants. And you get the features and quality you expect.

Some examples:

  • Qualified refrigerators are at least 15% more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard.
  • Qualified TVs consume 3 watts or less when switched off, compared to a standard TV, which consumes almost 6 watts on average.
  • Office equipment that qualifies automatically enters a low-power "sleep" mode after a period of inactivity.
  • Qualified light bulbs (CFLs) use two-thirds less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and must meet additional operating and reliability guidelines.
  • Qualified furnaces offer a rating of 90% AFUE or greater, which is about 15% more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard.

Product Specifications

ENERGY STAR
United States Environmental Protection Agency

Save Energy.

  • Find Products
  • Save at Home
  • New Homes
  • Commercial Buildings
  • Industrial Plants
  • Partner Resources

Learn More.

  • About Us
  • Join
  • Newsroom
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Help Desk

Stay Informed.

  • Public Notices
  • Consumer Newsletter
  • Program Updates
Back to top