How ENERGY STAR® Can Save You Money
In today’s economy, cutting costs is more prevalent than ever. While everyone finds their own way to save money, there are some other methods that aren’t as well-known by homeowners. Since businesses can leave larger carbon footprints, many acknowledge the difference they can make in consumers’ lives by using more environmentally friendly products. One of the most impactful ways to shop for appliances and other home remodeling products is by choosing ones backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. You can easily find these products by looking for a blue ENERGY STAR® label. If you’re not using ENERGY STAR (ES) certified products, you’re missing a huge opportunity for savings! Here are some ways ENERGY STAR can save you money.
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), associated with an individual, organization, event, or product throughout its entire life cycle. It’s typically expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) to encompass the effects of various greenhouse gases.
Key elements of a carbon footprint include:
- Direct Emissions: These are emissions from activities that are directly under your control, such as driving a vehicle or heating your home.
- Indirect Emissions: These arise from the production of the goods and services you use, including energy consumption during manufacturing, transportation, and waste management.
- Scope: Carbon footprints are often categorized into three scopes:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the production of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling.
- Scope 3: Other indirect emissions, including those from the supply chain, employee travel, and waste disposal.
By understanding and calculating your carbon footprint, you can identify opportunities to reduce emissions and make more environmentally friendly choices.
What is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR® stands as the premier symbol of government-endorsed energy efficiency. For more than two decades, EPA’s ENERGY STAR program has been a trusted guide for Americans seeking to save energy, money, and the planet. With its recognizable blue label, ENERGY STAR provides clear, reliable, and unbiased information, enabling consumers to easily identify energy-efficient products and make informed purchasing decisions. You may be wondering how this can help you save money, so let’s dive deeper into the benefits of buying ENERGY STAR certified products.
How To Save
There are a few ways ENERGY STAR® can help homeowners save money each year. The first one is in the product design itself. ENERGY STAR products are created to provide more energy efficient options to homeowners all over, no matter their income. The ENERGY STAR benefits will vary by the product, but here are just a few examples to show where you can save:
- Kitchen appliances – kitchen appliances that are ES certified would help homeowners save on their gas, electric, and water bills.
- Windows – ES windows can keep ideal temperatures indoors while preventing unwanted outdoor temperatures from entering the home.
- Electric Vehicles – ES electric vehicles produce less carbon monoxide, and don’t require gas for fuel.
Now that we’ve established how ENERGY STAR certified products can naturally save homeowners money, here’s how else they can save.
Tax Credits
The federal government and the IRS are encouraging homeowners to boost their home’s energy efficiency by offering energy tax credits for window upgrades. In 2024, homeowners can receive up to 30% of the project cost or a maximum of $600 for windows or skylights annually, and up to $500 for doors ($250 per door maximum). To qualify, windows must be designated as ENERGY STAR 2024 Most Efficient products, while sliding patio doors need to meet ENERGY STAR® Version 7.0 criteria. Changes in ENERGY STAR standards also impact eligibility for these tax credits, reflecting stricter energy efficiency criteria. Prior to October 23, 2023, ENERGY STAR Version 6.0 criteria applied, thereafter, windows had to meet ENERGY STAR Most Efficient standards.
To claim the tax credits, homeowners need to purchase qualifying ENERGY STAR® certified products, complete Tax Form 5695, retain NFRC labels as proof-of-purchase, and keep a copy of all purchase receipts for their records. It’s advisable to consult a tax professional for personalized guidance or visit the IRS Fact Sheet.
Benefits
Aside from the benefits mentioned above, the most important reason to choose ENERGY STAR® certified products is to reduce your carbon footprint. The fewer fossil fuels burned to power appliances and utilities, the fewer greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants are releasing into the atmosphere. The impact this has on the environment is powerful, and the larger the business, the bigger an impact they can make. Don’t underestimate the power of one person or family making the conscious decision to be more eco-friendly. Every person counts!
Joyce Manufacturing Company proudly produces windows that are ENERGY STAR certified. If you’re interested in selling ES windows, apply to become a dealer here. If you’re looking to have ENERGY STAR® certified windows installed in your home, find a local Joyce dealer here.
Learn more about ENERGY STAR® here.